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Gorges de la Nesque

Vaucluse  >  France

Spectacular limestone canyon carved by the Nesque River. The main road D942 is surrounded by both wooded and barren slopes.

Added* by Floris Klok
Most recent update 27 augusta 2025

Description

The Gorges de la Nesque is a limestone canyon carved by the Nesque River, stretching between the villages of Monieux and Villes-sur-Auzon. It plunges over 400 meters deep in places and offers panoramic views and winding cliffside roads. The area is part of the UNESCO Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve and a Natura 2000 site, recognized for its rich biodiversity. The main road D942 is surrounded by both wooded and barren slopes. The central viewpoint Belvédère de Castellaras provides a view of the steepest cliffs and the iconic Rocher du Cire, a massive rock formation that dominates the landscape. You can spot dážďovník skalný, zdochlinár biely, sup bielohlavý, krkavec čierny, lastovička skalná, in front of the steepest cliffs. at the other side of the road you can see sokol sťahovavý. if you follow the D942 1 km further from Monieux, you can see orol skalný here. and other songbirds that thrive in the cliffs and forests are penica fúzatá penica sivá penica záhradná and ľabtuška poľná

Details

Access

Gorges de la Nesque is located in the Vaucluse department of southeastern France, within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It lies between the villages of Monieux and Villes-sur-Auzon. The main route through the gorge is the D942 road. From the D942 road, some marked hiking trails run through the area. such as the steep walk towards the Chapel, where you will find mainly Songbirds in the rocks and bushes and Vultures and Swallows flying overhead. This hiking trails starts 300m Furter up the D942 from the observation point to Monieux.

In the heart of the Gorges de la Nesque the Belvédère de Castellaras offers a dramatic panorama, with sweeping views over the limestone cliffs, the winding gorge below, and the Rocher du Cire. Press P on the map for directions to the Belvédère de Castellaras.

Terrain and Habitat

Mountain , Valley , Canyon/cliff

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Paved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Car , Bicycle , Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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