Mont Ventoux, north and south slopes

While the southern slope of Mont Ventoux and the ridge trail are well known, the northern slope is less frequented but just as beautiful, with its alternating forests, scree slopes and avalanche couloirs. With a bit of luck, you may even spot some chamois.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 17.39 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 787 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 796 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,897 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,396 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the small car park located in the bend of the D974 just above Chalet Reynard.

(S/E) Follow the very easy track on the southern flank of Mont Ventoux for about 5.5 km.

(1) At the Jas des Pèlerins signpost, take the path that climbs to the right towards the chapel, go around it on the left and continue climbing through the pine forest.

(2) At Clapier de l'Ermite, turn left, leaving the path that branches off to the right. Follow the yellow-marked trail to the Sainte-Croix Chapel.

(3) Climb the last few metres to the Mont Ventoux esplanade, where you will find a few small shops selling drinks and souvenirs in season. Continue straight ahead, leaving the stony path that descends to the Col des Tempêtes on your right.

(4) Continue to follow the road as it bends to the left, then take the path on the right that winds down the north slope until you reach the signpost Les Mélèzes.

(5) Turn right and continue along the path on the north side, which crosses forests, scree and avalanche couloirs: be very careful.

6) At the Serres Gros signpost, take the path that climbs to the right. Reach a hairpin bend where the yellow signpost indicates to turn right towards the Tête de la Grave.

(7) Continue straight ahead on the unmarked trail towards the ridge and then due east to the Le Signal signpost.

(8) Turn right and descend to Chalet Reynard.

(9) Take the road towards the summit of Mont Ventoux to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,450 m - Plaine des Ermitants car park
  2. 1 : km 5.48 - alt. 1,517 m - Jas des Pèlerins - Jas des Pélerins
  3. 2 : km 6.05 - alt. 1,660 m - Clapier de l'Ermite - Jas des Pélerins
  4. 3 : km 7.34 - alt. 1,861 m - Sainte-Croix Chapel - Mont Ventoux
  5. 4 : km 7.77 - alt. 1,883 m - Mont Ventoux signpost
  6. 5 : km 10.76 - alt. 1,445 m - Les Mélèzes signpost
  7. 6 : km 13.71 - alt. 1,404 m - Serres Gros signpost
  8. 7 : km 15.08 - alt. 1,603 m - Hairpin bend
  9. 8 : km 15.75 - alt. 1,616 m - Signpost Le Signal
  10. 9 : km 16.92 - alt. 1,419 m - Chalet Reynard - Chalet Reynard
  11. S/E : km 17.39 - alt. 1,449 m - Plaine des Ermitants car park

Practical information

Please note: although the southern slope does not present any particular difficulties for hiking, the paths between points (4) and (7) are similar to high mountain terrain: you must remain very cautious, especially when crossing scree.

The starting point has a few trees where you can leave your vehicle in the shade, which is not possible at the large car park at Chalet Reynard a few hundred metres below.

In the nearby area

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author. Do not copy them without permission.