Climbing Mont Ventoux by bike is one of cycling's greatest challenges. From its 1,910-meter summit, the "Giant of Provence" dominates the plains of the Vaucluse and has fascinated cyclists worldwide for decades. A mythical stage of the Tour de France, the scene of Tom Simpson's tragedy in 1967, and a playground for the greatest champions, Ventoux is not just any climb.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking to test yourself against the mountain or a passionate rider wanting to experience it for the first time, this comprehensive guide gives you all the keys to a successful ascent: the three ascents detailed kilometer by kilometer, equipment advice, the best time to go, and our on-the-ground recommendations — because at Ventoux Bikes, in Malaucène, right at the foot of Ventoux, we know this mountain by heart.
Mont Ventoux: why it's a cycling legend
Mont Ventoux is one of the four most famous climbs in the world, along with Alpe d'Huez, Tourmalet, and Stelvio. But Ventoux possesses something unique: isolated from any other mountain range, it rises alone in the heart of Provence. Its barren summit, battered by the Mistral wind — which blows in gusts over 200 days a year — earns it the nickname "Bald Mountain". The lunar landscape of the final kilometers, where vegetation gives way to a desert of white limestone, is unlike anything else in European cycling.
Ventoux was first climbed in the Tour de France in 1951. Since then, it has been the scene of unforgettable moments: Charly Gaul's solitary exploit in 1958, Tom Simpson's tragedy in 1967, and legendary duels between the greatest climbers. The ascent record is still held by Tadej Pogacar, who conquered the Bédoin side in 53 minutes and 47 seconds during the 16th stage of the 2025 Tour de France, linking Montpellier to the summit of Mont Ventoux.
But Ventoux is not just for professionals. Every year, tens of thousands of amateur cyclists come to test themselves against the Giant. Some even take on the "Cinglés du Ventoux" challenge: climbing all three sides in a single day, totaling 72 km of ascent and over 4,400 meters of positive elevation gain.
The three sides of Mont Ventoux: a comparison
Three paved roads lead to the summit of Ventoux, each with its own character. Here's a comparison to help you choose your ascent.
| Malaucène (North) | Bédoin (South) | Sault (East) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | 21.2 km | 21.5 km | 25.5 km |
| Elevation Gain | 1,535 m | 1,598 m | 1,145 m |
| Average Gradient | 7.2 % | 7.5 % | 4.5 % |
| Maximum Gradient | 15 % | 15 % | 12.5 % |
| Starting Altitude | 377 m | 300 m | 760 m |
| Difficulty | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good Level Time | 1h30 – 2h | 1h30 – 2h | 1h45 – 2h15 |
| Average Time | 2h30 – 3h30 | 2h30 – 3h30 | 2h30 – 3h |
| Crowd Level | Moderate | High | Low |
| Character | Irregular, panoramic views | Regular, forest then lunar landscape | Gradual, lavender fields |
Malaucène Side: the ascent from our shop
This is the side we know best at Ventoux Bikes, as our shop is located in Malaucène, at kilometer zero of this climb. Less publicized than Bédoin because the Tour de France rarely takes this route, the northern side is no less demanding — and many find it more beautiful.
Profile of the ascent via Malaucène
The first kilometers (km 0-5): After a short warm-up at the exit of Malaucène, the road plunges into the forest and the gradient quickly steepens. From km 3, expect an average of 8 to 9% with short sections at 10-11%. This is a more brutal start than Bédoin — don't let it catch you off guard.
The intermediate section (km 5-14): This is where the specificity of this side lies: the profile is irregular. You'll alternate between steep sections and brief respites that allow you to catch your breath. The Ramayettes viewpoint (around 980 m) offers a magnificent view, but then the hardest part begins: a formidable long straight section of over 10% between km 10 and 12, along the Rochers des Rams. Mentally, this is the most demanding section.
The passage through Mont Serein (km 14-16): Passing the Mont Serein station (1,437 m), the gradient softens slightly. Take advantage of it to recover: the panoramas towards the north and the Alps are striking on a clear day.
