Tour de France 2025: everything you need to know about the Mont Ventoux stage
The ascent of Mont Ventoux, one of the Tour de France‘s most famous stages, has fascinated cycling fans for generations. In 2025, this legendary stage – which takes place from July 5 to 27 – promises to captivate even more with its demanding 172 km route, linking Montpellier to some formidable slopes. Ideally located close to both the start and finish, the Vaucluse campsite, Le Garrigon, tells you more about this mythical stage, and gives you invaluable tips for living this unique experience to the full. Get ready to vibrate to the rhythm of this cycling legend!
Mont Ventoux, legendary Tour de France summit
A monumental challenge for the riders
The Tour de France 2025 promises to be a landmark event in the history of cycling. Among its stages, the Mont Ventoux is a real challenge. With its 15.7-kilometer ascent at an average gradient of 8.8%, this summit will once again be the scene of memorable strategic attacks. Indeed, it’s here that riders will really put their endurance to the test. On a course combining natural beauty and physical difficulty, this stage will be a key moment for upsetting the overall rankings!
A stage for cycling exploits
Mont Ventoux, often nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”, occupies a historic place in the Tour. Since 1951, this pass has forged legends and given rise to memorable performances. Charly Gaul ‘s landmark victories and the domination of icons such as Eddy Merckx are proof of this.
A decisive step
It’s thanks to its legendary history and the difficulty of its ascent that the Mont Ventoux stage in the Vaucluse region retains its mythical aura. This emblematic peak, nicknamed the “Giant of Provence”, has marked the history of cycling with memorable feats and decisive moments. Indeed, this strategically complex ascent course can also generate decisive attacks, directly influencing the overall classification. Once again this year, it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the 112th edition of the Tour!
Stage 16, a key stage in the south of France
From Montpellier to Mont Ventoux: a varied and demanding route
Stage 16 of the Tour de France 2025 will connect Montpellier with Mont Ventoux, crossing a varied and challenging landscape for the riders. The route, located in the south of France, stretches across the departments ofHérault, Gard and Vaucluse. Starting out in the heart of Montpellier, cyclists will have to tackle winding roads and varied terrain, culminating in the legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux. This geographical configuration demands constant attention and meticulous preparation on the part of the teams.
Distance and elevation gain: a monumental challenge
With a total distance of 172 kilometers, this stage is classified as mountainous. The final ascent is a major challenge, with a 15.7-kilometer climb at an average gradient of 8.7%. The summit of Mont Ventoux, at an altitude of 1,909 meters, will serve as a merciless judge of the cyclists’ endurance and resilience.
Difficulties feared by riders
The ascent of Mont Ventoux is dreaded for its brutal gradient and unpredictable climatic changes. Indeed, the high winds around the summit and low temperatures contrast with the heat of the plains at the start, making this stage particularly testing.Climbing Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France 2025 therefore represents not only a challenge for the legs, but also in terms of strategy. The winds, particularly feared on the last few kilometers beyond the forest, can cause the peloton to break up!
Practical tips to make the most of this 2025 edition
How to get to Mont Ventoux
- Transport options (car, train)
Getting to Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France 2025 requires careful planning. If you opt for the car, it’s advisable toarrive early to avoid traffic jams. For those who prefer public transport, trains connect major cities such as Paris, Lille and Montpellier to the region. - Best routes to get there
From Paris, take theA7 freeway towards Vaucluse. Departmental roads D974 and D938 lead directly to the famous Mont Ventoux ascent. - Parking and accessibility
Car parks near villages such as Bédoin and Malaucène are limited and quickly saturated. Special spectator zones will be set up by the Conseil Départemental du Vaucluse on the day of the stage. It is advisable toarrive early to find an ideal spot.
Where to watch the race?
The summit of Mont Ventoux is the perfect place to experience the intensity of the race and watch the riders tackle this mythical climb. This is where the battle against the slope and the natural elements reaches its climax. Just before reaching the summit, the bends of the Col des Tempêtes are ideal for observing the decisive attacks of the favorites. Exposure to the winds adds a dramatic dimension to the show, making this strategic point a spectacular one. If you’re looking for a more accessible spot, set up along the switchbacks of the climb. You’ll feel the effort of the cyclists and be surrounded by a lively atmosphere. You can also position yourself at the foot of the pass, in Bédoin or Malaucène, where the atmosphere is more relaxed, but just as captivating!
