Monieux lies at the entrance to the Gorges de la Nesque. Here, a striking gorge, hiking trails and buildings from different centuries come together. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the differences: one route leads to a chapel beneath a rock overhang, while other trails explore the area around the Mur de la Peste. In the village itself, churches, mills and a truffle museum offer further insights.

The gorge and countryside around Monieux

The Gorges de la Nesque form a canyon around 20 kilometres long, which is more than 400 metres deep in some places. They are recognised as a Natura 2000 site for their biological diversity. Monieux lies at the entrance to the gorge; the surrounding area also includes a cultivated plain where spelt is grown and lavender fields are found.

Between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux, a scenic road winds through tunnels and along the rock face, crossing arches. Its route differs markedly from the hiking trails that cross the landscape on foot. This offers several distinct perspectives for understanding the gorge and its surroundings: the canyon itself, the road along the rock face and the cultivated plain.

Hikes with varying levels of difficulty

The “MONIEUX - Les gorges de La Nesque” route crosses the Nesque at a ford and then climbs to the Chapelle Saint-Michel at an altitude of 624 metres. The route includes exposed sections. Check conditions before setting out; the Chapelle Saint-Michel d’Anesca is accessible only on foot. Another option is a 9-kilometre circular hike near Monieux, suitable for experienced hikers. The stated distance and intended audience can help you choose, but do not replace an assessment of your own hiking experience.

Several trails also allow you to explore the Mur de la Peste; one described trail runs near the Gorges de la Nesque. On this particular route, all or part of the trail is off marked paths and requires good navigation skills. This restriction applies to the route described, not automatically to every trail at the Mur.

Buildings and local history

The Chapelle Saint-Michel de Anesca is a Romanesque building dating from the 12th century, set beneath a large rock overhang. The Église Saint-Pierre also dates from the 12th century. Its surviving Romanesque features include a choir with an elegant octagonal dome. Those interested in religious architecture can see two distinct settings: the chapel beneath the rock and the dome over the church choir.

The Moulin Virgile illustrates another type of historic construction: it is an example of an 18th-century horizontal watermill with a so-called rod wheel, and was the last of seven mills to be built in Monieux. Another stop is the Chapelle Saint Roch. It was rebuilt in 1832 on a circular plan during a cholera epidemic. It offers a very beautiful view of Monieux. The chapel is open year-round and accessible to visitors; check local access information before your visit.

The Mur de la Peste is a 27-kilometre-long dry-stone protective wall, built in the 18th century for health reasons. It stretches from Monieux to Les Taillades on the Durance. The Musée de la Truffe du Ventoux, by contrast, focuses on the black truffle: a multisensory display, educational panels and films explore the subject. An itinerary with educational panels also leads through Monieux and presents the village’s history.

Leisure at the Plan d’eau

Fishing and picnicking at the Plan d’eau de Monieux offer another way to spend time outdoors. Swimming is prohibited there. Keep this clear restriction in mind when planning your stay, and observe any notices in place.

Discover more destinations: Grillon, Saint-Roman-De-Malegarde, Maubec, Saint-Martin-De-La-Brasque, Gigondas, Seguret, Orange, Bédoin.

For the main travel overview: Vaucluse.