The Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB takes runners through the diverse landscapes of Provence, from vineyards and lavender fields to dense oak forests and the iconic barren summit of Mont Ventoux. With multiple distances and the unmistakable silhouette of the Giant of Provence as a constant companion, this race captures the essence of southern French trail running.
Rising from the Provençal plain like a sentinel, Mont Ventoux has long captivated cyclists, but the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB reveals the mountain's wilder side. Starting from Malaucène, the course takes runners through a stunning tapestry of Mediterranean landscapes: fragrant garrigue, sun drenched vineyards, ancient villages perched on hillsides and deep forests of oak and cedar on the mountain's lower flanks.
As runners climb higher, the vegetation thins and the terrain transforms into a stark lunar landscape of white limestone scree. The exposed summit, famously battered by the mistral wind, offers panoramic views stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean Sea. The contrast between the lush Provençal lowlands and the barren upper slopes is one of the most dramatic transitions in European trail running.
The UTMB World Series brings international caliber organization to a race deeply rooted in local culture. After the finish, the charm of Malaucène, its markets, its wines and its warm southern hospitality, makes recovery as memorable as the race itself.
Malaucène , FRA |
24 Apr - Apr 26, 2026