Climbing Mont Ventoux: all three sides in one day?
Bédoin, Malaucène or Sault — or the notorious "Club des Cinglés" with three ascents. An honest guide to the Giant of Provence.
Ise Flo
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Ventoux stands alone in the middle of Provence, which is exactly what makes it so unpredictable: wind, heat on the bare upper slopes, and those last kilometres through a lunar landscape.
The three roads
- Bédoin (21.5 km) — the hardest and most famous, with the brutal forest section up to Chalet Reynard.
- Malaucène (21 km) — more irregular, with steep ramps that break your rhythm.
- Sault (25 km) — the "easy" side through the lavender fields, joining Bédoin at Reynard.
On our Provence week the Bédoin climb is on the standard programme with a reassuring support car. Anyone chasing the Cinglés du Ventoux medal (three sides, one day, 137 km) gets a tailored plan, an early start and extra feed stops. Not compulsory — but a great goal.
Tip: don't book in July. May, June and September are cooler and the summit is far less crowded.