Grand Trail du Ventoux

The Grand Trail du Ventoux is a 105-kilometer ultra trail race with 4,600 meters of elevation gain, set in the heart of Vaucluse in southeastern France. The start and finish are located in Bedoin, an iconic Provencal village nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, which rises to 1,910 meters above sea level. Over the years, this race has become one of the unmissable events on the trail running calendar in southern France, attracting runners from across Europe and beyond.

The Grand Trail du Ventoux course is a true journey through the most spectacular landscapes of the Vaucluse department. Runners depart from Bedoin and quickly tackle the slopes of the Ventoux, a mountain legendary in cycling that offers an equally exceptional playground for trail runners. The ascent of the Ventoux via its different faces constitutes one of the race's defining moments. The summit, swept by winds and stripped of vegetation, offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching to the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, and sometimes even the Pyrenees on clear days.

But the Grand Trail du Ventoux is far more than just climbing the Giant of Provence. The course also explores the Gorges de la Nesque, a spectacular canyon carved into limestone, the cedar forests of the Luberon, hills covered in garrigue scrubland fragrant with thyme and rosemary, and the typical perched villages of Provence. Runners traverse remarkably diverse landscapes, moving from the arid scree fields at the Ventoux summit to the fragrant undergrowth of holm oak and Aleppo pine forests.

The cumulative elevation gain of 4,600 meters makes this a particularly demanding event. The climbs are often long and steady, but certain sections feature steep gradients that test both the legs and mental resolve of runners. The descents alternate between technical single tracks on limestone terrain and smoother trails through the garrigue. Managing effort over this distance and elevation profile is a genuine strategic challenge.

Weather conditions add another dimension to the difficulty. The Ventoux is renowned for its changeable and sometimes extreme conditions. The mistral wind can blow with impressive force at the summit, while temperatures can vary considerably between the warm valleys and the exposed peak. In summer, the Provencal heat demands rigorous hydration and nutrition management.

The atmosphere of the Grand Trail du Ventoux is defined by the warm hospitality of volunteers and residents of the villages along the course. Bedoin, the start and finish town, pulses with race energy throughout the weekend. Aid stations offer local products, and the convivial spirit of southern France permeates every moment of the event. For international runners, it is a total immersion in the culture and landscapes of Provence.

This race is designed for experienced trail runners capable of managing a long-duration effort with partial self-sufficiency on mountainous terrain. The beauty of the landscapes traversed and the magic of the Ventoux make this race a unique experience, at the crossroads of athletic challenge and contemplation. The Grand Trail du Ventoux perfectly embodies the spirit of Provencal trail running, where blue skies meet white stone and the scent of lavender.

Grand Trail du Ventoux is a 105 km trail race with 4,600 m of elevation gain, located in Bédoin, Vaucluse. The next edition is scheduled for 25 April 2026.

Find all official information on the race website.