Cycling Region Guides

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Why Ride Provence

Ventoux-anchored climbing region combining Europe's most iconic standalone summit with supporting plateau, hill, coastal, and extension high-col terrain across southern France.

Terrain & Riding Structure

Ventoux objective rides and heritage-climb benchmarking: Isolated peak with three distinct ascent roads and fully exposed summit zone
Supporting days around Ventoux and training-volume circuits: Rolling plateau terrain with steady climbs and strong tempo/endurance riding value
Recovery rides and easy supporting terrain: Lower hills with short punchy climbs and active-recovery suitability
Multi-col extension days and higher-altitude objective riding: Separate high-col network requiring car transfer from Ventoux bases
Off-day variation and lower-altitude winter riding: Rolling coastal roads with lower elevation output and year-round access

Cycling Bases

Bédoin

Primary Ventoux base village at the foot of the south face. The standard and most demanding Ventoux ascent begins here. Benchmark base for Ventoux-focused training camps.

Best for: Ventoux south faceView Map

Malaucène

North face Ventoux base. Access to the northern approach — comparable length and gradient to Bédoin but different character. Suits riders targeting both Ventoux faces in a single camp.

Best for: Ventoux north faceView Map

Sault

Plateau base for the eastern Ventoux approach via Chalet Reynard. Gentler gradient than Bédoin or Malaucène — the longest of the three main routes. Access to Luberon roads and high plateau endurance terrain.

Best for: Plateau enduranceView Map

Apt

Luberon valley base with access to rolling Luberon plateau roads and Ventoux via the Sault approach. More varied terrain than Ventoux-specific bases — better for riders wanting a mixed endurance week.

Best for: Mixed enduranceView Map

Manosque

Eastern Luberon base with access to the plateau roads and Durance valley circuits. Flatter immediate surrounds suited to endurance training days and tempo work.

Best for: Luberon ridingView Map

Forcalquier

Luberon plateau town with rolling roads in multiple directions. Positioned for quiet agricultural riding and Luberon climbs without the Ventoux proximity of western bases.

Best for: Quiet plateauView Map

Routes & Key Climbs

Signature Climbs

Mont Ventoux (Bedoin)21.4 km • 7.6 %avg • 1912m gain
Mont Ventoux (Malaucene)21.3 km • 7.2 %avg • 1912m gain
Mont Ventoux (Sault)26 km • 4.4 %avg • 1912m gain
Col d'Izoard19.2 km • 5.9 %avg • 2360m gain
Col de Vars19 km • 5.7 %avg • 2109m gain
Col d'Allos14.3 km • 5.7 %avg • 2250m gain
Col de la Cayolle29.8 km • 5 %avg • 2326m gain
Col de la Gineste9.4 km • 5.8 %avg • 321m gain
Montagne Sainte-Victoire (north approach)8.2 km • 6.2 %avg • 1011m gain

Plan Your Trip

Supporting information, logistics, and additional insights to help you prepare