ISS P9 Gorges de la Nesque Full Out and Back 76miles/122km

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.

(Still, it makes for a long day from Isle sur la Sorgue. An alternative is to haul bikes to nearer Ville sur Auzon, the take off village.)

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, either retracing your steps or via an alternate route, the D1 (which is busier with cards).