Issue No.26

Gorges La Nesque
Although much of the Provencal countryside
is made up of gently rolling hills, vineyards,
wheat and lavender fields, the Vaucluse area
has a wilder more rugged side. The relaxing
lunch at Les Lavandes prepares you for the
drive along the spectacular gorge of La
Nesque. Start your adventure on the D942
which affords arresting views of La Nesque
river and into the deep canyon clefts. The
D942 however, is not for the faint of heart.
A classic “balcony road” so called because of
the lanes cut into the sides of the cliffs, the
road is much loved by cyclists for its twists
and turns. It is a very narrow road and
definitely not for those who are afraid of
heights.
There are many spots where the road is
really only wide enough for one car so keep
your fingers crossed that you don’t meet
another vehicle coming in the opposite
direction! Fortunately, the D942 is not
heavily traveled and you can drive at a very
leisurely pace while you take in the dizzying
vistas during the 22 km drive. Stop at the
Castellaras viewpoint, the highest point of
the gorge at 872 meters (2861 feet) and
admire the Rocher du Cire (Rock of Wax) so
called because of the layers of wax coating
from the hives of wild bees. You’ll find a slab
honoring the Provencal poet Frederic Mistral
who celebrated the legend of the Rock.
End your journey at the small village of
Villes-sur-Auzon with its ancient fountains
and ochre houses. Unwind with an apero at
one of the small cafés. If you’re there in late
July or early August, you can enjoy worldclass
music for free (or for a nominal fee) at
the annual Villes-sur-Auzon jazz festival.