Ventoux from the south: forests and rocks

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This is an easy hike through beautiful forest landscapes and splendid trees. It is followed by a steep climb to join the GR® trail and go around the summit. The descent is pleasant, through scree slopes, with splendid views. Although difficult, this hike allows you to explore the "giant of Provence" with its varied landscapes depending on the season.

Details

n°83082803
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 14.07 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 584 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 592 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,894 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,300 m
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Photos

Thistle
Refuge
Chemin des poteaux rouges
Signposting

Description of the walk

Depart from Plaine des Ermitants, where there is easy parking in the large car park located at the first bend in the D974, just north of Chalet Reynard.

(S/E) Descend straight ahead, heading south-west, and follow a forest path for about 1 km until you reach an unnamed hiking sign.

(1) Descend to the right, across a scree slope.

(2) At the intersection, climb to the right, north-northeast, and walk through the undergrowth. The climb is steep but fairly well marked in yellow almost all the way. This forest passage is quite difficult, but it offers a magnificent view of the Ventoux forest, which you will not see again.

(3) At the crossroads, continue straight up a very steep slope. All the elevation gain is on this stage.

(4) At the ruins, continue straight ahead uphill. You will arrive at the junction with the departmental road.

(5) Be careful when crossing because of cars and especially bicycles. Continue climbing opposite until you reach the visible ridge. You will arrive at an intersection with red posts that will serve as guides to the summit.

(6) Turn left. The path climbs much less steeply. Admire the two sides of Ventoux and the views of the Alps and Baronnies on one side and the Comtat on the other.

(7) Pass the Col des Tempêtes, which can be quite windy. Continue straight ahead, watching out for bicycles and cars when crossing the road, and arrive at the summit of Ventoux.

(8)Take the time to visit. Descend towards the south-west and reach the Sainte-Croix Chapel.

(9) Continue the descent westwards and find the path among the rocks.

(10) At the radar dome, turn left to follow an easier track. Continue downhill, admiring the scenery on all sides. After entering the forest, you will arrive at a refuge. Continue downhill a little further to the cistern.

(11) Turn left onto a wide, flat path.

(12) At the Petit Pierre sign, continue straight ahead on the wide path. Much further on, you will come to the crossroads you passed on the way there.

(3) Continue straight ahead on the wide path that leads back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,452 m - Plaine des Emitants
  2. 1 : km 1.13 - alt. 1,351 m - Unnamed sign
  3. 2 : km 1.41 - alt. 1,300 m - La Grave
  4. 3 : km 2.41 - alt. 1,487 m - La Frechière
  5. 4 : km 2.56 - alt. 1,513 m - Stone ruins
  6. 5 : km 2.84 - alt. 1,563 m - Departmental crossroads
  7. 6 : km 3.16 - alt. 1,637 m - Line of red posts
  8. 7 : km 5.79 - alt. 1,824 m - Col des Tempêtes (1829m)
  9. 8 : km 6.25 - alt. 1,894 m - Summit - Mont Ventoux
  10. 9 : km 6.78 - alt. 1,817 m - Sainte Croix Chapel.
  11. 10 : km 7.08 - alt. 1,777 m - Radar dome
  12. 11 : km 8.61 - alt. 1,515 m - Cistern - Jas des Pélerins
  13. 12 : km 8.91 - alt. 1,509 m - Petit Pierre
  14. S/E : km 14.07 - alt. 1,451 m - Plaine des Ermitants

Worth a visit

Summit of Ventoux and Chalet Reynard

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
P.F.
P.F.

In anticipation of my 2026 holiday in Bédoin

Machine-translated

User 18591561

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On the way back, there is an endless track, although the landscape is beautiful.
I think that if the return journey were changed, it would be a very interesting route

Machine-translated

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