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Cirque de Navacelles: A Geological Masterpiece

Discover the breathtaking Cirque de Navacelles, a geological wonder in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Causses and Cévennes region.

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The Cirque de Navacelles is a stunning natural amphitheater carved by the Vis River over millennia. Located in the heart of the Causses and Cévennes region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this impressive canyon offers breathtaking views and a unique landscape for exploration.

A brief summary to Cirque de Navacelles

Local tips

  • Visit the Maison du Grand Site de France for information, exhibits, and a film about the geology and archaeology of the Cirque de Navacelles.
  • Explore the marked footpaths and trails for walking, mountain biking, or horseback riding to fully appreciate the landscape.
  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service in the summer to descend to the hamlet of Navacelles and avoid traffic congestion.
  • Bring good walking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially if you plan to hike.
  • Visit during different seasons to experience the unique charm of the Cirque de Navacelles, from the profusion of flora and fauna in summer to the tranquility of winter.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Le Vigan, take the D48 and D113 to reach the Cirque de Navacelles. Follow signs to the Belvédères de Blandas or Baume Auriol for panoramic views. Parking is available at the belvederes. Be aware that the descent to the hamlet of Navacelles is not recommended for large vehicles due to narrow roads. Parking in the hamlet of Navacelles is paid from April 1 to October 31; the rate is €4 for 24 hours.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus line 105 from Le Vigan, which stops at Blandas and terminates at Vissec. From Lodève, take the 'La Draille' inter-town bus. From Montpellier or Nîmes station, take the bus to Lodève, then transfer to the inter-town bus. In summer, a shuttle service operates from Le Vigan to the Belvédères de Blandas and the hamlet of Navacelles. The bus fare from Montpellier or Nîmes to Le Vigan is approximately €1-1.50.

  • Walking

    Several hiking trails lead to the Cirque de Navacelles from the Belvédères de Blandas, with varying durations between 1 to 3 hours. From Vissec, a 3-hour botanical trail passes above the Moulins de la Foux. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water.

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Discover more about Cirque de Navacelles

The Cirque de Navacelles, a designated Grand Site de France, presents a dramatic landscape where the Vis River has carved a 300-meter-deep canyon into the limestone plateaus of the southern Massif Central. This natural amphitheater, straddling the Gard and Hérault departments, is a testament to the power of water and time. Originally, the Vis River meandered through this area, but over thousands of years, it cut a more direct route, abandoning its old riverbed and creating the impressive cirque we see today. The river's former path left behind an oxbow lake, which eventually dried up, leaving fertile land that now contrasts sharply with the surrounding arid landscape. From the panoramic viewpoints at the Belvédère de la Baume Auriol and the Belvédères de Blandas, visitors can fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the cirque. The picturesque village of Navacelles, nestled at the bottom of the canyon, adds to the charm of the site, complete with a waterfall and a serene environment. The area is ideal for slow tourism, inviting visitors to observe the wildlife, smell aromatic plants and explore the rural heritage. Visitors can explore several hiking trails that wind through the cirque and the Gorges de la Vis, offering different perspectives of this geological wonder. The nearby Moulins de la Foux, restored watermills, showcase the region's history and the ingenuity of past inhabitants.

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