MONT VENTOUX
Highest point in Vaucluse (1,912 metres)
Population: 572,000 in the Vaucluse department
Specialities: Ventoux pork, Sault lamb, truffles, einkorn wheat, Carpentras strawberries, cherries, candied fruit from Apt, Carpentras berlingots, wines (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux)
Famous people: Tom Simpson, Éric Caritoux (cyclists), Petrarch.
Economy: tourism, wines, ski resort.
Sport: skiing (Mont-Serein resort), cycling, hiking, paragliding… Events: Les Cinglés du Mont Ventoux (cycle touring, three ascents in a single day via the three routes from Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault), Grand Fondo (cycle touring), Half-marathon, Trail du Ventoux, Grand Raid du Ventoux, Supercar Experience
Festivals: Ventoux Biosphère Festival (April–June) / Silences du Ventoux (wildlife photography) / Ventoux Saveurs.
Nicknames: the Giant of Provence, the Bald Mountain
Provençal saying: “It’s not the fool who climbs Ventoux, but the fool who goes back”
Labels: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve / Regional Nature Park, Natura 2000 site
Websites / FB / Twitter: leventoux.net / vaucluse.fr / provenceguide.com / provence-a-velo.fr / facebook.com/vaucluseattitude / facebook.com/VaucluseTourisme / twitter.com/ProvenceGuide / instagram.com/provenceguide / youtube.com/tourismeVaucluse / plus.google.com / ventouxprovence.fr
FOOD
Cherries from the Ventoux hillsides
The Ventoux hillside cherry is the first French cherry to be awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. Its specification was registered in 2021 by the European Commission, thereby granting it protection across the EU. The Ventoux hillside cherry is a red table cherry derived from varieties of Prunus Avium L., Prunus Cerasus L. or their hybrids. Its production dates back to the 17th century, when its reputation began to be established. At that time, it was mainly found in family gardens or scattered amongst cereal fields and on embankments. Since the 20th century, numerous markets have developed around this distinctive product. With a large size (minimum 24 mm) and specific expertise linked to the equally distinctive production area, it also has the unique feature of being available on the market from the first days of May until mid-July.