Mont Ventoux

 If you only ever ride one French mountain, make it Ventoux!

Here's a recipe for a fantastic 5 day excursion to Mont Ventoux and the surrounding area. We did this as a group of 8 in June 2019, building our trip around the Cinglés du Mont Ventoux challenge - a triple ascent of the iconic mountain within the same day. Whether you choose to do just one, or multiple ascents of the "Beast of Provence", you're sure to come away with some lasting memories.

Climbing the Bald Mountain

The logistics:

We used a local tour company, Veloventoux, owned and run by British couple Craig and Vicky. Our package included airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast, and support / guiding for three of our rides. We flew from London to Marseille, taking our bikes with us on the flight.

Our accomodation:

We stayed at the beautiful Veloventoux house in Faucon. The company has since relocated a few minutes up the road at Puyméras.

Still smiling after the 3rd ascent of the day

Our itinerary:

5 days total including travel. 4 nights. 3 full cycling days, with short rides on the first and final day.

Day 1: Early flight to Marseille. 

            Collection at airport and 90 minute drive to Faucon.
            Lunch and bike prep followed by late afternoon leg stretcher ride with Craig
            51km / 774m

Day 2: Ventoux
            Cinglés du Mont Ventoux challenge.
            Supported ride with Craig providing water, nutrition and encouragement along the way.
            162km / 4772m

Day 3: Gorges de la Nesque.   
            Recovery ride in stunning scenery.
            117km / 1651m

Day 4: Ventoux (again)
            As if three ascents weren't enough! A PR busting 4th ascent from Sault.
            103km  / 2128m

Day 5: Guided morning ride to Vaison-la-Romaine for lunch.
            Back to base and airport transfer for early evening flight.
            53km / 545m

Total rides:  486km / 9870m elevation.  Scroll down for the routes.

What we liked:

Veloventoux - expert and friendly service from Craig and Vicky made for a perfect and hassle free trip.

Don't miss:

It's so well known that it almost goes without saying - Gorges de la Nesque is a must.

(not so) wild boar at Gorges de la Nesque

Club des Cinglés du Ventoux:

In English this translates as "Mont Ventoux Crazy Club".  You achieve membership by riding the three ascents up Ventoux on the same day. Proving that you did it is satisfyingly old school - you register in advance to receive a brevet card by post, which you get stamped at the summit and in shops in Malaucène, Bedoin and Sault. After posting the completed brevet card back to the club you receive an honorary members certificate and badge.

Completed Cinglés brevet card

The routes (Strava):

I've posted only the well known routes that we did from Faucon on the middle three days. As local experts, Veloventoux have knowledge of many more routes that they make available to their customers.