The last kilometers (km 16-21): The forest disappears and the landscape becomes mineral. The summit and its iconic antenna appear at km 18. The gradient fluctuates between 8 and 10% until the finish, with a final kilometer often windy but exhilarating. The feeling of accomplishment at the summit is indescribable.
Our Ventoux Bikes advice: Stop by the shop before you leave — we'll adjust your bike, advise you on effort management, and tell you the day's weather conditions at the summit. That's the advantage of starting from Malaucène: professional support 200 meters from the start of the climb.
→ Read our detailed guide to the Malaucène side
→ Rent a road bike for this ascent
Bédoin Side: the classic Tour de France route
This is the most famous and most used side. The road from Bédoin is the one most often climbed by Tour de France riders. It is also the most feared side, and rightly so.
Profile of the ascent via Bédoin
The deceptive warm-up (km 0-6): The first kilometers pass through vineyards and orchards with a gentle gradient of 4 to 5%. You feel good, you're smiling… It's a classic trap. Many cyclists start too fast on this section and pay for it dearly later. Save your energy.
The infernal forest (km 6-15): At Saint-Estève, everything changes. The road plunges into the forest and the gradient jumps to an average of 9-10% — relentlessly for 9 kilometers. This is the most difficult section of all Ventoux ascents. The dense forest prevents you from seeing the summit, which makes the effort mentally taxing. Sections regularly exceed 11-12%.
Chalet Reynard and the lunar zone (km 15-21): Upon exiting the forest at Chalet Reynard (1,417 m), the gradient softens to around 7% and the landscape changes radically: you enter the characteristic white limestone desert of Ventoux. The summit antenna is visible, but beware of the wind which can be violent and destabilizing. The last kilometer climbs at 10% — this is where Tom Simpson lost his life in 1967, and a memorial stands in his memory about 1 km from the summit.
→ Read our detailed guide to the Bédoin side
Sault Side: the most accessible route
If Ventoux intimidates you or if this is your first big climb, Sault is your ally. Longer but significantly gentler, this side allows you to climb the Giant of Provence without enduring the crushing gradients of the other two roads.
Profile of the ascent via Sault
The gentle climb (km 0-19): From the beautiful village of Sault (760 m), the road first passes through Provence's famous lavender fields — a magnificent sight in June-July. The gradient never exceeds 6% over the first 19 kilometers. It's a long but steady climb, ideal for finding your rhythm and enjoying the scenery.
Chalet Reynard and the final stretch (km 19-25.5): At Chalet Reynard, you join the Bédoin road for the last 6 kilometers, which are common to both sides. This is where things get tougher: the gradient rises to 7-9% with a final stretch at 10%. If you've managed your effort well, it will be demanding but doable.
The Sault side is also ideal for electric bikes. The long, gentle approach allows you to conserve battery for the more difficult final stretch. If you're considering Ventoux on an e-bike, this is the route we recommend.
→ Read our detailed guide to the Sault side
→ Rent an electric bike for this ascent
When to climb Mont Ventoux? Seasons and conditions
Choosing the right time is crucial to enjoying and succeeding in your ascent.
Road opening
The summit road is closed in winter to all vehicles, including bicycles. Dates vary each year depending on conditions, but generally: the Bédoin road reopens around mid-April, the Malaucène road around mid-May, and Sault a little earlier. The closure occurs between mid-November and early December. Access to Chalet Reynard and Mont Serein station remains possible all year round.
Best periods month by month
May: Ideal for cyclists seeking tranquility. Temperatures are mild at the bottom (20-25°C) but still cool at the summit (5-10°C). The Malaucène road may still be closed at the beginning of the month — check before you go.
June: Probably the perfect month. Pleasant temperatures, long days, lavender in bloom on the Sault side, and still reasonable crowd levels.
July-August: The heat can be crushing at the bottom (35°C+). You absolutely must start before 8 AM. Crowd levels are at their maximum, especially via Bédoin. The Malaucène side is shadier and less crowded — a significant advantage in mid-summer.
September: Excellent month. Temperatures become ideal again, the light is magnificent, and crowd levels decrease. Early autumn often offers perfect conditions.
October: Still possible but temperatures drop at the summit (close to 0°C in the morning). Pack warm clothing. Days are getting shorter.
