Visit the Cirque de Navacelles: full guide

Don't miss the fifteenth Grand Site of France! If you are in Occitania, not far from Montpellier, visit the Cirque de Navacelles!

Like a deep and majestic meander dug by the Vis and cloisonné of limestone walls, Cirque de Navacelles is a must see in the occitane region. Located between the Blandas causses and the Larzac causses, Cirque de Navacelles, 300 metres deep, is one of the largest canyon in Europe . And her palm is not stopping there! Indeed, since 2017, he has obtained the label Grand Site de France greatly deserved. Between green plateaus, deserted expanses and caussenard steppes, Cirque de Navacelles promises a total change. Do you want to visit Cirque de Navacelles and admire its breathtaking landscapes? To help you in your adventures, we give you in this article some ideas to discover it.

Cirque de Navacelles in a few words

Without too much in the scholarly details, Cirque de Navacelles is a circular enclosure formed by the erosion of limestone plateaus of the Jurassic. This ruinous landscape is today a classified and protected site. Indeed, the preservation of this natural space is a great challenge because it is an ecological and geological wonder.

Visiting Cirque de Navacelles is discovering a majestic and immense place composed of a wild fauna and flora. Over the years, nature reclaims its rights and animals are reintroduced to make it a reference point in terms of ecotourism . If you come to visit Cirque de Navacelles, you will need to take part in this dynamic by respecting the places and enhancing local tourism.

What to do and what to see at Cirque de Navacelles?

The viewers

Before visiting Cirque de Navacelles long, wide and across, why not admire it by taking height? The viewpoints of Blandas are located near the village of the same name and offer a breathtaking view of the place.

The three viewpoints – the Oaks, the Doline and the Cascade – are panoramic points but also rendezvous points. Indeed, from here you will be offered guided tours like the one called Landscape readings . Through it you will discover the history of the circus, as well as the biodiversity that composes it.

The hamlet of Navacelles

Why is the circus so called? This name is simply due to the hamlet of Navacelles which is in the heart of the circus. This must-see is truly charming and picturesque. Do not hesitate to take a break before continuing to visit Cirque de Navacelles.

In her bosom, you will discover the ruins of Notre-Dame Chapel and the Rocher de la Vierge that makes the pride of the whole region. For the anecdote, the heraults nickname the oyster.

The waterfall of the Vis

Don't miss under any pretext! The waterfall of the Vis is splendid and majestic. Its crystal clear waters surrounded by green nature are conducive to swimming. Be careful because the river is rather cold. However, in the summer, a dip in its waters will delight everyone.

In addition to swimming, you can visit the Cirque de Navacelles by climbing the waterfall of eight meters high through a pretty muletier bridge has an arch built in 1595.

The mills of the Foux

Didn't you expect to visit Cirque de Navacelles under all seams? At Wanderlix, we do this well by offering you all the must-sees of the circus and we couldn't miss the famous mills of the Foux! In addition, if you are in search of Fraieur, this is the ideal place!

The Foux is in fact the place of the resurgence of the Vis, so where the flow is highest. Man, willing to take advantage of this power, built water mills to use this hydraulic energy. Nowadays, you can see that the mills of the era (XVII century) are simply renovated. Inside, you can discover an exhibition on Cirque de Navacelles.

Cirque Canyon

You doubt that, to visit the Cirque de Navacelles, you must explore its canyon! In her bosom you will be amazed by the greatness and beauty of the place! The exceptional fauna and flora give a touch of magic instead. We also remind you that the place is a protected reserve of biodiversity beyond the norm, so respect the place. Take pictures, breathe fresh air, walk... so that you are in harmony with nature!

This natural swell is visited in the simplest way like walking or mountain biking, but you can also choose more original excursions such as a circus overflight or a kayak ride. So how are you going to visit Cirque de Navacelles?

How to visit Cirque de Navacelles?

Hiking

Visit Cirque de Navacelles while hiking is the perfect option! Indeed, it is a natural territory preserved so the walks are very pleasant. In addition, they allow you to take the time, either to observe the landscape, to feel the flowers or to listen to the birds, you can go at your own pace to visit the Cirque de Navacelles.

Cirque de Navacelles has a large network of hikes so you can't lose yourself since everything is maintained and marked.

Orientation course

The varied and charming landscapes of Cirque de Navacelles seduce you, but you want to add a little spicy? We have the ideal solution for you: to visit Cirque de Navacelles while making an orientation race!

By practicing this activity, you will realize the beauty of the place, but you will also be surprised by the animals that frog. Indeed, it is not uncommon to cross a hare in high herbs. Ready?

Bike or mountain bike discovery

The Canyon de la Vis is one of the Great Sites of France that you must visit absolutely. So why not visit Cirque de Navacelles by bike or mountain biking? Cycling is an activity that combines conviviality and effort to take full eyes. The southern Causses will not leave you indifferent: their immensity, varied landscapes and biodiversity make the place astonishing and charming.

Whether you're more cycling or mountain biking to do the break, there are several paths. Here are the main hiking trails:

• Green: Hiking Les Bords de l’Arre is done from the Vigan. Once you've crossed Avèze, you just have to reach _La Promenade du Viaduc_and you're heading to Bez-et-Esparon.
• Blue: Hiking The 3 Ponts is done from the Vigan. Once you arrive at the Three Bridges, take a break from the pool area. Still think of the return in this moment of relaxation!
• **Red:**Hiking The balconies of the Arre is done from the Vigan. Along the river, you will reach La Promenade du Viaduc, then Saint-Cau. A few meters before you arrive, a balcony path will take you to Lembrusquière.

