Vaucluse, Provence
Mont Ventoux
The Giant of Provence: a lone limestone dome that stands apart from any range. Six kilometres of forest at 9%, then a lunar summit where the mistral funnels across bare white scree and the temperature swings 20°C in an hour.
Summit
1,910 m
Length
21.5 km (from Bédoin)
Average
7.5%
Maximum
12%
Category
Hors catégorie
First used
1951
Appearances
18 ascents
Fastest ever
The benchmark
Iban Mayo, 55'51" (2004 TT)
Reference ascent — timings vary with the exact start point, weather and race situation.
History
Famous moments
1967
Tom Simpson collapses and dies near the summit; a memorial marks the spot.
1970
Eddy Merckx wins and needs oxygen at the top.
2000
Armstrong gifts the stage to Pantani, then regrets saying so.
2016
Crowds and wind shorten the stage; Froome runs up the road after a crash.
2021
Wout van Aert wins after a double ascent.
Ride it yourself
Notes for cyclists
- Bédoin is the classic side; Malaucène is steeper in bursts, Sault the gentlest.
- Chalet Reynard marks the tree line — everything above is exposed.
- Check the summit wind: gusts over 100 km/h close the road regularly.
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