Gorges de la Nesque circuit

Loop around the impressive gorge not far from Mont Ventoux

Imprint: Updated 12 June 2025

This 9km loop takes you around the edges of part of the Gorges de la Nesque.

It takes in a couple of great viewing points along the way as well as a lake and a chapel before you return back to the start point.

What to bring

IGN map 3140ET

What to see

Pope John XXII's castle, Chateauneuf du Pape

This castle was originally built at the request of pope John XII who was elected in 1316, with the castle starting to be built in 1317.
Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue

You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
Maison de la Truffe, Aups

The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
Site Memorial des Milles

Location
Aix-en-Provence

At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Petit Palais museum

Location
Avignon

The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
Fondation Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh moved to Arles in 1888, as so in hommage to the great master, the Fondation Van Gogh has collected works by contemporary artists that are in the style of Van Gogh.

Where to lunch

La Chassagnette Restaurant

This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux

Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour

This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
L'Autruche Restaurant

Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant

Location
Avignon

Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant

This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.

What to do

Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons

Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer

Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus

With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons

In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux

This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime

This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.

Where to stay

Saint Trinit

Hotel des Pins, Bedoin

Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
La Madelene B&B, Malaucene

This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin

Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin

This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin

This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin

Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.

Directions

At the south end of the parking lot, head right up by a stone staircase and by a fairly steep path and arrive at the intersection of St. Andrew Combe (722m). Take the path down to the left (panorama) 300m. At the intersection, ride straight for 1.5km and get on the board.

Turn left, right and begin the descent angle. Before Savournin, turn left. steep and rocky slope to the borie. The trail becomes a path and leads to the D 942 to Cabanes (730m). Cut off the road and down into the grooves (caution!) appointed by steps in the rock. The trail goes over the cliff (carefully!), then leads to the bottom of the gorge, in the chapel St Michel (600m). Move between the trees to cross the Nesque (often dry). The path goes left bank, along the cliff.

Advance by standing away from the edge (caution) as the trail passes several times over cliffs, before arriving on set. Winning the crossroads of Peisse (725m). Take the left horizontal path. It then descends back a little, took the downhill, past the Font de Jean then becomes a large balcony before reaching the edge of the Nesque and sneak between the boxwood to the inlet upstream gorges, waterbody Bourguet (627m).

Take the small road on the left, cut the D942 and up the main street of Monieux. On the square (Nesque fountain), go up the stairs to the left and find the church.