Terms and rates

• To visit Cirque de Navacelles by bike, you will have to pay off 20€ to 50 (electric) for one day (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).
• All equipment is provided by the provider including: a quality bike, a helmet, a padlock and a repair kit.

Equestrian walk or donkey back

Equestrian walks or donkey-back hikes are almost an institution in the Cevennes. This original way of locomotion will allow you to visit Cirque de Navacelles in a singular and totally disappointing way.

Terms and rates

• As far as hiking with donkeys is concerned, they can be done during the day. However, if you want to prolong the adventure, you can book a donkey up to 10 days. The prices therefore oscillate between 50€ and 300€ depending on the duration.
• If you want to discover the surroundings on horseback, know that you can rent one for a maximum day. Accompanied hikes are available at all levels and children from 6 years old. For one day, the price is 95€, picnic included.

kayaking

What better than visiting Cirque de Navacelles by the water? Do you want a kayak activity? Follow the guide! Through the river, between fun and effort, you discover nature as you have never seen. Birds sing, undulating crystalline waters create waves, butterfly insects near flower buds... to attend this enchanting show, nothing better than a kayak trip. In addition, the activity will appeal to both small and large.

Terms and rates

• Depending on the chosen course, prices will go from 12€ to 30€.
• The minimum age is Six years.

Canyoning activity

Do you have a adventurer soul? The canyoning is the perfect activity to make full of strong sensations while visiting the Cirque de Navacelles! Between land and sea, this sporting activity allows you to discover the region as you have never seen before!

Visit the Cirque de Navacelles by making canyoning will appeal to the young and old! In fact, the fun and dizzy course will bring you down from the waterfalls as a reminder, pass through slides, climb walls, swim in the water... in short, you will be guaranteed that in the evening you will not make long fire after a day so rich in emotions!

Terms and rates

• This is an activity of a half day framed, accessible at all levels, however it is imperative to know how to swim.
• Depending on the selected options, prices will go from 30€ to 80€.

Excursion via ferrata

You want to challenge yourself and at the same time visit Cirque de Navacelles: opt for via ferrata. Halfway between hiking and climbing, this activity is a good idea to admire the region. In fact, taking from the height, you can admire the lake as well as the green nature or the majestic cliffs.

Terms and rates

• You will benefit from an experienced instructor who knows the region like this pocket.
• We'll have to count. between 30€ and 50€ for 3h.
• You will need to premunite with a backpack with bottles of water, a crust break, a suitable clothing depending on the weather and good walking shoes. Plus, one. sport profile is recommended.

Airplane overflight

If you want to visit Cirque de Navacelles in an original and surprising way, opt for an airplane flight! What better than taking height to admire the immensity and beauty of the place?

Departure takes place at the Montpellier Mediterranean airport. Comfortably installed in your seat, the birds for your own company, you will hang like an eagle. You will lose the notion of time by overflighting Lake Salagou , the circus of Navacelles, the Pic Saint Loup and the Château de Montferrand.

Terms and rates

• For an overview of Cirque de Navacelles by air, the fare is 97€.
• Regardless of the tour operator, you must present yourself 15 minutes before the time schedule set at the landing base. Then we'll explain the security rules and you'll be ready to take off!

How to get to Cirque de Navacelles?

Cirque de Navacelles is located in the Regional Natural Park of Grandes Causses not far from Montpellier . Being a dynamic and attractive metropolis, the capital of Hérault is very well served. Indeed, be by car (A9 and A75), by bus, by train (St Roch and A75) South of France ) or by plane ( Montpellier-Mediterranean ), you will easily access the city.

If you choose to fly to the region, help you with a comparison of flights like Skyscanner to find the best offer. The platform will tell you the best solution, according to your criteria.

Then, to get to Cirque de Navacelles from Montpellier, here are the two solutions you need:

• Car: it remains the best solution to get there because you are free from your trips and have no time constraints. The journey lasts a little over 1h. You will first have to catch the A750, then take the D25 and finally, the D130 direction Saint-Maurice-Navacelles. Access to cars and motorcycles is possible up to the Blandas skyscrapers, however the road is often crowded as the Navacelles car parks. Once you arrive at the Blandas deckhouses, we recommend that you go on foot or borrow them. shuttles (1,60€) set up for the summer period.
• Bus: line 608 makes the route Montpellier – Le Vigan, for €1.60 approximately 2h. Once on site, you will need to find a way of locomotion to visit Cirque de Navacelles. Why not choose to ride or hire bicycles?

Where to stay near Cirque de Navacelles?

The Cirque de Navacelles region is full of accommodation. Whether they are typical and traditional or cozy and modern, you will find many Airbnb nearby as in the small town of Larzac. If you prefer to stay in an establishment in order to be pampered the region abounds with cottages, guest houses and charming hotels . Saint-Maurice-Navacelles is the village we recommend. Indeed, it is close to Cirque de Navacelles and has all the amenities necessary for a holiday.

If you prefer to visit Cirque de Navacelles in the form of a day trip, check out that departures are often made from Montpellier. In this metropolis, the offer of accommodation is plethora. Indeed, you will also find some Airbnb of charm only hotels comfortable.

In short, you will have the choice to stay near Cirque de Navacelles!