Mount Ventoux from Bèdoin descending by Malaucène

You climb the hardest side of Ventoux first, grinding through the forest from Bedoin before the exposed final stretch to the summit. The descent toward Malaucene is fast and flowing, with longer bends and changing gradients that keep you paying attention.

From Malaucene you cross back to Bedoin over Col de la Madeleine, a quiet, gentle climb through forest that feels like a proper cool-down after the main event. Most of the elevation is packed into the Ventoux ascent, so the return leg rolls easily.