The Cirque of Navacelles: why visit and what to do there?
The Cirque de Navacelles, located between Hérault and Gard, is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Occitanie. This spectacular place, classified as a Grand Site de France and listed by UNESCO, is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to visit the south of France and discover unique landscapes.
Why visit the Cirque de Navacelles?
A geological landscape unique in Europe
The Cirque was formed by the erosion of the Vis River, leaving behind a spectacular ancient meander. The result is a huge natural amphitheatre surrounded by limestone cliffs and wild plateaus.
Located just an hour from Montpellier, Navacelles immerses visitors in a bright and soothing atmosphere, a stark contrast to the stress and bustle of everyday city life.
A listed and protected site
Located between the Causses and the Cévennes, this area has been listed as a Grande Site de France and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. The landscapes remain wild, the villages authentic, and nature omnipresent. The Cirque de Navacelles is every bit as impressive as other sites in Occitanie and even France.
The most beautiful views of the Cirque de Navacelles
Belvédère de la Baume Auriol
The main viewpoint, easily accessible by car, offers the most impressive view of the entire Cirque. With orientation tables, a restaurant and a panoramic trail, it is a must-see. The more curious among you can even see a lavogne (a type of cave dwelling) and a troglodyte house built on the side of the cliff.
Blandas viewpoint
Quieter, perfect for admiring the canyon in a peaceful atmosphere. Ideal for photographers or those looking for a less crowded spot.
If you have good eyesight, you can see the village and even a waterfall.
In season, there is a tourist office and a café-restaurant, but in winter only the toilets remain accessible.
What to do at Cirque de Navacelles?
Hiking trails around Cirque de Navacelles
There are numerous trails of all levels for exploring the canyon:
- The descent to the hamlet (medium level)
- The short climb to the white virgin, a nice view without too much effort
- Walks on the Larzac plateaus with incredible views on the Blandas or Auriol side
- The hiking loop leading to the Foux mills, offering swimming spots and unspoilt nature
Perfect for an active day in the great outdoors.
Explore the hamlet of Navacelles At the bottom of the cirque, this small, unspoilt village offers unique charm, a medieval hamlet of 19 inhabitants with a peaceful river, a stone bridge and pretty traditional houses. A perfect place for a refreshing break on the banks of the Vis.
If you come in winter, you'll feel like you're alone in the world, and with the white cherry blossoms, you'll be immersed in a special, almost unreal atmosphere. I love it...
Enjoy the Navacelles waterfall
➡ For waterfall enthusiasts, next to the hamlet you can go down to the banks of the Vis river, fish, have a picnic and even dip your feet in the water.
If you would like to find out more, visit our page dedicated to the Cirque of Navacelles waterfall
How to get to the Cirque de Navacelles?
By car
There are two main access routes:
- Via La Baume Auriol (Hérault) – a narrow, vertiginous road but very scenic
- Via Blandas (Gard) – a road with hairpin bends, slightly wider than the one via La Baume Auriol, with equally impressive views
🅿 Parking is compulsory at the viewpoints during high season (shuttle buses available).
From Montpellier
The site is a 1 hour 15 minute drive away, via Ganges or Lodève.
The roads are sometimes narrow and winding: ideal for travellers who are comfortable driving.
📌 Easy alternative: guided tour from Montpellier
Practical tips to make the most of your visit
🕒 Best season: April to October
🌡 Avoid the hottest hours of the day in summer (there is little shade on some GR trails)
👟 Good walking shoes are recommended for visiting the mills
💧 Water is essential, as there are few places to refill your bottles
📷 The light is incredible in the late afternoon
🚌 In summer: remember to take the shuttle bus down to the cirque
FAQ: Everything you need to know before you come
Is the Cirque de Navacelles accessible on foot?
Yes. Several trails connect the viewpoints to the hamlet. Allow between 30 and 50 minutes depending on your route.
Can you swim in the Vis?
Some areas allow it, but swimming is regulated. Always check the signs on site.
Are there any restaurants or cafés?
Yes: there is a restaurant at the Baume Auriol viewpoint and a few options in the hamlet depending on the season.
Can you visit without a car?
Yes, with a guided tour from Montpellier (Wisud) or by combining train + taxi from Lodève or Le Vigan.
Do you need to book in advance?
Not for the self-guided tour.Yes for the guided tour (places limited to 8 people).
Visit the Cirque de Navacelles from Montpellier
Would you like to discover this spectacular site without stress and with a passionate guide?
Wisud offers a small group excursion (max. 8 people) including:
- The most beautiful viewpoints
- The descent into the Cirque
- The hamlet of Navacelles and its waterfall
- The mills and its resurgence
- Panoramic stops on the Causses
