Ascent of Mont Ventoux
A famous mountain in the Vaucluse department, in the heart of Provence, Mont Ventoux is a must-see in this part of France.
Known as the Giant of Provence, this mountain in the Pre-Alps massif dominates the Vaucluse region with its 1912-metre summit.
But Mont Ventoux is more than just a mountain; it’s a symbol of challenge for cyclists, a reservoir of flora and fauna, and a delight for hikers.
When you stay at our campsite near Mont Ventoux, in addition to enjoying an unobstructed view of the summit, you can easily set off to discover it.
A little history
Nestled in the Vaucluse department, Mont Ventoux marks the border between northern Provence and the Pre-Alps. This summit is one of the most remarkable in France. Despite its altitude, which classifies it as a high mountain, Mont Ventoux remains accessible and offers stunning panoramic views of the Alps, the Rhône Valley and the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day.
In ancient times, Mont Ventoux was known to the Romans as Vintur, a deity associated with the wind, testifying to the spiritual and mythological importance of this mountain in the Vaucluse region. Over the centuries, Mont Ventoux has been a place of inspiration for artists, writers and thinkers. The Renaissance poet Petrarch immortalized his ascent of Mont Ventoux in 1336.
Mont Ventoux is also steeped in local legends and traditions. From hermits to monks and brigands, the forests and mountain outskirts of the Pre-Alps massif have been populated by many figures.
Mont Ventoux: a unique biodiversity
Nature around Mont Ventoux is extremely rich. Its flora and fauna are the result of a combination of climates: Mediterranean at the base, mountainous at mid-height and almost Alpine at the summit. This diversity of ecosystems allows us to observe a wide variety of species, plants and animals, some of which are endemic.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot Bonelli’s eagle, griffon vulture or chamois, all of which have found refuge in the vast wilderness of this Vaucluse mountain.
Visit Mont VentouxAs you climb, the oak and beech forests give way to stretches of garrigue and scrubland, before reaching the famous expanses of white stone and limestone that characterize the summit of this mountain in the Pre-Alps massif, which is often snow-covered in winter.
Mont Ventoux and cycling
It’s impossible to talk about Mont Ventoux without talking about cycling. Mont Ventoux is inextricably linked with the history of cycling, and in particular with the Tour de France. Over the years, this mountain in the Pre-Alps massif has become one of the most feared and legendary cycling climbs.
Its steep gradient, unpredictable climate and lunar landscape at the summit make it quite a challenge for cyclists. The climb up Mont Ventoux is a rite of passage that has seen cycling legends made and broken.
Get ready for a pleasant hike on Mont Ventoux during your stay at our Vaucluse campsite!