Cirque d'Archiane, Natural amphitheater in Châtillon-en-Diois, France
Cirque d'Archiane is a natural amphitheater formation where limestone cliffs rise approximately 400 meters (1,300 feet) and create a basin-shaped bowl. The structure was carved by erosion and sits at the southern edge of the Vercors mountain range.
The formation developed over millions of years as water erosion carved away limestone and created this distinctive bowl-shaped structure. Starting in the 1990s, Alpine ibexes were introduced to the area and their population has grown significantly since then.
The site takes its name from a local stream, and visitors come here to witness the dramatic rock walls and observe wildlife in their natural setting. People use this place to walk beneath the cliffs and experience the scale of the landscape firsthand.
A marked circular trail begins from Archiane village and takes roughly two to three hours to complete the full route. Visitors should wear proper hiking shoes and check seasonal conditions, as the path can be challenging during winter or after heavy rain.
The area serves as a nesting ground for all four European vulture species: bearded, griffon, Egyptian, and black vultures, which breed together here. This vulture community is rare and makes the cliffs an important viewing spot for birdwatchers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
