Cirque de Navacelles - Hérault

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The Cirque de Navacelles – an Oasis in Occitanie

A region rich in magnificent natural attractions, notably the Grands Causses, Occitanie is an ideal destination for a holiday in the great outdoors, and especially if you choose the Cirque de Navacelles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the south of the sunny Cévénnes. The circular-shaped canyon is 300m deep and immediately recognisable by its gentle slopes, lush vegetation and indefinable rich atmosphere. An oasis in Occitanie is probably the best way to describe the ‘Cirque’ at any time of year ! Indeed, if you go to Navacelles in winter, the village at the bottom is often hidden in mist from the hills, while in summer singing cicadas can be heard everywhere. The romantic atmosphere which emanates from the Cirque de Navacelles makes it a popular destination for couples and there can be no better place to watch the sun setting than from the viewing platform at La Baume Auriol.

The Grand Canyon, Languedoc-style

The Cirque de Navacelles canyon is unique in Europe because of its dimensions. It is classed as a ‘Grand Site de France’ and is on part of the GR7 hiking path which runs from Andorra to the Vosges mountains in Eastern France. To be more precise, it is on the stage between the Causse de Blandas and the Causse de Larzac. Keep your eyes open on walks around the limestone and ‘garrigue’ amphitheatre, as the area is rich in remains from man’s presence during Neolithic times. If you fancy an afternoon of history and walking, why not follow the Circuit des Mégalithes, a trail through the hills above the Cirque, which starts and finishes in Le Vigan, through Blandas, Rogues and Montdardier, past numerous standing stones, a dolmen and a cromlec’h. If you haven’t got much time, there are several road trips to follow like the one from Baume Auriol to the foothills of Larzac where you can taste wine and admire ancient buildings of Languedoc like the Priory of Saint-Michel-de-Grandmont.

Roll up, roll up, welcome to the Cirque !

Vacances au cirque de navacelles — Although walking is the flagship activity at the Cirque de Navacelles, it is by no means the only way to explore the site. The largest canyon in Europe can be discovered by mountain bike thanks to 20 different well-maintained, signposted circuits. There are also routes for electric bikes to follow for less athletic visitors.
Enjoy horse riding off the beaten track with a guide through the countryside, around Blandas for example, organised by riding centres near the Cirque. Experience thrilling sensations of flying along a 100 metre long zip wire at the treetop adventure trail in Montdardier, where even little children can try new experiences on the trails for children aged 2 and over.
Discover Lac du Salagou, the Grotte de Clamouse with Gîtes de France de l'Hérault

Useful information

Access and Transport
The Cirque is reached by car via the Causse du Larzac to the south or the Causse de Blandas to the north.
From the Causse du Larzac, take D130 to reach the Cirque de Navacelles via Saint-Maurice-Navacelles and the viewing platform (Belvédère) at La Baume Auriol.
From the Causse de Blandas, take D713 via Blandas and the viewing platform (Belvédère) at Blandas."