Navacelles Cirque and Moulins de la Foux

A fairly conventional circuit that lets walkers admire the Cirque de Navacelles and hike in the gorges of La Vis. The ruins of the Moulins de la Foux are the ultimate goal of the hike, with beautiful explanations of these water mills and on the underground portion of the screw, not yet fully explored.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.43 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 520 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 514 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 622 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 326 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car parking area on the D130, just before the viewpoint of the Cirque de Navacelles.

(S) Head out into the parking lot to find the beginning of the trail, as well as a map and information about route markings. You will quickly approach the cliff and soon find the overview of the Cirque de Navacelles.

Some loops followed by a route due north on the rump of the hill leading, twenty minutes later, to the D130 and the first houses of the village. On the IGN map, the path is dotted but it is clearly visible on the ground.

(1) Cross the road and turn right through the village down to La Vis that you follow to the left by not crossing the Roman bridge.

Continue along the bank GRP Yellow and Red markings. 1 km further on you will encounter the D130 up to a submersible bridge. The circuit follows this road going up to the left for about 300 m. The markings are clear before crossroads. Avoid the shortcut that you see opposite.

(2) Arrive at the crossroads, continue on the clearly marked GRP route on the right.
You will head up La Vis on its right bank. You will see a dam and some riverside areas suitable for picnic. The trail is shady and near the river, without any particular dangers (in early May).

(3) At the next junction, leave the GRP and continue opposite to take the path to the right leading to the Moulins de la Foux. They are well signposted. A somewhat delicate section (slippery ground) and is equipped with a rope rail.

Soon arrive at the mills where there is a great deal of information provided on both the mills and the resurgence of La Vis encountered on the approach. The crossing poses no problem with the water flow rates when we visited. Be very careful during high water and, if necessary, turn back.

The way back is marked in yellow and quickly rises up providing beautiful views of the gorge. You reach the D713 road in a hairpin bend at marker 493.

(4) Take this road to the right downhill for around 350 m until you find a well-marked path down to Navacelles on your left. You will come upon many dry stone buildings (ruins) on your way.

(5) At the junction, go straight to quickly reach the river at the very bottom with beautiful views of its course and the famous Cirque de Navacelles. You reach the village at the Roman bridge.
Just before this, there is a small detour of 200 m that takes you to see the waterfalls. To do this, go straight along the path in front of the houses and arrive on a terrace from which you can see the waterfalls.

Turn back to the bridge, cross it and go up in the village. You might be drawn to pay a visit to the crêperie to the before then resuming the morning’s route in reverse to reach Baume Auriol and car park at the starting point.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 614 m - Cirque de Navacelles
  2. 1 : km 1.21 - alt. 398 m - D130, cross and go down to the village
  3. 2 : km 3.14 - alt. 370 m - Road junction, right on the GRP
  4. 3 : km 7.09 - alt. 393 m - Leave the GRP and turn right towards the mills and the - Vis (rivière)
  5. 4 : km 8.19 - alt. 494 m - D713, right downhill
  6. 5 : km 10.33 - alt. 379 m - Fork, straight downhill
  7. S/E : km 12.43 - alt. 614 m - Cirque de Navacelles

Practical information

Note that there are public toilets in the village after the D130.

This hike is recommended from the plateau, more exactly from Baume Auriol, which is indicated on road signs. There is a fairly large car park. The road continues to Navacelles at the far end of the cirque, but it is narrow, with some shelters. In busy periods it must be a nightmare. This starting point means a greater difference in altitude included in the total for the hike.

In the nearby area

Les Moulins de la Foux and the resurgence of La Vis are the goal of this hike.
The Cirque de Navacelles should be seen, as well as several houses in the village.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 195 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
gaelle_taudou
gaelle_taudou
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A superb hike! Choose the off-seasons to take advantage of swimming, and to avoid the mass tourism at the waterfalls.

If you follow the route, you'll have to descend into the cirque from the La Baume Auriol car park... and then climb back up again!
NB: if you are not an experienced walker, the descent at the start and the ascent at the end of the route will be a major test!

Try to take your lunch break on the banks of the Vis, upstream from the mill, which is too busy!
It's a wonderful spot to visit, but quickly saturated!

Here are the highlights of this walk:
- a good part of the walk is done in the shade along the banks of the Vis, up to the mill.
- The second part of the walk, after the mill, is in the sun, but you can refill your water bottles at the village water pump.
- The opportunity to swim in the Saint Maurice waterfalls (just before tackling the climb back up the cirque, what a refreshing change +++).

