Cirque de Navacelles, Natural geological formation in Occitania, France.
Cirque de Navacelles is a natural sinkhole in Occitania formed by erosion, featuring steep limestone walls surrounding a wide valley below. The Vis River flows through the bottom, creating a circular formation visible from multiple viewpoints.
The Vis River carved an ancient oxbow lake over millions of years before the water course shifted, abandoning the depression. This geological process created the circular formation that remains visible today.
The site draws nature lovers and hikers who come to experience the dramatic landscape and its geological wonders. Visitors use the vantage points to connect with the region's natural environment and learn about its formation.
The main viewing platforms are accessible from the villages of Blandas and Baume Auriol, each offering different perspectives of the valley. The approaches to these spots are generally accessible and allow visitors to appreciate the formation from multiple angles.
The Vis River maintains a constant temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius year-round, suggesting its fed by underground springs. This stable temperature sustains a steady water flow that continues to shape the valley's geology.
Location: Occitania
Address: Route de, 30770 Blandas, France
Phone: +33467810172
Website: https://cirquenavacelles.com
GPS coordinates: 43.89421,3.51678
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Occitanie encompasses an architectural and natural heritage that reflects many centuries of history. Medieval villages are nestled in valleys and on heights, while castles and monasteries tell of the era of the Cathars and religious orders. The region also features remarkable geological formations: deep gorges, waterfalls, potholes, and caves decorated with prehistoric paintings. Among the sites to visit, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie overlooks the Lot Valley with its stone houses and narrow streets. The Peyrepertuse fortress stands at 800 meters above sea level on a rocky spur in the Corbières. The Navacelles cirque reveals a canyon carved by the Vis River, while the Gorges de la Jonte provide trails through a habitat for vultures. The Lagrasse Abbey maintains its medieval architecture on the banks of the Orbieu, and the Niaux Cave houses Magdalenian paintings dating back 14,000 years. Natural curiosities like the Gouffre de l'Oeil Doux and the intermittent Fountain of Fontestorbes complete this territory where history and geology meet.
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