→ Consult our complete guide to the seasons
Preparing for your ascent: equipment and practical advice
The bike
Mont Ventoux demands a suitable bike. Here are the essential points:
Gearing: A compact crankset (50/34) with an 11/34 cassette is the bare minimum. If you weigh more than 80 kg or are not well-trained, opt for an 11/36 cassette. All Ventoux Bikes rental bikes are equipped with gearing specifically adapted for Ventoux.
Weight: Every gram counts on a 1,500m elevation gain climb. Our carbon rental bikes weigh between 7 and 8 kg — a considerable advantage compared to an entry-level aluminum bike.
Wheels: Leave your high-profile wheels at home. At the summit of Ventoux, the wind can be extremely violent, and profiled wheels become dangerous. Prefer classic, shallow, and lightweight wheels.
Personal equipment
Even in mid-summer, conditions at the summit can be radically different from those at the base. Here's what's essential:
Mandatory regardless of the season: a windproof or waterproof vest (for the descent), arm warmers, sunscreen, at least two water bottles (there is no water point between Malaucène and the summit), nutrition (bars, gels).
Recommended: leg warmers (even in summer if you start early), a helmet liner, sunglasses, a heart rate monitor to manage your effort.
→ Find all the necessary equipment in our store
Preparing your body
Ventoux is not a climb you can improvise. Here are the basics for a successful preparation:
Training: Aim for at least 2,000 km in your legs for the current season. Train on the longest climbs in your region. The goal is to be able to pedal at moderate intensity for 2 to 3 hours without collapsing.
Effort management: This is key. Start slower than you think necessary — especially in the first kilometers. Ventoux mercilessly punishes overly fast starts. Aim for an effort you can sustain for the entire duration of the climb. If you have a heart rate monitor, stay below your aerobic threshold.
Hydration and nutrition: Drink regularly from the start, without waiting until you're thirsty. Eat a little every 30 to 45 minutes. Beyond 2 hours of effort, your body needs a constant supply of carbohydrates to maintain power.
Ventoux on an electric bike: it's possible
Climbing Mont Ventoux on an electric assistance bike (EAB) is a magnificent and perfectly accessible experience. Assistance doesn't do everything — you still have to pedal — but it makes the ascent possible for cyclists who wouldn't have the physical condition for the steepest gradients.
The key point is battery autonomy. On a high-performance road EAB like the Specialized Creo 2 we offer for rental (480 Wh battery), the autonomy is largely sufficient for the ascent from any side — provided you manage the assistance levels well. Our advice: use Eco mode on the gentler sections and save Turbo mode for the steepest parts.
The Sault side, with its long approach at less than 6%, is particularly suitable for EABs: you'll conserve maximum battery for the demanding final stretch after Chalet Reynard.
→ Discover our electric bikes for rent
Weather and safety: never underestimate Ventoux
Mont Ventoux is magnificent but unforgiving of recklessness. Here are the safety rules to absolutely observe.
Wind: This is the number one danger. The Mistral blows in gusts of over 90 km/h at the summit more than 200 days a year. Always check the wind forecast before you leave. If gusts exceed 60 km/h at the summit, reconsider or choose a sheltered side. The meteo-ventoux.fr website provides real-time conditions.
Temperature: Expect a 6 to 8°C drop between the base and the summit. If it's 30°C in Malaucène, it will be between 20 and 25°C at the summit — and much less with the wind factor. In early and late season, temperatures at the summit can be close to 0°C in the morning.
The descent: This is statistically the most dangerous moment. You are tired, euphoric, and speed increases very quickly. The road is narrow in places and shared with cars. Stay focused, control your speed, and wear your windbreaker even if you feel hot at the summit—the wind chill is formidable.
Our field service: Before each client departure, the Ventoux Bikes team checks weather conditions and adjusts its recommendations accordingly. We sometimes advise against an ascent if conditions are too dangerous—your safety comes first.
Beyond the summit: the most beautiful routes around Ventoux
If you are staying several days in the region—and we highly recommend it—Mont Ventoux is just the beginning. Provence offers an extraordinary playground for cycling.
