Mont Ventoux from Malaucene in Provence

Mont Ventoux is in the Provence region of the south of France. It is the largest mountain in the region and has been nicknamed the ‘Beast of Provence’.

1km after Malaucene the road steepens to over 9% for 2km after which the gradient moderates out for 6km. As you pass the water tank and the concrete shed the road swings right then left then you can see straight ahead for a kilometre at well over 10%. The road then twists slightly at a layby then a welcome rest section as you pass the mini roundabout and the cafe at Chalet Liotard.

Some steep climbing follows before a sharp hairpin left leads to a nice long section at 6% with the steep ski pistes dropping down to your left. As you leave the trees you are greeted with a fantastic view of the tower still 250m above your head. The last two hairpins steepen again with magnificent views to the North where on a clear day the Alps form a fantastic backdrop.

Mont Ventoux has been ascended 15 times by the Tour de France, most infamously in 1967 when British Cyclist Tom Simpson died during the race to the top.

Length: 21.2km
Height at start: 377m
Height at finish: 1912m
Average gradient: 7.2%
Maximum gradient: 12%