On Tuesday, 22 July 2025, Stage 16 of the Tour de France will take riders on a 171.5-kilometre journey from Montpellier to the summit of Mont Ventoux, a mountain stage culminating in one of cycling’s most legendary climbs. With a total elevation gain of over 2,000 metres, the relatively flat route saves its challenge for the final 20.8-kilometre ascent, averaging 7.7% gradient, to the barren summit of the Giant of Provence. The route passes through several towns in southern France, each offering its own distinct character to the race.
The stage begins in Montpellier, a dynamic city near the Mediterranean coast, known for its historic Place de la Comédie and thriving university culture. Riders then pass through Saint-Gély-du-Fesc, a small town just north of Montpellier, surrounded by the scrubby garrigue landscape typical of the region’s hinterland. The peloton continues to Roquemaure, a village on the Rhône River with a rich winemaking heritage, its stone houses and ancient castle adding a historic touch. Next, the route reaches Châteauneuf-du-Pape, famed for its world-class vineyards and the ruins of a 14th-century papal palace, a landmark in the heart of Provence’s wine country.
The stage passes the shrine to England’s Tom Simpson, who collapsed and died during the 1967 tour, and concludes at Mont Ventoux, the iconic summit above Bédoin, its stark limestone slopes and exposed weather station marking the finish line. This stage of the 2025 Tour de France combines flat roads with a dramatic final climb, showcasing the diverse landscapes of southern France.