Les Dentelles de Montmirail: This spectacular rocky massif, a few kilometers south of Malaucène, offers winding and panoramic roads amidst vineyards (Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise).
Les Gorges de la Nesque: A dizzying road carved into the cliff, between Sault and Villes-sur-Auzon. An unforgettable route, less known than Ventoux but just as impressive.
The Ventoux tour: A loop of 80 to 100 km that circles the entire massif, passing through Malaucène, Bédoin, Sault, and the surrounding villages. Ideal for a day of discovery without tackling the summit.
Rent a bike in Malaucène: why start here
Ventoux Bikes has been located in Malaucène since 2008—right at the foot of the northern slope of Mont Ventoux. This is one of the major advantages of starting here: from the shop to kilometer 0 of the ascent, there are only a few hundred meters.
Our fleet of road bikes and electric bikes consists exclusively of high-end Specialized models (Tarmac SL7, Tarmac SL8, Roubaix, Aethos, Creo 2), two-thirds of which are renewed each year. All are equipped with gearing suitable for Mont Ventoux and adjusted to your measurements by our team.
Our rental ranges
Silver Range (from €75/day): Carbon bikes with 12-speed mechanical transmission. Specialized Tarmac SL7, Roubaix. Approximately 8 kg. Ideal for regular cyclists.
Gold Range (from €86/day): High-end carbon bikes with 12-speed electronic transmission. Specialized Tarmac SL8, Roubaix, Aethos. Approximately 7.5 kg. For competitive and demanding cyclists.
Platinum Range (from €145/day): The ultimate. Electronic transmission, approximately 7 kg. For an uncompromising experience.
E-Race Range: The Specialized Creo 2, a high-end electric road bike weighing 14.5 kg with discreet assistance and a 480 Wh battery—perfect for a smooth Ventoux ascent.
We also offer gravel bike rental to explore the region's trails and roads with your family.
Frequently asked questions about climbing Mont Ventoux
How difficult is it to climb Mont Ventoux by bike?
Mont Ventoux is classified as "hors catégorie" (beyond categorization). From Bédoin or Malaucène, count on approximately 21 km at an average of 7.5% with sections at 12-15%. From Sault, the ascent is longer (25.5 km) but gentler (4.5% average). A good cyclist takes about 1h30 to 2h to reach the summit. An occasional but prepared cyclist will take between 2h30 and 3h30.
Which side is best for a first ascent?
For a first time, the Sault side is the most accessible due to its gentle and consistent slope up to Chalet Reynard. If you want a real challenge without the crowds of Bédoin, the Malaucène side offers an excellent compromise: comparable difficulty but with recovery sections and a less busy road.
What is the best time to climb Ventoux?
From May to October, with a preference for June and September: ideal temperatures, open roads, and moderate traffic. In mid-summer, start early in the morning. Consult our complete seasonal guide for more details.
Can you climb Ventoux on an electric bike?
Absolutely. A powerful electric road bike like the Specialized Creo offers sufficient autonomy for the complete ascent. It's an excellent option to enjoy the scenery without getting exhausted. We offer high-end e-bike rental in Malaucène.
What gearing for climbing Ventoux?
A compact 50/34 with a minimum 11/34 cassette. An 11/36 cassette is recommended if you weigh more than 80 kg. All our rental bikes are already equipped with gearing suitable for Ventoux.
How much does it cost to rent a bike for Ventoux?
At Ventoux Bikes, rentals start at €75/day for a Specialized carbon bike from the Silver Range. Reduced rates are offered for multi-day rentals.
Ready to tackle the Giant of Provence?
At Ventoux Bikes, we've been climbing Ventoux since 2008. Our team of enthusiasts—all practitioners from competition and sports coaching—welcomes you to Malaucène to support you in your ascent: bike selection, adjustment to your measurements, route advice, and weather check.
Book your bike online and come experience one of the most beautiful cycling experiences in the world.
→ Rent a road bike
→ Rent an electric bike
→ Contact us
Ventoux Bikes — 1, avenue de Verdun — 84340 Malaucène — Tuesday to Saturday, 9am-6pm — 04 90 62 58 19