Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Tourism

A territory inhabited for millennia

37 communes now form the Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park, on a territory inhabited by men and women for millennia. Several protohistoric paintings have notably been discovered on the walls of rock shelters in the commune of Blauvac.

Carpentras, a former prosperous city of the Comtat Venaissin, is a vibrant town at the foot of Mont-Ventoux. It attracts many visitors each year who come to discover its museums and monuments.

Many charming villages, with a typically Provençal appearance, bear witness to ancient human habitation. The houses are nestled around a church or at the foot of an old feudal castle, and many have retained remnants of their old ramparts.

Agriculture still plays an essential role around Mont Ventoux, with the presence of vineyards, olive groves, orchards, and lavender fields. Viticulture has been practiced for millennia on these lands, which offer exceptional conditions, and the expertise of local winemakers has been recognised since 1973 by the Ventoux AOC. Fruit enthusiasts are likely familiar with the cherries from the Vaucluse hillsides, which have benefitted from a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) since 2021. Lavender is particularly cultivated around Sault, on a plateau at an altitude of about 750 metres around the village of Sault. Shepherds notably raise goats that produce delicious cheeses.

Unique ecosystems in France

With a maximum altitude of 1910 metres at the summit of Mont Ventoux, the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park offers a great variety of climates and ecosystems. While the vegetation is typically Mediterranean at the lowest altitudes, it experiences Alpine influences as the altitude increases.

The forests covering the slopes of the Giant of Provence serve as a refuge for many mammals: deer, roe deer, mouflons, chamois, wild boars, foxes… Birds, on the other hand, dominate the sky, with nearly 150 species of nesting birds such as the golden eagle or the Egyptian vulture. Butterflies abound among the spring and summer flowers, with nearly 500 different species.

The wildlife is as diverse as the plant life: exceptionally varied! While typically Mediterranean species thrive at lower altitudes, conifers and alpine varieties dominate as you ascend. Near the summit, you can, for example, observe the opposite-leaved saxifrage, a plant also found in Arctic regions!

Three natural sites of exceptional interest are also classified under Natura 2000: Mont Ventoux, the gorges of Nesque, Ouvèze, and Toulourenc. Mont Ventoux was recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1990.

The landscapes of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park create unique scenes, sometimes bucolic and welcoming, sometimes grand and intimidating. Hills, valleys, gorges, combes, and plateaux provide an ever-present relief: how can one imagine that just a few kilometres as the crow flies separate the olive trees of Bédoin, the vineyards of Vaison-la-Romaine, the lavender fields of Sault from the screes and conifer forests of Mont Serein?

Many tourist sites within the park

A part of the territory of the Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park covers the former Comtat Venaissin, which was owned by the popes until the French Revolution. This popular destination in Provence boasts numerous tourist attractions.

Vaison-la-Romaine, with its ancient ruins and medieval village, is simply unmissable. Many shops, cafés, and restaurants invite you to wander under the southern sun.

Pernes-les-Fontaines is famous, as its name suggests, for its many fountains: there are more than 40! The former medieval village also has beautiful remains of ramparts, a fortified gate, a magnificent church of Romanesque architecture, covered market halls, and many other historical treasures!

Venasque truly deserves its place among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. This prestigious label rewards an exceptional medieval heritage and a preserved setting. A walk through the old streets invites you to admire beautiful houses that are several centuries old, Roman towers, a lovely 13th-century church, and a baptistery from the Merovingian era.

Take the time to explore the entire Mont-Ventoux Regional Natural Park: each village has a unique charm and promises you an unforgettable visit under the Provençal sun!

A wide range of outdoor activities

Hiking is a highlight in the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park, with countless trails catering to everyone’s desires: from a simple family walk to the most demanding trail runs. Mont Ventoux, the Nesque, Toulourenc, and Ouvèze gorges offer routes amidst stunning landscapes.

You can also follow the designated paths by mountain bike or horseback, for an even more unique experience in the heart of the former Comtat Venaissin landscapes.

Some brave athletes also enjoy paragliding from the Mont Ventoux ridges. A high skill level is recommended, as the winds can be very strong near the summit.

The ascent of Mont Ventoux, one of the legendary stages of the Tour de France, attracts cyclists of all levels. Thousands set off, most starting from the village of Bédoin, in a bicycle ascent of nearly 1600 metres of elevation over a 21-kilometre route!

The Mont-Serein resort, on the north face of Mont Ventoux, offers fun activities in all seasons. In winter, enthusiasts can descend the snowy slopes, go snowshoeing or ski touring. In summer, treetop adventure courses or Dévalkart delight thrill-seekers!

Prepare your visit to Mont Ventoux Park

The official website of the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park offers a wide range of tourist sites, activities, and accommodations to discover this exceptional area.

The local tourist offices also help you plan your stay in the Mont Ventoux Regional Natural Park.