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40 km from the gîtes · Grand Site Occitanie · Hérault / Gard

The Cirque de Navacelles, a fossilised meander and dizzying landscape 50 minutes from our gîtes

The Cirque de Navacelles is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Languedoc. This fossilised meander of the River Vis has carved limestone cliffs 300 metres high, with the village of Navacelles nestled at the bottom. Classified as a Grand Site Occitanie, it is a must-see from La Bergerie du Mas Delon.

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40 km from the gîtes 300 m cliffs Grand Site Occitanie Swimming in the Vis
40 kmfrom La Bergerie du Mas Delon
300 mof limestone cliffs above the village
Grand SiteOccitanie, one of the finest in France
Swimmingthe River Vis at the bottom of the cirque

The Cirque de Navacelles, an exceptional geological site

The Cirque de Navacelles was born of a rare geological phenomenon: the River Vis, which once meandered across the limestone plateau of the Cévennes, gradually cut through its own banks until it met its own waters, abandoning the meander to carve itself a more direct path. That fossilised meander — the cirque — is now one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Languedoc.

From the viewpoints on the plateau (on either the Hérault or the Gard side), the plunging view over the cirque and the village of Navacelles, 300 metres below, is dizzying. A hairpin road takes you down to the bottom to swim in the Vis and explore the village.

Spectacular viewpoints plunging views over the cirque from the plateau
Drive down to the bottom hairpin road, village of Navacelles
Swimming in the Vis cool water at the bottom of the meander
Hiking trails around the cirque, GR7
Aerial drone view of the Cirque de Navacelles, the meander of the Vis and the village at the bottom of the canyon

📷 Dourbies-drone — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What to see and do at the Cirque de Navacelles?

Even a full day is not enough to explore every side of the cirque. Here are the highlights.

The viewpoints

Two main viewpoints offer spectacular views: the north viewpoint (Hérault side, D25) and the south viewpoint (Gard side, D113). The view from the plateau, with the cirque 300 metres below and the village at the bottom, is one of the most striking in the Languedoc.

The best view is from the Causse de Blandas. Coming from Ganges, follow the Vis to the lovely village of Madières, then take the road on the right that climbs the mountainside towards Montardier; once on the causse, follow the signs to Blandas — the orientation table is signposted.

The drive down to the village of Navacelles

A hairpin road winds down to the bottom of the cirque and the village of Navacelles. The village still has its water mill and its medieval bridge. It is a journey back in time, at the bottom of a limestone bowl sheltered from the wind and the outside world.

Swimming in the Vis

At the bottom of the cirque, the River Vis offers natural swimming spots in cool waters. The pools formed by the river can be reached from the village of Navacelles. Perfect for a refreshing break after the drive down.

Hiking around the cirque

Several trails let you walk around the cirque from the viewpoints. The GR7 crosses the area. The cirque loop (10-15 km) offers varied views over the fossilised meander from both sides of the plateau.

The Gorges de la Vis

Upstream of the cirque, the Gorges de la Vis offer wild, little-visited landscapes. The road follows the river for kilometres at a stretch, with opportunities for wild swimming in unspoilt spots.

Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert

About 25 km from the Cirque de Navacelles, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and the gorges of the Hérault round off a day among the gorges and meanders of the Languedoc. The two sites make a lovely combination for a full day out.

From La Bergerie du Mas Delon, a day at the cirque

The Cirque de Navacelles is about 40 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, a 50-minute drive through the landscapes of the Hérault hinterland. Set off in the morning to enjoy the viewpoints in the morning light, drive down to the bottom for a picnic and a swim in the Vis, then head back via Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (30 km from the cirque).

40 kmCirque de Navacelles
4 kmLake Salagou
31 kmSaint-Guilhem-le-Désert
17 kmCirque de Mourèze
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The Cirque de Navacelles seen from the viewpoint, fossilised meander of the Vis

Frequently asked questions about the Cirque de Navacelles

Everything you need to know before visiting this Grand Site Occitanie.

What is the Cirque de Navacelles?

The Cirque de Navacelles is a fossilised meander of the River Vis, whose limestone cliffs plunge 300 metres down to the village of Navacelles. It is a Grand Site Occitanie and one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the Languedoc.

How far is the Cirque de Navacelles from La Bergerie du Mas Delon?

The Cirque de Navacelles is about 40 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, roughly a 50- to 55-minute drive along the Cévennes road. A full day gives you time to enjoy the viewpoints and drive down to the bottom of the cirque.

Can you drive down to the bottom of the Cirque de Navacelles?

Yes, a hairpin road winds down to the bottom of the cirque and the village of Navacelles. From the bottom, you can swim in the Vis and walk up the gorges. The viewpoints on the plateau offer the most spectacular view of the meander.

Is the Cirque de Navacelles suitable for families?

Yes, the cirque is family-friendly. The drive down is spectacular in itself. Children enjoy swimming in the Vis and discovering the village of Navacelles at the bottom of the cirque. The trails around the viewpoints are suitable for everyone.

Explore the Languedoc from La Bergerie du Mas Delon

The Cirque de Navacelles, Lake Salagou, the Cirque de Mourèze, the gorges of the Hérault: the Bergerie is your ideal base for the greatest natural sites of the Hérault.

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