Mont Ventoux

The Beast of Provence

Mont Ventoux is perhaps the most feared climb in professional cycling. Known as "The Beast of Provence" and "The Bald Mountain," its bare, white limestone summit is visible for dozens of kilometres in every direction — a constant, taunting reminder of what awaits.

The Climb

The classic ascent from Bédoin is 20.8km of sustained suffering. The first 6km through the village and vineyards lull you into a false sense of security at 4-5%. Then the road enters the forest and the gradient kicks to 9-10% for a relentless 10km stretch through the trees.

At Chalet Reynard, the treeline ends and the moonscape begins. The final 6km are exposed to whatever the mountain throws at you — searing heat in summer, howling mistral winds year-round. The white rocks create a disorientating, almost lunar landscape.

The Legend

This is where Tom Simpson died in 1967, pushing himself beyond human limits in the July heat. His memorial stone at km 15 reads "Put me back on my bike" — though these may not have been his actual last words. Every cyclist who passes stops to pay respects. It is where Lance Armstrong looked Marco Pantani in the eye in 2000, and where Chris Froome ran up the mountain without his bike in 2016.

Pro Tip

Fill your bottles in Bédoin — there's no water on the climb. The wind at the summit can be ferocious even on calm days in the valley. Arm warmers for the descent are essential.