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From the top of its 1912 metres, 'The Giant of Provence" dominates the whole region. From the Rhone Valley to the Vaucluse Plateau and the Baronnies, from its summit, the Mont Ventoux offers one of the widest panoramas in Europe.
Heralded by the poet Frédéric Mistral, it proposes several hiking, horse riding and mountain bike trails through superb pine and oak forests. It is free from any urbanisation over a surface area of 25,000 hectares.
Regularly featured in the programme of the Tour de France, its long 25 km ascent constitutes a real feat achieved every year by numerous cycling enthusiasts.
In winter, its snowy tree tops attract many skiers. More information at the
Maison du tourisme.
Classified as a
Natura 2000 site, the Mont Ventoux has over 1000 plant species, 120 species of birds as well as numerous animals (wild boar, foxes, Corsican mouflon, hares and roe deer). It is due to become a Regional Nature Park towards the beginning of 2010.
In addition, in 1990 UNESCO awarded the
Man and Biosphere (MAB) label to the Mont Ventoux, in recognition of the natural and cultural resources of the massif, and above all with a view to its protection.
Finally, its slopes are reputed for their fruit and vegetable production: asparagus, strawberries, cherries, apricots, tomatoes, Muscat grapes, etc.