JAR P4a 8/10 Gorges de la Nesque Full Out and Back 89km

The Gorges de la Nesque might lie in the shadow of it's big hulking brother, the Mt. Ventoux, but it has always been a favorite route for cyclists in this region of many routes.

The key is that unlike the at times brutally steep Mt Ventoux slopes (there are times when you think you are going to fall of your bike backwards) the Gorge route climbs so gently that you barely even notice it. Plus, the views are so engaging that what little pain you might be feeling is barely noticeable.

You approach via Mazan (by the end of the week you will know these places like the back of your hand) and then at Villes sur Auzon, you take a RIGHT and up you go.

The route hugs the Gorges de la Nesque sometimes diving into a tunnel cut through the rock.
There's a lookout point and a coffee option in Monnieux, near the top. Then you charge down into Sault (Wed. market) which would be an excellent lunch stop before heading back home via an alternate route, the D1 and D217 Gabelle route. (Flassan would be an excellent End of Ride Beer Stop where you could regroup with laggards.)

Full Gorges de la Nesque (overall difficulty 8/10)
89km Hilly (8/10)
Total Vertical 1277m (8/10)
Max Steep: 12.2% (9/10)