From Sault (2,490 ft / 759 m) to the summit of Mont Ventoux (6,266 ft / 1,910 m) it’s 15.8 miles (25.5 km) at an average of 4.5%. It’s the longest and most manageable of the three sides, but don’t get overconfident: the last 3.7 miles (6 km) are exactly the same as from Bédoin.
What the climb is like
- Start and drop to the Nesque. Sault sits on top of a plateau, so first you lose about 197 ft (60 m) down to the river. That’s why the total elevation gain (about 3,990 ft / 1,216 m) is more than the difference in altitude (3,776 ft / 1,151 m).
- Miles 0.6 to 7.5 (km 1-12). Grades of 4-6% on the D164, through lavender fields and then pine forest. You can climb at a good pace.
- Miles 7.5 to 11.8 (km 12-19). A very gentle stretch, with kilometers at 1-3%, up to Chalet Reynard (4,685 ft / 1,428 m). This is the place to recover and eat.
- Chalet Reynard to the summit (3.7 miles / 6 km at 8%). You join the Bédoin road and enter the white-scree landscape. The grade rises little by little: the last two kilometers, past the Tom Simpson memorial, are around 9.5-11%.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols gives 15.8 miles (25.5 km), 3,990 ft (1,216 m) of total elevation gain and a 4.5% average (calculated from the difference in altitude); cols-cyclisme, 15.8 miles (25.5 km) and 3,757 ft (1,145 m) at 4.5%; and Climbfinder, 15.2 miles (24.4 km) and 3,957 ft (1,206 m) at 4.9%, because it starts a little later. The steepest pitch, near the top, is around 11-13%.
History
The Tour de France has rarely used this side. In 2021 the stage climbed Mont Ventoux twice, first via Sault and then via Bédoin, finishing in Malaucène. It’s the side riders choose for the “easy” Ventoux, or as the first of three when taking on the challenge of climbing all three sides in one day.
When to go, water and traffic
The upper section, above Chalet Reynard, closes in winter. In July, Sault fills up with visitors for the lavender. There’s water and there are bars in Sault and at Chalet Reynard; after that, nothing until the summit. Bring a windbreaker: on the last few miles the mistral can stop you dead.
What gearing to use
Up to Chalet Reynard almost any gearing will do. For the finish, a 34x28 or 34x30 is enough: at 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, around 77 rpm with a 34x30. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mont Ventoux from Sault?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 29 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 44 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 11 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the easiest way up Mont Ventoux?
The Sault side. To Chalet Reynard it's about 11.8 miles (19 km) at 3-6% with some almost flat stretches; then there are 3.7 miles (6 km) at an average of 8%, shared with the climb from Bédoin.
Why is the average 4.5% if the elevation gain suggests more?
Because the climb starts with a descent to the Nesque River. The difference in altitude is 3,776 ft (1,151 m), a 4.5% average, but the total elevation gain reaches about 3,990 ft (1,216 m).