Generally speaking, the route is reliable and the paths are clear.

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Fernandez Benjamin
Fernandez Benjamin

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very nice walk. The route is well maintained PR, and the moulin de la Foux has been well restored. Out of season, we start from the car park in the hamlet of Navacelles. This avoids the difference in altitude for the less courageous, with children or for older hikers As a result, the hike is classed as easy. Pay car park in season or shuttle bus available. See info tourisme Hérault in the comments.

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Nadège12
Nadège12

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

second time we've done it, always as beautiful
there we were able to take full advantage of the views and the mill as it is much less busy than in summer (May to September) when there are lots and lots of people.

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Gérard Yves
Gérard Yves

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

It's a lovely walk, and spring is certainly the ideal time of year.

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pascale1963Laudun
pascale1963Laudun

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Absolutely sublime walk, 14.7 km in total, with the little additions to see the waterfalls;
The climb at the end of the route really puts you to the test (62 years old) but what a feeling of satisfaction at the end!
I recommend it!

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Philippe P.
Philippe P.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very pleasant route, perfect GPX track. (a little tarmac on the route).

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Joe-chris
Joe-chris

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very nice walk. I highly recommend it.

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Marc et phil
Marc et phil

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very nice loop walk along the banks of the Vis. Rather easy route, no particular difficulties. The aim of the walk (the mills) is interesting.

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jluc71
jluc71

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The views are obviously magnificent. The descent from the La Baume Auriol car park is not particularly difficult, provided you have the right footwear and take the necessary care. However, the climb back up can be tiring at the end of the hike: think about it!
As for the route from the village of Navacelles, it would seem more appropriate to do it in the opposite direction during the summer months. The sun is always shining on the north side, so there's no shade and no place to picnic, whereas on the other side it's the other way round, with long, magnificent stretches of forest and plenty of opportunities to take a lunch break by the Vis.
The Moulin du Foux is a magnificent place to visit, as are the Navacelles waterfalls.

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Jvdoubov
Jvdoubov

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Perhaps in the direction described in the text, everything was fine. But starting from the car park at the moulins de la Foux and going first to the moulins, then to Navacelles, the description didn't make it possible to find the path. In fact, first (before the mills) you come to a fork on the left marked "towards Navavelles" and then, at the mills, a yellow cross on the right bank of the Vis. So we turned back, and we weren't on the right path, which we eventually found at the bottom thanks to a fisherman's directions. It would be a good idea for the writers of a description to bear in mind that cyclists don't always take the route in the direction you have planned, but sometimes also in the opposite direction. There was no indication of this in the text...

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Petra F
Petra F

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

This is a great little hike, even in the height of summer, with plenty of shady stretches and access to the river. The passage through the village makes for a refreshing stop.

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Vie Cardonne Sabine
Vie Cardonne Sabine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Passing Belvédère la Baume Auriol Incredible panoramic view (avoid the postman's path), Tourist Office brochures to discover the stages then via the car park Le Hameau de Navacelles where the magic awaits you " Moulins de la Foux loop , the Gorges de la Vis , paths in the undergrowth, richness, accompaniment of the Cicadas, butterflies, blue dragonflies, blue beetles, the song of the birds, the enchanting transparent emerald water, the Moulins de la Foux power of the resurgence of the Vis, return path of the Vines and passage of the Roman Bridge.Always Plagettes brandy to refresh yourself and admire the waterfall. We'll be back after the summer season.

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A1F2A3L'V5
A1F2A3L'V5

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

About 2km below the Blandas lookout point, from the D713 (on a hairpin bend), we took a quicker route to reach the Moulins de la Foux (1 hour's drive).

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Hérault Tourisme
Hérault Tourisme

Hello,
Indeed, the round trip along the postman's path changes the level of difficulty of the hike quite a bit!
To avoid having to drive down to the hamlet (narrow winding road and limited parking), there are free shuttle buses running between the 2 lookouts (Blandas and Baume Auriol) and the hamlet at weekends/holidays from spring onwards and every day during the summer season!
see https://www.cirquenavacelles.com/infos-p...

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cathy86
cathy86

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The view of the cirque de Navacelles and the Vis gorges is truly wild and magnificent; don't miss the moulins de la Foux with its beautiful waterfall.
We set off from the Baume Auriol lookout and the descent is quite perilous and not recommended for those prone to vertigo. We think it's better to start from Navacelles, even if it means taking the car to enjoy the superb and impressive panorama from the Baume Auriol.

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