The Parc des Courtinals
The main discovery area of the cirque, with waymarked trails suitable for everyone. You will find oppidum sites, prehistoric remains, dolmens and lovely views over the dolomite maze. Allow 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely visit.
17 km from the gîtes · Grand Site de France · Hérault
The Cirque de Mourèze, a one-of-a-kind dolomite landscape 20 minutes from our gîtes
Just 17 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, the Cirque de Mourèze is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Languedoc. Its dolomite rocks, sculpted into strange shapes by millions of years of erosion, its medieval village and its garrigue trails make it an unmissable day out from the Salagou.
17 km from the gîtes
Grand Site de France
Dolomite rock formations
Medieval village
17 kmfrom La Bergerie du Mas Delon
Grand Siteclassified Grand Site de France
Dolomitesrocks sculpted over millions of years
VillageMourèze, a medieval village nestled in the cirque
The Cirque de Mourèze, a landscape like no other
The Cirque de Mourèze is a maze of dolomite rocks with strange, striking shapes, sculpted by erosion over hundreds of millions of years. Across 8 kilometres, gigantic limestone columns reach for the sky in a 340-hectare amphitheatre — the largest stone forest in France. Some of the petrified columns take on uncanny forms: a human skull, the silhouette of a bird of prey.
Unlike the red ruffe landscapes of nearby Lake Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze stands out for its white and grey limestone, its vegetation of kermes oaks and junipers, and its silent atmosphere. Though neighbours, the two sites offer completely different visual experiences.
Free entry the cirque is open all year round
Waymarked trails Parc des Courtinals and a range of loops
Medieval village Mourèze, stone and history
Pairs well with the Salagou two complementary sites 4 km apart
📷 Christian Ferrer — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
What to see and do at the Cirque de Mourèze?
There are several ways to explore the site, from a short family stroll to a full hike through the rock maze.
The medieval village of Mourèze
The village nestles at the foot of the cirque's rocks. Its stone lanes, its church and its houses clinging to the rock bear witness to the medieval architecture of the Languedoc. A pleasant starting point for the trails.
Hiking through the rock maze
Four waymarked routes cross the cirque, weaving between the rocks and the junipers. The easiest is a 45-minute loop suitable for everyone; the other three take 2h15 to 3h30 — bring good shoes and avoid very hot days, as shade is scarce.
Viewpoints and lookouts
Natural viewpoints let you take in the whole cirque from above. The view over Lake Salagou and the plains of the Hérault from some of the cirque's summits is breathtaking.
Mediterranean flora and fauna
The cirque is home to typical Mediterranean garrigue vegetation: kermes oaks, junipers, rockroses and wild lavender. In spring, the blossom is remarkable. The wildlife includes reptiles, garrigue birds and butterflies.
Getting to Mourèze by car
The village of Mourèze can be reached by car from Clermont-l'Hérault, Lodève or directly from the shores of the Salagou. There is a car park at the entrance to the village, from which the cirque's trails start on foot.
The Cirque de Mourèze in pictures
A few views of the dolomite maze, the village and the surrounding landscapes.
Two exceptional sites to combine from our gîtes
Staying at La Bergerie du Mas Delon puts you 4 km from Lake Salagou and 17 km from the Cirque de Mourèze. Though very close geographically, the two sites offer radically different landscapes: blue water and red ruffes at the lake, white rock and garrigue at the cirque.
A typical day: morning at the Cirque de Mourèze to enjoy the light and the cool air, afternoon at Lake Salagou for swimming or water sports, then back to the gîte and the heated pool in the evening.
17 kmCirque de Mourèze from the gîtes
4 kmLake Salagou from the gîtes
7 kmLodève
16 kmClermont-l'Hérault
Frequently asked questions about the Cirque de Mourèze
Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Cirque de Mourèze.
What is the Cirque de Mourèze?
The Cirque de Mourèze is an outstanding natural site in the Hérault, classified as a Grand Site de France. It is made up of dolomite rock formations sculpted into spectacular shapes by erosion, a medieval village and hiking trails through Mediterranean garrigue scrubland.
How far is the Cirque de Mourèze from La Bergerie du Mas Delon?
The Cirque de Mourèze is about 17 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, roughly a 20-minute drive. It is easy to combine with a visit to Lake Salagou on the same day.
Can you visit the Cirque de Mourèze with children?
Yes, the Cirque de Mourèze is very family-friendly. The trails in the Parc des Courtinals are easy and let you discover the rocks from well-laid-out paths. Children love the strange shapes of the dolomites. Bring good shoes and water.
Is there a village in the Cirque de Mourèze?
Yes, the medieval village of Mourèze nestles at the heart of the cirque. Its narrow lanes and stone houses bear witness to the architecture of the Languedoc. It is the main starting point for the trails through the dolomite maze.
Is the Cirque de Mourèze close to Lake Salagou?
Yes, the two sites belong to the same Grand Site Salagou - Cirque de Mourèze. They are just a few kilometres apart and are ideally visited on the same day from La Bergerie du Mas Delon.
What is the best season to visit the Cirque de Mourèze?
The cirque is beautiful all year round. Spring is ideal for the flowering vegetation and mild temperatures. In summer, visit early in the morning. Autumn brings superb light on the rocks. Avoid days of heavy rain, as the trails become slippery.
Stay near the Cirque de Mourèze and Lake Salagou
La Bergerie du Mas Delon is ideally located: 17 km from the Cirque de Mourèze, 4 km from Lake Salagou. 11 gîtes, a heated pool and wide open spaces.