Ventoux, the Giant of Provence

Originally

"At first, I was genuinely taken aback by the air’s lightness and the breathtaking panorama, leaving me almost spellbound. I glance back: clouds drift beneath my feet." These words capture the essence of Petrarch's experience ascending the Mont Ventoux and his emotions upon reaching the 1912 metre summit of the "Giant of Provence".

Over the centuries

Once a haven to ward off diseases, attracting pilgrims seeking protection from the plague in the 16th century, later a battleground where over 400 resistance fighters heroically fell against the Nazi occupiers, Mont Ventoux has evolved into an emblem of the surpassing of oneself in todays’ more peaceful times. It now bears witness to the achievements of all two-wheel enthusiasts since the inaugural ascent in 1886.

Nowadays

A captivating show, a biosphere reserve acknowledged by UNESCO, the Ventoux attracts people of all ages... including Maël, a 6-year-old who, after a 3-hour and 30-minute stand on his pedals, marvels at the 1400 butterflies gracing its slopes.

Did you know?

• The Mont Chauve: a summit reaching 1,910 metres, stretching 25 kilometres from east to west and 15 kilometres from north to south. It stands as the highest peak in Vaucluse.

• The wolf is a feared and respected inhabitant of the Giant of Provence.

• Carpentras berlingots, a local specialty renowned worldwide.

• A vibrant temple of cycling history: from the Tour de France with Charly Gaul's first leg victory in 1958, to the Dauphiné Libéré with the record ascent by the Spanish athlete Iban Mayo in less than 56 minutes, to the Mountain Biking Masterseries and the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenge.

• Mademoiselle Hesse, the first woman to have ascended Mont Ventoux by bicycle in 1903, year of the first edition of the Tour de France, or Amélie de Sade, the first woman to have ascended it on foot, in 1789.

• Bees, truffles, and lavender; while sheep farming is almost nonexistent, viticulture, beekeeping, market gardening, and lavender cultivation are intertwined with mushroom harvesting, including truffles.

• Two photographers in history: Charles Bartésago’s 4,800 photos (1878-1973) located in the Archives of the City of Avignon on behalf of the Musée Calvet, and the thousands of shots by Firmin Meyer (1899-1976), a black and white specialist and photographer of Jean Cocteau.

• A “fast-paced” outdoor sports expérience: from hiking to climbing and skiing along the GR 4 and GR 9.