The Mont Ventoux by bike

Take advantage of your stay in Crillon-Le-Brave by trying out new experiences and discover the region in a whole new light. Set off to conquer the surrounding area by bike and admire the landscapes of Provence as you've never seen them before. Whether you're cycling solo, as a duo or as a family, there's something for everyone, but in all cases, the extraordinary panoramas of the Ventoux and Luberon regions await you. Mont Ventoux, in the Vaucluse region of France, is a must for cyclists. Nicknamed the "Giant of Provence", it attracts cyclists from all over the world in search of an unforgettable challenge. With its mountainous profile and spectacular panoramas, Mont Ventoux offers a unique experience for cycling enthusiasts, combining physical exertion, natural beauty and legendary cycling history.

 

CRILLON LE BRAVE, FACING MONT VENTOUX

Lulled by the song of the cicadas under the radiant sunshine of Provence, Crillon Le Brave is the ideal place to reconnect and recharge your batteries, with a breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux. In between lounging by the pool in the company of loved ones, try your hand at new adventures, such as cycling up Mont Ventoux. At the hotel, you can easily rent a bike (electric bike, hybrid bike, road bike or mountain bike).

 

CLIMB MONT VENTOUX, ANOTHER EXPERIENCE OF PROVENCE

Fancy taking on an extraordinary challenge during your vacation? At Crillon Le Brave, the hotel blends harmoniously with the surrounding heights, making it the starting point for your next Mont Ventoux cycling tour. From the hotel, you can cycle to one of the three villages of Bédouin, Sault or Malaucènes (by bike or by hotel-ordered transport) and start enjoying the region's scenery at your leisure. Depending on your point of departure, your ascent to Mont Ventoux will take between 1h30 and 3h.

Overlooking Provence at an altitude of 1912 meters, the summit of Mont Ventoux offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Luberon, its lush greenery and brilliant blue skies. A reward worthy of the effort required to climb it by bike. As you progress, you pass through fragrant pine forests, lunar landscapes of white rock and, finally, a 360-degree panoramic view from the summit. On a clear day, you can see the Alps, the Mediterranean and the surrounding valleys, rewarding your efforts.

 

MONT VENTOUX BY BIKE: PREPARE YOUR OUTING FROM CRILLON LE BRAVE

To make the most of this day of effort, take advantage of the privileged setting of Crillon Le Brave to prepare your outing down to the last detail. All the staff and our guide are on hand to give you the best advice. As true lovers of the region, our staff will be happy to answer all your questions and help you prepare your outing before you arrive at the hotel. Before setting off, check the weather forecast and bring windbreakers and warm clothing. The temperature on the summits is very different from the heat of the small villages where you set off. Good physical preparation is also advisable for the ascent of this challenging summit, although the Mont Ventoux bike climb is also suitable for beginners.

Of course, you'll need to take along some cold drinks and food, which our teams at the Hotel Crillon Le Brave will be happy to prepare for you. After a day of pedaling, return to the comfort of your room and enjoy a well-deserved fresh shower. Regain your strength and indulge in the hotel's restaurants, and take a break on the balcony to contemplate the heights of Mont Ventoux where you were just a few hours ago. To round off this wonderful day of adventure, slip into bed before rejoining the arms of Morpheus. A champion's rest.

 

TIPS FOR CLIMBING MONT VENTOUX

For cyclists planning to take on the challenge of Mont Ventoux, a few tips may be invaluable.

- Good physical preparation is essential

When it comes to climbing Mont Ventoux by bike for the first time, many people make the mistake of overestimating their physical condition. It's essential to know that the climb can be started from three towns: Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault. Each of these routes has its own distinct characteristics. The ascent from Sault is considered the easiest, but it is also the longest due to its lower gradient.

In any case, the climb will take at least 21 km, and it will take a competent cyclist around 2 hours to reach the summit, so it's crucial to be aware of the length of the climb and its difficulty. It's important to carefully analyze the profiles of the different climbs and to prepare yourself physically and mentally to face the challenge for as long as necessary.

 

- Hydration, nutrition and safety to reach the top

A common mistake in all sporting activities is not drinking enough. In endurance sports such as trail running or cycling, it's advisable to drink regularly during exercise, and even more if it's very hot. Take enough water with you to stay hydrated throughout the climb. You should also pack energy snacks to maintain your glucose levels and avoid performance slumps. It's also very important to respect the rules of the road and to be aware of other cyclists and motorists. In the event of excessive fatigue or unfavorable weather conditions, don't hesitate to interrupt your ascent or descend carefully.

 

- Choosing the right route

At 1910m, Mont Ventoux dominates the plain of Provence. The Giant of Provence is unique in that it offers 3 different slopes, each with its own particularity. So it's vital to study all three routes and choose the one that best suits your abilities and objectives.

- The best known, and certainly the hardest, starts from the village of Bédoin. Long and difficult, the climb covers 21 kilometers at an average gradient of 7.5%, for a total of 1590m of positive ascent. The time taken to climb this giant generally varies between 1h30 for a trained cyclist and 2h30 for an average cyclist.

- The west side, from Malaucène, is almost as tough as its neighbor via Bédoin: 21 kilometers and 7%. This side is much more irregular, with both very steep sections and gentler sections at around 2 and 3%.

- The eastern option from Sault is the third possibility for climbing to the summit of Mont Ventoux. This is the longest slope, but also the easiest, with an average gradient of no more than 4.5%. Although this route is longer in terms of mileage (25.7 kilometers), it is considered the most reasonable option for reaching the summit of Mont Ventoux by bike. The reason for this is quite simple: the village of Sault, the starting point of this route, is situated at an altitude of 760 m, which means that the total difference in altitude is less than on the other slopes.

 

- Check weather conditions

As with any high-altitude outing, check the weather forecast before you set off. Mont Ventoux is notorious for its rapid climatic variations, particularly the presence of the mistral wind. Prepare yourself accordingly with appropriate clothing. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast at altitude (and not just at the starting villages). Postpone your ascent to another day if the wind is too strong or temperatures too hot. In summer, it's best to opt for an early or late start, to reach Mont Ventoux before the heat peaks at midday.

 

- Charging your electric bike

Thanks to the development of electric bikes, Mont Ventoux is now accessible to less experienced riders. However, the long ascent often represents a major challenge for electric bikes. Many people have to turn back because of insufficient battery life. If you're thinking of renting this type of bike in Bédoin, Malaucène or Sault, make sure you do your homework before embarking on the climb!

Access to the summit opened via Bédoin and Sault on April 7^th 2023.

 

Hotel Crillon le Brave opened on April 7th, 2023. To learn more about us and book your stay, visit our website or contact our reservations team at reservations@crillonlebrave.com or by phone at +33 4 90 65 61 61