The Nesque River gorges from Monieux

The Nesque River gorges and the Saint Michel chapel starting from the Bourget Lake in Monieux.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.32 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 388 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 386 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 867 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 598 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park by the Bourget Lake in Monieux. (S/E)
Take the paved road leading due north-north-east towards the village, with yellow and orange waymarks,
Cross the D942 and take the road opposite leading to the castle ruins (vestiges du château). At the next crossroad(1) take a left on the "Rue Pré d'Estève" indicating the GR®9 direction,
After a while the paved road turns into a trail alongside a house to the right (the gable mounted by a crucifix). The path meets with the GR®9 waymarked white and red and heads up the mountain slope offering views of the lake. Then branch off to the left on a flat ledge signposted "sentier des chapelles"(2)
At the next crossing the trail stems into two larger paths, take the left-hand path bringing you to the road (D942) (3).
Cross it and start descending towards the gorges heading to the Saint-Michel chapel. A signpost warns you of potential danger as there are overhanging cliffs, but if you remain on the path, there's nothing to worry about.
Just after passing the Saint-Michel chapel (4) cross the Nesque River and head towards Saint Hubert and La Peisse, (this area can be tricky after heavy rainfall). The path rises along the left bank underneath the overhanging cliffs and higher offers amazing views of the gorges, Ventoux and the surrounding countryside. At the next crossing follow the GR® to the left.
When you get to the signpost "La Peisse" (5), leave the GR® and take the left-hand path towards Monieux and Font de Jean, waymarks will become yellow and orange.
At the Font de Jean crossing take a left heading towards the Bourget Lake.
The trail ends smoothly, continuing along the Nesque River and ending up at the lake and car park at your starting point (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 624 m - Lake Bourget
  2. 1 : km 1.18 - alt. 661 m - Monieux
  3. 2 : km 2.78 - alt. 865 m - Chapel Trail
  4. 3 : km 4.22 - alt. 736 m - D942
  5. 4 : km 4.73 - alt. 601 m - Chapelle Saint-Michel
  6. 5 : km 5.81 - alt. 723 m - La Peisse
  7. 6 : km 6.9 - alt. 687 m - Font de Jean. Valley of the - Nesque (rivière)
  8. S/E : km 8.32 - alt. 624 m - Lake Bourget

Practical information

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 117 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 25750745

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

We discovered the gorges in June. A very beautiful hike starting from the lake. Magnificent landscapes. Not very difficult, but walking shoes are recommended, especially on the slightly rocky descents.

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anne claire 30
anne claire 30

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Great hike, not very long but quite steep. No boring sections and superb scenery in the gorges. Make sure you take plenty of water if you do this hike in summer.

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cray38
cray38

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : No

It's a nice walk, but you shouldn't expect grandiose views, as is often the case with walks in gorges...
In our case, there was a lot of water in the Nesque at the end of March. The crossing at the chapel was a bit adventurous, "koh lanta" style, and we had to put in a few stones to improve the passage. After that, the passage was not easy to find.
There were a few tricky sections on the way down to the gorge where you had to get your hand in, but it was quite doable for adults with a bit of practice.

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Olivier-L
Olivier-L

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful walk starting from the lake at Monieux. After the first few kilometres, you find yourself in sublime natural surroundings, especially at this time of year.
We had no particular problem following the GPS track, except that shortly after the chapel of Saint-Michel (point 4) we decided to stay in the riverbed (dry at this point and on the day of our walk) and join the track around point 6.
As a result, we didn't get to see the magnificent views from the balconies that Slinky praises. We'll have a chance to go back there. However, we were able to admire the vultures at the start of the hike.
For those hiking with their dogs, there are no particular difficulties on this route.
A video of our hike with our two dogs can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnRrWtT3...

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Fayolle Chantal
Fayolle Chantal

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hello,
we went there at the beginning of July, it was very green, no water in the gorges; very beautiful panoramas, back in the shade. Not many people there. On the way by car, there were beautiful fields of lavender and clary sage, it was magnificent. We're going to do it again with a group from my association around the beginning of June 2025.

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barbouze92
barbouze92

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb hike, especially the part in the gorges, which is magical!
The first part is a little monotonous and, above all, not very sheltered from the sun, but there are some beautiful views.
No real difficulty, but you do need to be careful on the descent into the gorges, as there are some big steps.
Very good description, easy to follow the trail.
Completed in 2 hours 45 minutes, with plenty of stops to take in the scenery.

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patrick buretier
patrick buretier

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

We did a very nice walk starting from the ponds below Monieux. Medium difficulty for 70% of the route. The descent to the water and the ascent should be considered difficult, even very high above the chapel. Wear good walking shoes and beware of vertigo. Take plenty of water in hot weather (at least 1.5 litres per person). Superb views.

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Nounours04
Nounours04

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The route is well signposted and pleasant to do, with no insurmountable difficulties. However, be careful to wear good footwear, as there are some good steps to avoid if it's slippery. Very pleasant to do and we'll definitely be doing it again because it's so beautiful.

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christine21000
christine21000

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice walk with beautiful views. The descent into the gorges requires caution as the path is sometimes narrow and uneven. After the gorges, the path is easier and less rocky.

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DROP34
DROP34

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice walk, no difficulty following the route, the descent to the gorges is steep but short.

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Sir Hillary
Sir Hillary

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A fine hike, particularly worthwhile for the section overlooking the Nesque gorges. Crossing the Nesque is not an impossible adventure, even after a rainy May. You just risk getting your feet wet. On the other hand, fans of river bathing will have to pass. The Nesque is not the river for it.
On your return from a hike, the route des gorges is well worth the diversions.

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Nan84
Nan84

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent hike, congratulations to the author, with breathtaking scenery in the gorges. No major difficulties, but do take care, especially on the descent into the gorges. A varied route, with cliffside sections, woodland, forest paths and a finish by the lake...
Not very busy in early May (we came across around ten pairs).
Just one small reservation: if you want peace and quiet, choose a different season from the one when the Sunday bikers get excited in the gorges, with the almost permanent noise that implies.

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rumax
rumax

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Thanks for this easy and very visual loop.
Just a few passages above the void where you have to be careful.
I walked it backwards as described.
On the way back I went to the Saint-André chapel under the watchtower, both ruined.
From the track, there is a sign indicating access by a path (sign between WPT 1 and 2).
The path begins with steps and climbs northwards.
Please note that access to the tower is forbidden due to its poor condition and the instability of one of its sections of wall: don't go near it!
A lookout point at the foot of the chapel offers a fine view over the plain.
A signposted, difficult path leads around the chapel, joining the Chemin Saint-André in the centre of Monieux village.

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Antonin_B
Antonin_B

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

This is a really lovely hike that allows you to discover the magnificent gorges de la Nesque more intimately than from the viewpoints overlooking the gorges.
The route is very easy to follow - it's well signposted and there are no pitfalls.
I did this walk after several days of heavy rain, so the Nesque was at a fairly high level. Passing the lookout was a little tricky with the current and meant getting your feet wet. But we preferred that to turning back. Given that the pebbles aren't often under water, it's not very slippery, so it's not insurmountable if you stay vigilant. It adds a little adventure.
Otherwise, the descent can be a little dizzying for the faint-hearted, but the path is very straightforward and well signposted, so if you take your time, there's really very little exposure.

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platanus
platanus

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice parish specific to Brittany. Beautiful scenery, but some difficult and slightly dangerous sections.

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