About Mont Ventoux: Mont Ventoux is famous for the fierce Mistral wind that howls over its bald summit. Gusts near its top have topped 320 km/h. Its pale, stony peak looks white all year, even without snow. Its name is linked to the French word for windy 'venteux'

Location: Provence, in southeastern France · Country: France · Record: Gusts over 320 km/h (200 mph) have been recorded at its summit · Why So Windy: The cold, dry 'Mistral' wind roars down the Rhône valley and up the peak · Elevation: About 1,910 m (6,270 ft) high · Nature: A pale, bare, rocky summit that looks snow-white even in summer · Notable Feature: A famous, brutally windy climb in the Tour de France bike race · World Rank: One of the windiest mountaintops in Europe