25 million years ago a shallow sea stretched into what is now the Rhone valley. This Miocene sea was to occupy the region for 20 million years. On its bed were to be deposited sediments which play an important role in today's countryside.

Le Mont Ventoux, the Luberon ridge and the Monts de Vaucluse were at that time islands protruding from the Rhone sea.

In 1990 the title MAB  (Man and Biosphere) was granted to le Mont Ventoux by UNESCO in recognition of the mountain's natural and cultural riches, and for their protection..

Six sites make up the central zone of this Réserve de Biosphère du Mont Ventoux  : Le Mont Ventoux (963 hectares) - Le Mont Serein (409 ha) - La Hêtraie (98 ha) - La Cèdraie de Bedoin (58 ha) - La Tête des Mines (81 ha) - The Nesque Gorges (517 ha).

The S.M.A.E.M.V, 830 avenue du Mont-Ventoux, 84200 CARPENTRAS, is responsible for putting the programme of the Protected Biosphere into action.