Gorges de la Nesque
Dramatic canyon with winding roads and tunnels, offering breathtaking views and a challenging cycling route with Mont Ventoux as a backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cycling
Gorges de la Nesque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better cycling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic canyon with winding roads and tunnels, offering breathtaking views and a challenging cycling route with Mont Ventoux as a backdrop.
"Wonderful views at amazing canyons and rocks, you don't need to fly to the states to see the Grand Canyon!"
🚗 Avoid Weekends
Motorcycles can be numerous and fast on weekends. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience for drivers and cyclists.
🚴 Cycle from Ville-sur-Auzon
This route offers a gentler climb on a well-surfaced road, making it ideal for most cyclists.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Winding Canyon Road
Through the Gorges de la Nesque
A spectacular drive or cycle through dramatic rock formations and tunnels, offering stunning natural beauty.
Mont Ventoux Backdrop
Panoramic views
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the iconic Mont Ventoux, the 'Giant of Provence,' framing the dramatic canyon landscape.
Cycling Challenge
From Ville-sur-Auzon
A rewarding climb for cyclists, offering well-surfaced roads and challenging inclines with incredible rewards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Cycling
Scenic Drive & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Avoid Weekends
Motorcycles can be numerous and fast on weekends. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience for drivers and cyclists.
🚴 Cycle from Ville-sur-Auzon
This route offers a gentler climb on a well-surfaced road, making it ideal for most cyclists.
🍯 Local Honey Stop
On your way back down, consider stopping to buy delicious local honey from producers.
⛰️ Conquer the Climb
Even if you're not a seasoned cyclist, the climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding for the views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Avoid Weekends
Motorcycles can be numerous and fast on weekends. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience for drivers and cyclists.
🚴 Cycle from Ville-sur-Auzon
This route offers a gentler climb on a well-surfaced road, making it ideal for most cyclists.
🍯 Local Honey Stop
On your way back down, consider stopping to buy delicious local honey from producers.
⛰️ Conquer the Climb
Even if you're not a seasoned cyclist, the climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding for the views.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The dramatic rock formations and winding road make for stunning photographic opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Gorges de la Nesque, comparing its stunning canyon views to the Grand Canyon and highlighting the spectacular scenery. The cycling route is particularly praised for its rewarding climb and breathtaking vistas, though some note the presence of motorcycles on weekends. The drive itself is considered a magnificent experience, offering impressive rock formations and a dramatic landscape.
"Wonderful views at amazing canyons and rocks, you don't need to fly to the states to see the g
Grand Canyon, this also is possible in south of france at the Gorges de la Nesque! Beautiful and awesome...with the king of the Provence in the background - the mont ventoux! Sonst miss the drive through the Gorges de la Nesque!"
Thomas Rehrmann
"This is a must-do climb regardless of gour level of fitness and type of bicycle. Go for it, you won't regret it. From Ville-sur-Auzon, it's a gentle climb on a well-surfaced road. The last 6 km are a bit steeper but hardly. The climb from Méthamis takes more time because the road tarmac isn't smooth. It' also more challenging. Whichever way you go, you are rewarded with spectacular views and a breath-taking landscape. On a lucky day, cyclists can also enjoy an aerial ballet provided by either wild falcons or la Patrouille de France squad, the French version of the Eed Arrows.
Avoid weekends as the slopes are busy with motorcycles going up and down. Some overspeeding or cutting lines. On the 25th of May 2025, La Nesque will be closed to all forms of motorized vehicles. This is great news indeed. This should happen once a month between May and October, shouldn't it?"
Maxi Minimalist
"Cycled up from, and back down into, Villes sur Auzon. I’m not a great cyclist so it was a challenge but worth it for the views from the top. Would have been nice to have a cafe st the top but it’s an easy run back into town do not a problem. Stopped to buy honey from local producer on way back down. Don’t look over the edge if you’re worried about heights 🥴"
Sara Middleton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gorges de la Nesque are best accessed by car or bicycle. The main route is via the D942 road, connecting towns like Ville-sur-Auzon and Méthamis. Parking is available in nearby villages. +1
Public transport options are limited. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle (car or bicycle) to fully explore the area and its scenic viewpoints.
