Where are the Gorges de la Nesque?
France, europe
22.1 km
872 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the Gorges de la Nesque in Provence is an absolute must! This incredible canyon road, snaking through the Vaucluse department of France, is one of those unforgettable balcony drives.
Built way back in the early 20th century, this beauty (known as D942) stretches for about 22 km (13.7 miles) between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux, south of Mont Ventoux. Nestled in the Vaucluse Mountains, prepare for some serious views!
Now, heads up: this drive is not for the faint of heart. Think narrow stretches barely wide enough for one car, rocky overhangs, blind curves, hairpin turns, and the occasional (or not-so-occasional) lack of guardrails! Plus, there are tons of unlit tunnels to navigate. The road surface is generally in good shape, but some sections have sheer drops with minimal barriers.
Allow around 35-50 minutes to drive it without stops. If you're heading there in the summer, try to go early to beat the heat and crowds.
The route winds along the mountains, revealing incredible vistas. Cyclists love it, and surprisingly, it’s usually not too crowded, thanks to those low tunnels. Keep an eye out for the belvederes, especially the one at Castelleras, offering views of the majestic "Rocher de Cire," the gorge's highest point at 872 meters (2861 feet). The gorges themselves plunge over 400 meters deep! Trust me, after the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorges de la Nesque are the next most spectacular canyon you'll find in Provence.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 872 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere does Road EO62 start and end?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along the EO62 on the Greek island of Samos, North Aegean, windows down, sea breeze in your hair. This isn't just any road trip; it's a coastal adventure connecting Samos (Vathy), the island's lively capital, with the chilled-out vibes of Karlovasi. Clocking in at just over 30km (around 19 miles), this fully paved road is a rollercoaster of twists and turns. Hold on tight, because some sections get seriously narrow! Hugging the Aegean coast, the road sometimes gets a little too close to the waves, so you'll see some cool coastal protection features. This road definitely keeps you on your toes. Think winding roads carved into rugged coastal terrain that demand your attention. But hey, all that maneuvering is totally worth it. You're not just driving; you're experiencing some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery on the planet. Get ready for views you won't forget!
moderatePuerto de Navalmoral, an iconic Vuelta a España climb
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Ávila, ready for an epic mountain adventure. That's where you'll find Puerto de Navalmoral, a seriously stunning pass that tops out at a cool 1,517 meters (or nearly 5,000 feet!). This beauty is nestled in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, and the road that takes you there – the AV-900 – is a smooth, paved dream. But don't get too comfy! This isn't a boring drive. Think endless twists and turns as you climb from the Amblés valley to the Alberche valley. The road is usually pretty quiet, so you can really soak in the scenery. You can hit this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – things can get dicey and lead to temporary closures. Keep in mind, this route has been featured in the Spanish Vuelta, so you know it's a serious climb, with some sections hitting a gradient of 8.3%! The whole pass stretches for 26.7 kilometers (about 16.6 miles) running from Ávila to Navalmoral. Get ready for some views!
hardCol des Saulces
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Col des Saulces, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling way up at 2,456 meters (that's 8,057 feet!) in the Savoie region of the French Alps. You'll find it smack-dab in the Vanoise National Park. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. It's closed for most of the year (October to June, usually), so plan accordingly. This is a route for seasoned off-roaders only – if you're not comfortable on unpaved mountain roads, steer clear! Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And heights? Yeah, they're a thing here. The trail is pretty steep, and if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But, trust me, the reward is worth it. Up top, you'll find a small lake and views that'll make your jaw drop. So, if you're up for a challenge and crave some breathtaking scenery, Col des Saulces is calling your name!
hardWhere is Pic de Château Renard?
🇫🇷 France
Picture this: you're in the French Alps, deep in the Queyras Regional Natural Park. You're headed up, up, up to Pic de Château Renard, a lofty peak sitting pretty at 2,936m (9,632ft). This isn't just any drive; it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Europe! The real gem at the top is the Observatoire de Saint-Véran - Paul Felenbok, an astronomical observatory perched high in the sky. Built in 1974, it's one of the highest in Europe. Now, about the road... It's an 11.1km (6.89 miles) unpaved adventure starting from Saint-Véran. Don't let the distance fool you – you'll be climbing 927 meters with an average gradient of 8.35%, with some sections hitting a whopping 16.0%! You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind that the road is usually closed from October to June, and is only accessible by astronomers or the Observatory's service vehicle.