Grand Site of France Cirque de Navacelles
The Cirque de Navacelles is an unmissable destination for nature lovers. This spectacular canyon, carved by the Vis river, plunges over 300 meters, offering unique panoramas.
A spectacular immersion!
The surroundings of Grand Site of France of the Cirque de Navacelles, also labeled Grand Site Occitanie, offer a striking spectacle. The approach to the site traverses the vast landscapes of the Causses and Cévennes, shaped by agro-pastoralism and classified as UNESCO World Heritage: caussenard farms, lavognes or doline crops punctuate the way.
These caussenard expanses lead to the belvedere of the Baume Auriol, an exceptional panoramic viewpoint over the Cirque de Navacelles, its famous "oyster" and its hamlet nestled at the bottom of the gorges of the Vis. Behind the dry stone walls surrounding the belvedere, the gaze is immediately captivated by the immensity of the cirque, nearly 2 kilometers wide and 300 meters deep.
Carved between the Larzac causses, in Hérault, and Blandas, in Gard, this unique geological site formed 6,000 years ago, when the Vis River abandoned a meander, drawing a crescent of fertile meadow dominated by the Rocher de la Vierge.
The descent to the hamlet is then a must. It can be done on foot, via the Mailman's path, or by a winding road winding along the cirque.
Set off for a Nature Escape Without Car by exploring the 3 Grand Sites of France of the Heart of Hérault and enjoy our all-inclusive offers!
Leave your car aside and explore the Cirque de Navacelles, the Salagou Cirque de Mourèze, and the Gorges de l'Hérault on a journey at the pace of breathtaking landscapes!
The essentials
Places to visit
- The belvedere of the Baume Auriol
Enjoy a breathtaking panorama! - The hamlet of Navacelles
In this picturesque village, nestled in the heart of the cirque, wander the small alleys, admire historical remains, and climb to the Rocher de la Vierge. - The waterfall of the Vis
Perfect for a photo stop or a refreshing moment in summer. - The Mills of the Foux
Explore these historical mills, witnesses of the local agropastoral past and dive into a magical ambiance at the resurgence of the Vis.
Activities
Discover a variety of nature activities at the Cirque de Navacelles, for all profiles: families, athletes, seniors, hikers with dogs or landscape and history lovers.
By foot, by mountain bike or electric bike, during guided tours, nature walks, or landscape readings, explore the places at your own pace. An ideal getaway between relaxation, adventure, and heritage in Occitanie.
Where to eat?
- At the belvedere of the Baume Auriol: panoramic restaurant Chez Lucienne,
- In the hamlet of Navacelles: crêperie of Mas Guilhou and Auberge de la Cascade.
Where to sleep?
- In the hamlet of Navacelles: in the guest rooms of L'Oustal del Passejaïre or L'Ammonite, at the group gîte the Auberge de la Cascade or at the gîte step of Mas Guilhou.
- In the surroundings: many accommodations are available to you, find them below.
Where to park?
- Parking at the Belvedere of the Baume Auriol: free all year round.
- Parking at the hamlet of Navacelles: paid from April to October (4€ per day).
How to travel by bus and shuttles?
Free shuttles between the belvederes of the Baume Auriol (Hérault) and Blandas (Gard) towards the hamlet of Navacelles:
From May to September, according to the schedule: Schedules available soon.
- May, June, and September: weekends and public holidays.
- July and August: 7 days a week.
Bus connections from Lodève to the cirque de Navacelles.
From 12/07 to 24/08/26: summer line Lio Hérault Transport.
Timetables for the Navette du Cirque de Navacelles available soon.
Towns served by the bus: St-Maurice-Navacelles, La-Vacquerie-et-St-Martin-de-Castries, St-Étienne-de-Gourgas, St-Pierre-de-la-Fage, Soubès.
More information
The cirque de Navacelles in video
