In Languedoc, in the South of France, there is an amazing natural site, carved out of
the limestone of the Causses plateau: the ‘Grand Site du Cirque de Navacelles’
(Cirque de Navacelles Major Tourist Attraction).
At the heart of the Causses and Cévennes area, a classified UNESCO World Heritage site, the ‘Grand Site du Cirque de Navacelles’ was formed long ago when a meander of the river Vis carved it into the limestone of the Causse plateau. Today, the river has dried up, leaving a wonderful spectacle of nature.
To explore the site properly, you must go right down to the bottom of the 300m deep cirque, or circus. At the bottom, amidst an oasis of greenery beside the Vis waterfall, you'll find the tiny village of Navacelles. There is also a nature trail, easily accessible to all.
Today, the Cirque de Navacelles has the 'Grands Sites de France' label, and is proud
to welcome more than 250,000 visitors each year.
Since 2011, the Causse & Cévennes area surrounding the Cirque has been
a classified UNESCO World Heritage site.
Each season brings a very special
atmosphere to the site:
- in summer, the cicadas chirp in the harsh
sunlight and hazy heat
- in winter, layers of mist veil the bottom of the Cirque, creating a silent, cocooned atmosphere.
The Baume Auriol viewpoint offers panoramic views over the Cirque and you can also get something to eat and taste some local produce.
An information point and exhibition
explain the site and all its riches.
On the plateau, dolmens, standing stones and other prehistoric structures bear witness to the rituals and beliefs of the people who lived
there during the Neolithic era.
Higher up, at the Moulin de la Foux, don't miss where the Vis river reappears, bubbling up from underground in a spectacular manner, having changed its course over a number of kilometres.
