recommended route
Gorge de la Nesque Warm Up Ride
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Photo: Jo Payne, Macs Adventure
This route heads from the cyclists the cyclist town of Bedoin and south via Crillon le Brave towards one of the most exceptional routes in theis region. Heading through the Villes sur Auzon (last place of refreshment pre-climb), the route heads up into a wild gorge and through a series of natural tunnels. Climbing for 22km it's easy to maintain a steady rythym as the gradient averages around 3%.
Post climb you'll reach the town of Sault which is also one of the starting towns for the ascent of Mont Ventoux. This fortified hilltop village is perched high above a blanket of lavendar fields (in season), and is dramatic setting to enjoy refuelling. Post Sault, there's very little climbing left before a superb descents leads you back to Bedoin (or Crillon).
Please note: If you are staying at an accommodation in Mazan you can pick-up direction from the route at ~11km from the usual stating point in Bedoin.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Before starting your ride it’s always worth inspecting your bike for any damage.
Check for any damage to the frame, components or wheels. Ensure there are no loose cables and that the tyres are inflated and the brakes are working. Always wear a helmet when cycling. If you are doubtful of the condition of your hire bike please call the office or the local bike hire on the number provided in your information pack.
Always be prepared to cycle through a change of weather conditions and do check for any local weather warnings before cycling.
Do remember to ride on the right hand side of the road and whilst drivers in France are respectful of the 'velo', please do be mindful of other road users at all times, obeying local road signs. The road does narrow in parts so please take on bends and when descending, do so with caution at all time especially on blind bends.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.0km - At the covered fountain at the West end of Avenue Barral des Baux, on the Route de Crillon le Brave, TURN LEFT for Crillon. Continue on this road leaving Bedoin for the next 3.8km.
If you are staying in Crillon le Brave you route will start at 3.5km
3.80km - With the village of Crillon on your right you arrive at a roundabout, BEAR LEFT down Chemin des Carrieres. Follow this road south for 1.4km leaving the village.
5.20km - Arriving at a roundabout TURN LEFT over a bridge. At the stop sign over the bridge TURN RIGHT for Carpentras. Continue for 1.2km
6.40km - At a sweeping righthand bend TURN LEFT at the 2nd junction for Mazan. Continue towards Mazan for 4km.
11.10km - Arriving at a junction in Mazan, BEAR LEFT passing the tourist office. Follow the road around to the left for Sault. After 150m BEAR RIGHT for Blauvac.
If your accommodation is in Mazan you can pick-up the loop ride using the route directions from here.
15.30km - TURN LEFT at the top of a rise for Blauvac after passing a cement works.
18.50km - Arriving into Blauvac there is a restaurant to your right and a place for water behind you. After admiring the view continue STRAIGHT ON. Follow the road down the hill for 3.5km
22.00km - At the junction TURN LEFT for Villes s/ Auzon
23.80km - At the giveway sign BEAR RIGHT continuing for Auzon.
24.70km - At the roundabout continue STRAIGHT ON for Auzon.
There are places to get coffee, public toilets and tap in Auzon. Fill up bottles here, you have a long climb ahead with no more facilities.
25.40km - After 50m at the giveway sign TURN RIGHT for Sault. In 200m BEAR RIGHT for Sault. After another 100m TURN RIGHT for Monieux, Gorges de la Nesque. D942. Continue on the D942, slowly climbing and contouring for the next 20km up the stunning gorge.
44.50km - Arrive at the summit, a great spot for a break. After stopping continue STRAIGHT ON towards Sault passing Monieux on the way.
52.00km - At the stop sign TURN RIGHT for following the sings for Sault and village centre (2.5km)
55.00km - There are public toilets by the church and opportunity to fill water bottles. Sault has many cafes and restaurants, some very popular with cyclists. After a look around and pehaps some lunch. Follow the signs for Le Mt Ventoux, after 50m passed the tourist office TURN LEFT. Follow the switchbacks down the hill.
56.10km - At the stop sign TURN RIGHT back on the D942 returning the way you came.
57.90km - Keep STRAIGHT ON towards Carpentras on the D1.
62.60km - Approximately 50m after the view point TURN LEFT on the D1a for La Gabelle.
70.00km - At Gabelle BEAR RIGHT for Flassan D217
71.50km - At the cross roads go STRAIGHT ON. Follow the road for 11km into Flassan.
82.20km - Continue through the village following signs for Bedoin. 1km after leaving Flassan BEAR LEFT for Bedoin.
88.20km - As you ride into Bedoin pull over at the Convent de Dominicains on your right. This is a quiet spot to regroup before heading back to the main village.
If you are staying in Crillon le Brave, from the covered fountain at the West end of Avenue Barral des Baux, on the Route de Crillon le Brave, TURN LEFT for Crillon. Continue on this road leaving Bedoin for the next 3.8km.
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Besides cycling in the kit you are used too, we'd also suggest taking the essentials of water bottle(s), nutrition, an extra layer, cash/credit cards and mobile together with emergency telephone numbers.
Always wear a helmet and pack a spare tube, puncture repair kit, tyre levers and handpump. You may also like to take a multi-tool.
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