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Les Gorges de la Nesque

D942, Monieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Gorges de la Nesque are a canyon created by the Nesque river in the Monts de Vaucluse mountain range in south-eastern France. The gorges are about 25km long (18km of which can be followed on the D942) starting near the village of Monieux (625m) and ending near Methamis (270m). The river ploughed through limestone mostly and formed cliffs up to 200m high. The area is part of the Ventoux Biosphere area and is home to several protected species such as the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle and the spotted salamander. The GR9 hiking route crosses the gorges at the Saint-Michel chapel.

Access & Transport

You will need a car, or a bicycle, to explore the gorges. Methamis, at the western end, is about 18km east of Carpentras, 40km east of Avignon and 90-100km northwest of Aix-en-Provence (depending on which route you take). There are no public transport options.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a climb up the Mt Ventoux (hiking, riding or driving). There are also some hiking options in the gorges themselves.

Meta review

According to online reviews, the gorges may not be as impressive as others in the southern Alps such as the Verdon but they see much less traffic and make for a very enjoyable (if winding) drive or bike ride with plenty of stops opportunities to take pictures and appreciate the views, the best one being at the highest point of the gorge, a few km west of Monieux, where visitors often get to meet a family of tamed wild boars. The hiking is also good but apparently a little technical and therefore not recommended for families with younger children.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Tourism brings some economic activity to the surrounding villages

Conclusion

The Gorges de la Nesque are an attractive touristic sight and the opportunity for a hike or bike ride. It isn't the most spectacular such topographical feature in the South of France though, so we would not recommend a long dedicated drive; rather it fits perfectly as part of a regional itinerary taking on the Ventoux and the other Vaucluse attractions.

Key positive

Beautiful and impressive landscapes

Not busy

Key negative

Need some time to get there

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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