The Gorges of the Vis

The screw has its source in the Cevennes and travels 57 km before joining the Herault, which it is a tributary. Like most courses Cevennes water, its flow is irregular but powerful. Nearby Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, the river has shaped its way through the rock. Located about 100 km from the campsite Les Mimosas in Portiragnes-Plage, the screws of the grooves are suitable for swimming, fishing and hiking. This relaxing place is next to other amazing natural sites, including the Cave of the Demoiselles and Cirque de Navacelles.

Bathing in a waterfall or in a roman bridge

Screw the gorges designate a canyon separating two plateaus or plateaux, that of the Larzac Blandas. The river is born in the Gard, in Arrigas, and through 10 other cities including Saint-Maurice-de-Navacelles and Cazilhac, where it empties into the Herault. Among the many natural swimming areas, the most popular is the one that is up to the village of Saint-Laurent-le-Minier. You will then have the choice of two fabulous frames: a waterfall horseshoe shape that recalls the legendary Iguazu Falls in Argentina, and the shadow of a Roman aqueduct. On both sides, water is crystalline and refreshing. The site is very crowded during the sunny days, especially when the thermometer rise above 30 ° C.

The cascade of the screw is surrounded by trees and vegetation. The most brave bathers venture into the cauldron formed at the center of the waterfall. If you are reckless kind, be careful because the speed is very important at the foot of the falls. To bathe safely, choose the area behind large rocks. The area near the aqueduct is much quieter. You can drop your towel and plant your umbrella between the rollers at the foot of massive stone columns. The water is shallow at this great place and barely manages to knees. There are several rocks around and in the middle of the river. The site is very quiet and quite extensive. In high season we advise you to get there before noon to choose a good location.

What to do and see around the gorges of the Screw?

Saint-Laurent-le-Minier is a village of 350 inhabitants which has many old mining sites. During the old regime, he was famous for his stationery paper which provided throughout the Languedoc and parts of Provence. The castle of Saint-Laurent-le-Minier, also called Junie castle is a historical monument. Built in the seventeenth century, it has a beautiful French garden and its style reminiscent of old houses of Languedoc.

The screw is a first class rivers. If you enjoy fishing, you can capture several species of trout, blageons and minnows. Note that the trout fishing is allowed only upstream of the gorge.

Around the river you will find several marked hiking routes. Some go through the Navacelles, a wonder of nature classified "Grand Site de France". Mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting and canyoning are also possible near the gorges of the Screw.

Want to spend a 100% active day outdoors after a day swimming and relaxing? Discover the 10 most beautiful hikes in the Herault.