About This Race
The Grand Raid Ventoux 87K delivers the full Mont Ventoux experience, combining technical Mediterranean trails with the stark, exposed climb to one of France's most storied summits. Starting from Bédoin at the mountain's base, this route traces the entire vertical journey through lavender-scented foothills, into dense forest, and ultimately onto the moonscape terrain near the summit where wind and weather dominate. Part of the UTMB World Series, this race demands careful pacing and mountain craft, particularly as conditions can shift from warm Provençal sunshine to near-alpine exposure in a matter of kilometers. The 87K stands as a proper mountain ultra that tests both physical and tactical preparation. Runners navigate varied terrain from village paths to technical ridgelines, always with the mountain's distinctive white cap drawing them upward. The course rewards those who respect Ventoux's reputation—this is the Giant of Provence that has humbled Tour de France cyclists for decades, and its challenge translates directly to the trail running experience. As a UTMB World Series event, the race attracts an international field while maintaining a distinctly Provençal character. The April timing offers generally favorable conditions, though Ventoux's notorious mistral winds can appear at any season, adding an unpredictable element that makes summit success feel genuinely earned.
The route begins in Bédoin, threading through vineyard country and olive groves before turning upward into the forested lower slopes. As runners gain elevation, Mediterranean vegetation gives way to alpine terrain, and the final approach to the summit crosses the famous white limestone scree that gives Ventoux its snow-capped appearance year-round. The descent retraces much of the ascent, requiring focus and control on technical sections that feel very different in the opposite direction.
Location
Practical Info
April generally brings mild valley temperatures (10-18°C) with cooler summit conditions, though the mistral wind can create significantly harsher exposure at elevation with little warning.
Bédoin is a small Provençal village with limited lodging options that fill quickly around race weekend. Nearby Carpentras and Malaucène offer additional hotels, and Avignon (40km) provides fuller accommodation options with TGV rail access.
Best For
Notable Features
Mont Ventoux carries genuine mystique in European endurance sports, known equally for its cycling history and its unforgiving character. The summit's observatory and weather station stand as landmarks visible from much of Provence, and reaching them on foot through the UTMB course represents a distinctive achievement. The contrast between warm Mediterranean valleys and the harsh summit environment—all within a single race—creates a compressed alpine experience rare in southern France.