The imposing mass of this symbol of Provence radiates across the region. Home to a rich biodiversity and the venue for many glorious cycling feats, its slopes offer villages to explore in which ‘terroir’ still means authenticity.

When the weather is fine and the Mistral is blowing, you can see it from anywhere. Acting as lookout for the region, Mont Ventoux’ moon-like dome stands before its inhabitants, an essential landmark of daily Provencal life. Topping out at 1912 metres above sea level, the “Giant of Provence” is no ordinary summit. Its geology already distinguishes it from other mountains. Winter covers its highest slopes with a dusting of snow. And when spring comes, the same white veil still covers its summit. Eternal snow? Not at all. Simply the aridity of a peak subjected to every wind, showing only the sparkling whiteness of its stony surface.

Its position also gives it mythical status. From the summit, the view takes in nearly a quarter of southeastern France. You can see the Luberon, Marseille, the Rhone Valley, the Alps and the Cévennes. On some days you can even make out the summit of Canigou, its Roussillon counterpart! It’s therefore no surprise that the summit fascinates sportsmen and women. Its slopes still ring with the exploits of the Tour de France’s hardy cyclists. Even when you go up in the car, you feel as though you have achieved something great.

The twisting roads feel like an adventure on both the north and the south side. Listed by UNESCO as a “biosphere reserve”, Mont Ventoux is also surprising for its diversity. Here you can find olive trees and lavender at its foot and the Greenland poppy on the summit. Tourists will love exploring the treasures to be found on its slopes. What is there in common between the intimacy of the Toulourenc valley to the north and the openness of the Carpentras region, with its vineyards and lavender fields? The Ventoux region is decidedly different...