From Bédoin (1,014 ft / 309 m) to the summit of Mont Ventoux (6,266 ft / 1,910 m) it’s 13.2 miles (21.3 km) at an average of 7.5%, with 5,259 ft (1,603 m) of climbing. It’s a climb in three acts, and the profile above shows them in color.
The climb, section by section
- Bédoin to Saint-Estève (3.6 miles / 5.8 km at 3.9%). Vineyards and a gentle grade. It’s easy to go too hard here.
- Saint-Estève to Chalet Reynard (5.9 miles / 9.5 km at 9.3%). At the Saint-Estève bend the road enters the forest and the gradient jumps all at once. That’s almost 6 miles with no relief: this is where your time is decided.
- Chalet Reynard to the summit (3.7 miles / 6 km at 7.9%). The lunar landscape of white scree, treeless and exposed to the mistral wind. The Tom Simpson memorial stands just before the top.
The profile comes from Wikipedia (3.6 miles / 5.8 km at 3.9% to Saint-Estève and 9.9 miles / 16 km at 8.9% after that), split at Chalet Reynard (4,708 ft / 1,435 m). Total figures vary a little: CyclingCols gives 13.2 miles (21.3 km) and 5,259 ft (1,603 m); Wikipedia, 13.5 miles (21.8 km) and 5,305 ft (1,617 m); and Climbfinder, 12.9 miles (20.8 km) and 5,230 ft (1,594 m).
Its Tour de France history
The Tour de France first climbed it in 1951, from Malaucène. The first summit finish was a time trial in 1958, won by Charly Gaul. On July 13, 1967, Tom Simpson died near the summit during the Tour; his memorial is still there. Riders first over the top include Eddy Merckx (1970), Marco Pantani (2000), Chris Froome (2013) and Valentin Paret-Peintre (2025). In 2016 the finish was moved down to Chalet Reynard because of the wind, and in 2021 the race climbed it twice in the same stage, via Sault and via Bédoin.
For years the record from Bédoin belonged to Iban Mayo: 55:51 in the 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné time trial. In the 2025 Tour, Tadej Pogačar went faster, at around 54 minutes (sources give between 53:47 and 54:51 depending on the segment timed).
When to go, water and traffic
The D974 closes in winter above Chalet Reynard. In 2025 it closed on November 18, and the south side usually reopens in April. Wind is the great enemy: the upper road is often closed because of strong gusts. Water is scarce: fill your bottles in Bédoin; there’s a café-restaurant at Chalet Reynard. In summer there’s lots of traffic from cars, motorcycles and e-bikes.
The other two sides start from Malaucène and Sault; climbing all three in one day is the challenge of the “Cinglés du Mont Ventoux” club.
What gearing to use
For the forest, a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: with a 34x32 that’s about 74 rpm. Run the numbers in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t burn matches on the easy first 3.6 miles: the climb starts at Saint-Estève.
- Check the wind before you go; with the mistral blowing, the final section can be impossible.
- Bring a windbreaker for the descent: it’s usually 18-27 °F (10-15 °C) colder at the top.
Reference times
| Rider | Time | Year | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iban Mayo | 55:51 | 2004 | Critérium du Dauphiné time trial from Bédoin. The record for two decades. |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mont Ventoux from Bédoin?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 51 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 11 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 25 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the hardest part of Mont Ventoux?
The forest between Saint-Estève and Chalet Reynard: about 5.9 miles (9.5 km) at close to 9.3% average, with no letup.
When is the road up Mont Ventoux open?
The D974 closes in winter above Chalet Reynard. In 2025 it closed on November 18, and the south side usually reopens in April.
What is the record up Mont Ventoux from Bédoin?
Iban Mayo rode 55:51 in the 2004 Critérium du Dauphiné time trial. In the 2025 Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar went faster, at around 54 minutes, although sources disagree on the exact segment timed.