March 2017 | 19
One of the Greatest Climbs in France
( if not the World )
Mount Ventoux is legendary for being one of the most gruelling climbs in the Tour de France . The mountain , known as the Géant ( Giant ) of Provence is the largest in the region and is 15km north east of Carpentras in the Vaucluse . Geologically Mt Ventoux is part of the Alps but stands alone to the west of the Luberon valley and to the east of the Dentelles de Montmirail , which form the foothills of Mt Ventoux .
Cyclist come from all over the world to make the climb which can be achieved by three separate routes . The most famous , and difficult , ascent being the road from Bédoin , south of the summit ( 22km over 1610m ). The second is the road from Malaucène to the east ( 21km over 1570m ), which is less exposed , and the last and easiest route from Sault to the west ( 26km over 1220m ). Ride all three routes in a day and you qualify for membership to the legendary Club des Cinglés , a remarkable achievement of some 137kms and a total altitude of 4,400m .
The best months to make the climb are April , May , June and September , and if you like speed the downhill returns are exhilarating . It is also possible to drive up and on a clear day the view from the top is breathtaking .
However Mt Ventoux is not just about reaching the summit , the area abounds in wonderful well documented road routes well suited to all riding abilities and also numerous mountain-biking trails in the surrounding hills providing magnificent scenery and thrilling rides .
The perfect cycling base to experience all of this is Bedoin , the small village at the foot of the mountain . The architecture is typical of Provence with tree lined streets , the famous Monday market and more than a dozen restaurants . There is also an excellent cycle rental shop .
For accommodation the perfect solution can be found only 1.5kms from the centre of the village . Surrounded by fields and truffle woods , two stylish houses stand side by side , with long views north to Mt Ventoux and south towards the Luberon .
The Flop House is a lovely 19th-century farmhouse sleeping ten while La Maison de Lune , which is smaller and sleeps six is reached via its own lane .
Both houses are perfect for families and are spread over two levels , with delightful en-suite bedrooms , and if you a cyclist who likes laid-back luxury , you ’ ll find it all here . Each house it ’ s own ‘ salt water ’ pool the smaller of which is also heated in the Spring and Autumn . Wicker chairs and seagrass matting , American fridges and each house has it ’ s own garden with Lavender , rosemary , wisteria , fruit trees and lawns .
www . summerinprovence . co . uk