Malaucène

Visit Malaucène > Climbing the Mont Ventoux by bike > Photos > Information

Malaucène is a Provençal village located in the north of the Vaucluse, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, it is the starting point of one of the three roads leading to the summit of the famous mountain (with Bédoin and Sault). It is a pleasant village enlivened by its market. Its appearance is less spectacular than the hilltop villages, Malaucène is located on the side of a hill, it has significant heritage and offers all the charm of Provençal villages.

The streets of the old village wind around a high rock where once the castle was built. The building has completely disappeared: after being abandoned, it was dismantled stone by stone in the 18th century. Three crosses are erected atop the hill, which can be reached via the access ramp of the Calvaire. The view from the summit is worth the effort of the climb: The belfry topped by a bell emerges over the red tile roofs of Malaucène. The beautiful view extends over the valley, the mountains of the Baronnies and the Mont Ventoux.

All that remains of the ramparts is boulevards shaded by plane trees and three medieval gates, the Duron gate, Soubeyrans gate and Chaberlin gate. Malaucène’s church dedicated to both St. Michael and St. Paul is a massive building, mid-romanesque, mid-gothic. Built by the early popes of Avignon, it formed part of the fortifications of the city.

The Chapel of Notre-Dame du Groseau lies below the road on the Mont-Ventoux, a few hundred meters after the village. This beautiful chapel, somewhat discreet, is the remnant of a large monastery, residence of Pope Clement V for five years (1309-1314), who built a small palace that has now disappeared.

A little further up the road lies the source of le Groseau, a resurgence: it springs at the foot of the cliff. In Roman times, water was supplied to Vaison-la-Romaine by an aqueduct, a dozen kilometers long. Many Roman remains have been found in the soil in the surroundings and even older prehistoric evidence proves human presence since the dawn of time.

Cycling the Mont Ventoux via Malaucène

Via Malaucène or via Bédoin, the elevation gain and distance to the summit of Mont Ventoux are comparable. However, the profile is different: a solid introduction begins shortly after the village, just after the source of the Groseau. The slope gently oscillates between 10% and 12% for a good three kilometres, until it reaches an altitude of about 700 metres. Less steep sections allow riders to enjoy the landscape and pedal more easily until you reach the viewpoint located at 980 meters. From this point, it is necessary to tackle the toughest section, a slope at 12% and then 11% average over four kilometres leads to Mont Serein at an altitude of 1430 metres. Once out of the forest, the view of the Baronnies Mountains is breathtaking.

After a welcome flat but short section, the road curves in front of Chalet Liotard and the slope returns to a double-digit gradient, 11% or even 12% but only for about a kilometre. The ascent of the last 300 meters of altitude difference is progressive, in a majestic rocky landscape whitened by water and wind.

So which road to choose for cycling to the top of the Ventoux, from Bédoin or from Malaucène? It is a matter of taste: the route via Malaucène is more varied but with some steeper slopes, and it has also a more varied landscape as far as Mont-Serein. There are also fewer people and the road is wide also for the descent, it is certainly the best side.

Photos of Malaucène : slideshow

Practical information and accommodation

Selection of guest houses around the Mont Ventoux on the portal of the Provence's B&B

Coming to Malaucène

GPS coordinates N 44°10’30’’ - E 5°07’59’’

Location : altitude 365 metres, 2600 inhabitants, 6 miles from Vaison-la-Romaine, 8 miles from Bédoin, 10 miles from Beaumes de Venise , 12 miles from Carpentras, 15 miles from Buis-les-Baronnies , 15 miles from Mont-Ventoux summit