Many cyclists start from Ville-sur-Auzon for a more gradual ascent. The climb from Méthamis is also an option but has a less smooth road surface.
Keep an eye out for special events. For example, on May 25th, 2025, the Nesque will be closed to motorized vehicles, offering a unique cycling experience.
Driving through the entire gorge takes approximately 30-45 minutes without stops, but you'll want to allow more time for photo opportunities and enjoying the views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit and drive or cycle through the Gorges de la Nesque. It's a natural landscape open to the public.
The gorges are accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, daylight hours are best for enjoying the scenery and for safety, especially when cycling.
There is no admission fee for cyclists. The roads are public and open for recreational use.
Generally, no. However, be mindful of road conditions, especially after heavy rain, and always respect the natural environment.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting, potential wildlife, and the winding nature of the road.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Pull-offs along the D942 offer numerous stunning viewpoints. Look for spots with clear views of the canyon's rock formations and the distant Mont Ventoux. +1
Absolutely! The dramatic cliffs, winding road, and expansive views make it a photographer's paradise, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Some visitors have reported seeing wild falcons or even the Patrouille de France (French aerobatic team) practicing overhead on lucky days.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the canyon. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife or distant details of Mont Ventoux.
The tunnels themselves offer unique photographic opportunities, as do the wider sections of the gorge where you can frame the road with the dramatic rock faces.
🎫 🚴 Cycling & Hiking
The climb from Ville-sur-Auzon is considered a moderate challenge, with the last 6 km being steeper. The road surface is generally good.
The climb from Ville-sur-Auzon is approximately 19 km long, with an average gradient of about 2.3 percent.
While the main attraction is the road, there are opportunities for short walks and exploring off the main path, but be cautious of the terrain.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit, and wear appropriate cycling gear. Sunscreen and a helmet are essential.
It's generally safe, but it's always wise to inform someone of your route and expected return time. Be aware of other road users.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short, easy walk from one of the viewpoints if your children are up for it, but be mindful of the terrain and ensure they stay well away from the edges. The novelty of the tunnels and the sheer scale of the cliffs can make for an exciting outing.
🚴 Cyclists
Be prepared for the spectacular views that serve as your constant companion. The unique landscape and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the top make this a truly unforgettable cycling experience. Remember to check for any special car-free days, like May 25th, 2025, for an even more exclusive ride.
🚗 Road Trippers
Allow ample time to stop at the numerous viewpoints to capture the breathtaking scenery, including the iconic Mont Ventoux. The tunnels add an element of excitement to the drive, making it a memorable part of any itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cycling Experience
While the climb itself is a significant draw, the true reward lies in the spectacular panoramic views that unfold as you ascend. The dramatic rock formations and the vastness of the canyon create a breathtaking backdrop. For those seeking a more challenging ride, the route from Méthamis is an option, though the road surface is noted as being less smooth.
It's advisable to plan your cycling trip for weekdays to avoid the higher volume of motorcycles that can be present on weekends. The special car-free day on May 25th, 2025, presents a unique opportunity for an even more serene cycling adventure through these magnificent gorges.
Driving Through the Canyon
The drive is often compared to the Grand Canyon, highlighting the sheer scale and natural beauty of the area. With the majestic Mont Ventoux visible in the background, the vistas are truly awe-inspiring. It's a route that encourages frequent stops to soak in the scenery and capture photographs.
While the drive is generally smooth, be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists sharing the road. The tunnels add an element of surprise, so drive cautiously and enjoy the unique experience of traversing this natural wonder.
Photography Opportunities
For the best light and atmosphere, aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The soft light can accentuate the textures of the rock and create long shadows, adding depth to your images. Don't forget to capture the iconic views of Mont Ventoux framing the gorge.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the canyon and a telephoto lens for capturing details or potential wildlife sightings. The tunnels themselves offer a unique photographic challenge and opportunity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit