Mont Ventoux and its wonders

It's so satisfying to climb the 1909 metres of this mythical mountain on foot and then contemplate the exceptional panorama of the Provence countryside from the summit. Mont Ventoux has to be earned! But even if most of the excursions are difficult, there are tours suitable for all types of hiker. In fact, there are many hiking routes: Caromb, Crillon le Brave, Faucon, Malaucène, etc. In all cases, you should set off early in the morning, as the climb takes between six and seven hours, including the outward and return journeys.

When you say the name Mont Ventoux, your imagination conjures up images of the Tour de France, whereone of the legendary stages has been held for years. But no matter how good a cyclist you are, the giant of Provence is not so easily overcome. As the Provençal saying goes: "N'est pas fou qui monte au Ventoux, est fou qui y retourne".

For those wishing to try this unforgettable experience, you need to find out about the weather conditions beforehand and prepare yourself physically. If you don't feel up to tackling this colossus on a conventional bike, you can also opt for an electric bike, but make sure the battery is fully charged!

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Mont Ventoux is home to more than 120 species of birds and nearly 1,500 plant species of all kinds, including boxwood, maple, Aleppo pine, oak, lavender, Atlas cedar and rosemary.

Thanks to its three-storey ecosystem (Mediterranean, supra-Mediterranean and Alpine), Mont Ventoux is home to a host of animal species, including wild boar, roe deer, deer, hinds, mouflons and chamois, as well as nine species of snake, including the endemic Orsini viper!

The Dentelles de Montmirail

Formed in prehistoric times by rain and wind, this hundred-million-year-old wall lies to the west of Mont Ventoux. Its unusual name comes from its chiselled, lace-like ridges.

The site is known as a Mecca forclimbing and mountain biking, but also for its splendid landscapes planted with olive groves and vineyards. Fancy finishing the day at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail? Excellent idea: at sunset, the spot takes on a magical air.

The Nesque gorges

Less well known than the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorges de la Nesque are no less impressive. It's an enchanting place to take a breath of fresh air, surrounded by wild, surprising and fabulous landscapes. Hiking and cycling here are easy, albeit vertiginous.

The canyon even boasts a small chapel dedicated to Saint-Michel. It lies at the bottom of the gorge, on the banks of the River Nesque, and is only accessible to experienced hikers.

Mont Ventoux is the summit of Provence, so it's a must-see for hikers and cyclists passing through the region!

🚌 How do I get to Mont Ventoux?

Mont Ventoux can be reached by train by arriving by TGV to Avignon and then taking a TER to Carpentras.

But the easiest way to get to Mont Ventoux is still by car: from the A7 motorway, take the Orange Sud or Avignon Nord exit to reach Carpentras or Sault, from theA9 you need to take the Orange centre or Avignon exit and from theA51, the Sisteron exit to reach Sault.