The Navacelles and Moulins de la Foux trail takes you down into the Cirque de Navacelles, a dramatic amphitheatre of limestone cut by the Vis River in the Occitanie region of southern France. The route is a loop, and it begins and ends in the area around Montpellier, which makes it a practical outing for a day away from the city.
The walk starts at the hamlet of Navacelles, perched above the cirque, and descends into the valley. From there the path follows the Vis River, with the steep grey walls of the limestone rising on either side. The landscape changes as you go, moving between open rock faces and stretches of lush greenery where the river has carved its course.
What you will see
- The striking limestone scenery of the cirque, shaped over a long period by the river
- The Vis River, which runs along much of the route
- The historic mills of the Moulins de la Foux, reached on the valley floor
- Greenery and wildlife typical of a river valley in this part of France
What kind of visit it is
This is a walk for hikers and nature lovers. The loop is around 10 kilometres, so it suits a half day or a full day at a steady pace, though the descent and climb back up should be kept in mind when planning your time and energy. Good footwear is sensible on the rocky sections, and it is worth bringing water and food, as there is little to rely on once you are down in the valley.
Because the route follows the river and passes the old mills, it rewards a slower pace. Stop to look at the rock formations and the water, and allow time to take in the mills before heading back. Check conditions before you set out, particularly after heavy rain, when the paths and river levels can change.