Gorges de la Nesque
I heard of a new surface on the road of the Gorges de la Nesque, it would be rude not to ride it. Down then up, it’s a joy to ride - but not if unguarded drops or narrow rock tunnels upset you. There’s about 35 km of road following the gorge and dropping over 350 m. altitude. Tighter than the famous Ardèche gorge but the road is much closer to the cliffs.
Riding through the Luberon is still a huge pleasure out of season, the roads are light with traffic, the air is clear and the views fantastic. As well as the Gorges de la Nesque, there is the Combe de Lourmarin and the Combe de la Sigalière to add specific riding interest.
The road to the Col de la Liguière (998 m.) has also been resurfaced, probably for the Tour de France 2021; there’s a more open style of road curves compared to the gorges and also, without the scary drops, which are made up for by the views of the last of the snow on Mt. Ventoux (1909 m.).
Riding these roads was my original love of Provence and they are still fantastic, at least layered up on a fine day in early spring. I saw 21°C in Apt and still 16° up at Sault.
Well tired by my ride but it’s good to be regaining “bike fitness” after riding several days now on the bounce; so very pleased to enjoy later a Magret de Canard in a favourite friendly restaurant back in Marseille.
Sault
Mt. Ventoux (1909 m.).
Luberon
Bonnieux