Mont Ventoux was quite amazing - the drive up the north side at some points feels much more exposed than it probably is. I can't imagine the calories burned to climb it, "easy" side or not!
We absolutely loved every moment of our month in France and I'm having a blast reliving it as I work through the images we brought back. The family thinks very fondly of our time with you at the start of our trip, and with philber at the very end. Many thanks!