Attractions and Places To See around Sault - Top 20

The region around Sault is renowned for its dramatic natural landscapes. Among the most popular are The Nesque gorges from Villes-sur-Auzon, offering incredible views, and the Nesque Gorge Road, which winds through the canyon with sections built into the rock face. The iconic Mont Ventoux summit is another must-see, known for its unique scree desert landscape and panoramic views.

Yes, the area is deeply connected to cycling history. The Pass of Storms offers magnificent views and is notably close to the memorial dedicated to cyclist Tom Simpson. You can visit the Stele dedicated to Tom Simpson, located about 1.5 km from the summit of Mont Ventoux, commemorating the tragic event during the 1967 Tour de France.

The Sault region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, especially cyclists and hikers. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, mountain hikes, and gravel biking. For example, explore challenging road cycling routes like the "Mont Ventoux Loop via Malaucène and Sault" or enjoy mountain hikes such as the "Pass of Storms – Grand panorama loop from Mont Ventoux." For more details on these and other routes, visit our guides on Mountain Hikes around Sault, Road Cycling Routes around Sault, and Gravel biking around Sault.

For hikers, the area offers several rewarding trails. You can tackle the "Summit of Mont Ventoux loop from Mont Ventoux" for a moderate challenge or the "Pass of Storms – Grand panorama loop from Chalet Reynard" for a more difficult ascent with stunning views. These trails provide an excellent way to experience the unique landscapes of Mont Ventoux. Find more options in our Mountain Hikes around Sault guide.

The best time to visit Sault for outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking, is typically from spring to early autumn. During spring, you might encounter cooler temperatures and need extra layers, especially at higher elevations like Mont Ventoux. The summer months offer warmer weather, ideal for exploring, though the summit of Mont Ventoux can still be chilly. Always be prepared for varying conditions, particularly at altitude.

Absolutely. The Nesque gorges from Villes-sur-Auzon offer a wonderful road with an incredible view, with a slight upward incline that makes it enjoyable for road cyclists. The Nesque Gorge Road is also highly recommended, with a very moderate slope, allowing you to properly enjoy the impressive scenery and rock faces.

Climbing Mont Ventoux summit is a must for many. The ascent can be challenging, especially the last part through the scree desert, which is breathtaking. At the summit, you'll find the famous sign "summit of Mont Ventoux 1,912 meters" where many cyclists take photos. The Belvedere of Provence and the Belvedere of the Alps offer extensive views. Be sure to bring extra layers, even in spring, as temperatures can drop significantly at the top.

Yes, the Sault area is rich in stunning viewpoints. The Mont Ventoux summit provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Albion plateau to the Mediterranean and the northern Pre-Alps and Alps on a clear day. The Pass of Storms also offers magnificent vistas as one of the last bends of the final ascent to Mont Ventoux.

While popular, the eastern section of the Nesque Gorge Road is often considered less traveled than other routes to Mont Ventoux, offering equally impressive scenery. Exploring the gorge by bike or on foot can provide a more serene experience. Look for local beekeepers along the downhill sections of the Nesque gorges for a taste of local honey, a small, delightful discovery.

The roads through the Nesque Gorge, such as Nesque Gorge Road, are generally in good condition. They are spectacularly built into the rock face in places and include some short tunnels that are unproblematic even without lights. The incline is typically moderate, making for an enjoyable ride. Mountain passes like the Pass of Storms are well-maintained for cycling, though they present more challenging ascents.

For cyclists, starting your ride through The Nesque gorges from Villes-sur-Auzon towards Monieux is highly recommended as the road has a gentle upward incline. When tackling Mont Ventoux, be prepared for significant temperature changes; even if it's warm in the valley, it can be near freezing at the summit. Always carry sufficient water and snacks, and consider the wind, which can be strong on the exposed mountain sections.