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The 3 ascents of Mont Ventoux by bike: Bédoin, Malaucène or Sault?

Mont Ventoux is legendary for all cycling enthusiasts. Reaching an altitude of 1,909 meters, nicknamed the Giant of Provence, it attracts thousands of cyclists from around the world every year to take on the challenge of its ascent.

But before setting off, one question always arises:

Which side should you climb Mont Ventoux from: Bédoin, Malaucène, or Sault?

Each climb has its own unique character. Difficulty, scenery, gradient, atmosphere… here’s our guide to help you choose.

Bédoin : the mythical ascent

Bédoin

When you think of cycling Mont Ventoux, you often think of Bédoin.

It's the historic climb, the most famous, the one featured in the Tour de France. The one every cyclist talks about.

The stats:

Approximately 21 km climb

1,600 m of elevation gain

Average gradient around 7.5%

But the numbers don't tell the whole story…

After a few warm-up kilometers, the road enters the forest and the gradient steepens dramatically. The famous kilometers through the cedar forest are known for being demanding, consistent… and sometimes seemingly endless.

Then comes the lunar landscape of the summit, spectacular and unforgettable.

For whom?

✔ Trained cyclists

✔ Those who want to "do the real Ventoux"

✔ Those who love taking on an iconic sporting challenge

Malaucène: the wildest and most demanding

The north face is often considered the most mentally challenging.

Less frequented than Bédoin, wilder, more undulating… but magnificent.

The climb starts right away, with sustained sections and little respite.

The atmosphere is different:

calmer, more rugged, more mountainous.

The stats:

approximately 21 km

1,570 m of elevation gain

average gradient close to 7.2%

With some steeper sections that will really make your legs burn.

Who is it for?

✔ Cyclists who love a tough challenge

✔ Those looking for a wilder side of the mountain

✔ Those returning for a second or third ascent

Sault : the most accessible

This is the gentlest of the three climbs.

You'll cross lavender fields, pine forests, and open landscapes before reaching Chalet Reynard.

The gradient is more consistent and less steep.

From Chalet Reynard, the final kilometers join the same route as the other sides, leading to the summit.

The stats:

approximately 26 km

1,200 m of elevation gain

average gradient around 4 to 5%

Who is it for?

✔ Less experienced cyclists

✔ Climbers wanting to discover Mont Ventoux for the first time

✔ Leisure cycling or gravel riding

✔ A ride focused on contemplation rather than performance

So… which side should you choose?

Choose Bédoin if:

you dream of the legendary Mont Ventoux

you love iconic mountain passes

you want to take on the most emblematic challenge

Choose Malaucène if:

you love demanding climbs

you're looking for less crowds

you love wild mountain scenery

Choose Sault if:

you want a more gradual climb

you're discovering Mont Ventoux

you love cycling through the Provençal landscapes

Our advice: why not do all three?

Many cyclists spend several days tackling the three sides of Mont Ventoux.

It's a legendary challenge sometimes called:

The Ventoux Madman (all 3 ascents in one day)

…or more simply, over 2 or 3 days to make the most of your stay.

It's often the best way to discover the many facets of the Giant of Provence.

Stay at the foot of Mont Ventoux to go cycling

Aux Les Lacets du Ventoux, nos gîtes accueillent chaque année de nombreux cyclistes venus gravir le Mont Ventoux.

Notre emplacement à Beaumont-du-Ventoux permet un accès rapide vers :

  • Bédoin
  • Malaucène
  • Sault

Vous pouvez partir directement à vélo depuis le gîte.

Après l’effort :

  • piscine pour récupérer
  • terrasse avec vue
  • local sécurisé pour les vélos
  • routes magnifiques autour du Ventoux

Que vous veniez pour un week-end vélo, un stage cycliste ou quelques jours en Provence, le Ventoux reste une expérience unique.

Et une chose est sûre :

quel que soit le versant choisi… l’arrivée au sommet reste inoubliable.


Vous préparez votre défi du Ventoux ? Découvrez nos gîtes pour cyclistes au pied du Mont Ventoux et réservez votre séjour.

où vous reposer après ces parcours ?

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