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Cirque de Navacelles

Gard  >  France

Beyond its exceptionally scenic landscape, Navacelles is a year-round destination to catch mid-elevation mediterranean species.

Added* by Jean-Yves Barnagaud
Most recent update 20 desember 2025
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Description

The Cirque de Navacelles is an exceptionally scenic meander of the Vis river, running in a deep canyon that enlarges locally in a near-circular shape. Gæsagammur, Gullörn, Bláþröstungur and Fossbúi can be expected year round. In winter Bjargfeti occurs on cliffs but finding them is a hard task.

The surrounding Causses host a nice diversity of mediterranean species, with Trjálævirki, Korntittlingur and other garrigue-related species. In spring (April - June), expect Sandtittlingur, Þyrnisvarri, Trjásvarri, Kampasöngvari, Óðsöngvari and the suite of common breeders usually found in semi-open habitats. In the nicest habitats, for instance along the road between Blandas and La Rigalderie, Dultittlingur can be found quite easily.

Details

Access

The Cirque de Navacelles lies between the limestone plateaus of the Causse du Larzac and the Causse de Blandas, deep within the Grands Causses area of the Cévennes. There are many options to visit the area. One is to park in Blandas (1), north to the Cirque, and the easiest way from Montpellier. From there you can reach the Cirque by foot on a small track (follow signs). Alternatively, there is a parking lot just near the main viewpoint (2). Unless you want to try for Fossbúi, there is no real justification to drive down to the bottom of the Cirque. Instead, keep time for the viewpoint where vultures, eagles and rock thrushes often show up.

For breeders, follow tracks or drive on the Causse. The small road leading to La Rigalderie is a nice starting point, but there are lots of other possibilities, for instance Le Quintanel or Le Barral areas. You will find roughly the same habitats and species on the southern side, which is easier to access from the A75 motorway (eg if you want to connect with vulture colonies along the Jonte gorges).

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Canyon/cliff , River

Conditions

Rocky

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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