Burgundy is a region with a rich cultural and historical heritage. For your summer break, here are 16 must-see places in the Morvan Regional Nature Park!
On the borders of Côte d’Or and Nièvre, tourists come to visit the Morvan Regional Nature Park, the smallest mountainous area in France. This massif is composed of the same geological properties as the Massif Central, with ancient volcanic rocks. Rising to an altitude of over nine hundred meters, its relief is considered mountainous, as is its particular climate.
This regional reserve covers more than 290,000 hectares and welcomes many visitors every year. Its extraordinary vegetation, atypical topography and varied fauna are its main assets. What’s more, it has the advantage of offering visitors a small, pollution-free green setting. Locals even claim that, in summer, the Milky Way can be seen from its peaks.
Still not convinced? We’ll take you on a tour of 16 unusual and unmissable things to do in the Morvan Regional Nature Park!
1. Lac des Settons
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Jordan21000
Discovering lakes is one of the must-do activities in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The Settons lake lies on the border of the Nièvre département, at an altitude of over five hundred meters.
This is an artificial watering place, created following the damming of the Cure. During the summer season, it attracts many visitors from the region thanks to the many leisure activities it offers. Pedalos, sailboats, canoes and much more. Your day on the lake promises to be a lot of fun!
2. The Basilica of Vézelay
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay is a former abbey church in the town of the same name. According to records, it was built in the 12th century, but only took about 30 years to complete. Nevertheless, its Romanesque architecture makes it a magnificent monument to visit in the Morvan Regional Nature Park.
It is also unusual in that it combines two very distinctive styles. In fact, its structure is entirely inspired by Romanesque art, but its choir is Gothic in inspiration. For history and culture buffs, it’s sure to be a delight to explore!
3. Château de Bazoches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
The fortress of Bazoches is a must-see in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. Located in the eponymous commune, it has overlooked the countryside since the 12th century. Over the years, the building has been renovated and its layout modernized.
When it was first built, it was indeed a medieval edifice. However, when it was bought out in the 17th century, its structure was naturally updated. Today, it’s a true architectural gem, inviting you to experience an authentic moment of history.
4. La Pierre qui Vire Abbey
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Patrick89
This amusingly-named Benedictine abbey is a fascinating discovery to be made in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. It was built in the 19th century in the Romanesque style, in reference to the locality in which it is located.
The legend of the Pierre-qui-Vire, however, is much older. It’s a huge stone balanced on a rock, now sealed with cement. But the myth explains that the stone used to turn three times every noon, when the sun struck the dolmen. An amusing story to accompany your visit to this exceptional building!
5. Narvau Gorge
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Ifurin
Close to Lormes, the Gorges de Narvau are a must-see in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. This exceptional site has been classified as a protected historic site for over twenty years.
It was carved out of the Morvan granite by the run-off from the Auxois river. Its hiking trails and unusual landscape are sure to appeal to nature lovers. What’s more, thrill-seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at one of the park’s many spots!
6. Château de Chastellux
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Giogo
A visit to the Morvan Regional Nature Park is a unique opportunity to discover this unique region. Between history and nature, the site invites travellers to discover its fabulous secrets. Dating back to the 11th century, the Château de Chastellux is one of the park’s major monuments. Indeed, its structure has the advantage of having been constantly restored over time.
During your visit, you’ll be able to admire its medieval towers, Renaissance-style rooms and classicist structure. The building invites you to step back in time.
7. Zervos Museum
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Havang(nl)
The Zervos Museum is one of the most unusual visits to be made in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. It is housed in the former manor house of the writer Romain Rolland, in Vézelay.
However, the establishment is home to the magnificent works bequeathed by critic Christian Zervos on his death in 1970. Within its atypical walls, you can admire fabulous paintings by Picasso, Gonzalès, Kandinsky and Ernst. But you can also discover sculptures by Calder and Giacometti. A must for art and culture lovers!
8. Domaine de la Croix Montjoie
Photo credit: Facebook – Domaine La Croix Montjoie – Vézelay Wines
Burgundy may be a historic region, but it also boasts an exceptional terroir. There are many vineyards to visit in the Morvan Regional Nature Park.
One of the most famous is Domaine de la Croix Montjoie, home to some wonderful Chardonnay grapes. The 19th-century building recounts over a century of viticulture and tradition. During your visit, you can discover the secrets of this exceptional beverage and its cultivation.
9. Thil Fortress
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
Château de Thil is another unusual historic site to visit in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The remains of this medieval fortress have been listed as a Monument Historique in France since 1905.
Today, you can explore its impressive fortifications and admire its keep. Almost timeless, it has overlooked the region for almost a thousand years. So exploring it is sure to appeal to young and old alike!
10. Lac de Chamboux
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Christophe.Finot
Lac de Chamboux is one of the largest lakes in the Morvan massif. It lies at an altitude of over 500 m, in Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer. However, it is unlike other regional waterholes, as it is divided into three separate reservoirs. Its peaceful atmosphere and surrounding paths are a natural invitation to take a stroll.
Along the way, you can admire the surrounding landscapes and discover their fabulous vegetation. In the heart of the Morvan Massif, this lake is a must-see in the Morvan Regional Nature Park.
11. Cardoland
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Cardoland
Families won’t have to think long about what to do in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. Cardoland is a fun activity for young and old alike.
This prehistoric park invites you to discover nature as you’ve never seen it before! Between dinosaur reconstructions, ornate caves and fossils, you’ll never get bored. Cardoland invites you to experience an authentic moment of history and adventure!
12. AB Loisirs
Photo credit: Facebook – AB Loisirs
On the banks of the River Cure, AB Loisirs offers a wide range of activities in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The base specializes in outdoor and water sports activities. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at rafting, accrobranche, quad biking or caving.
Nature lovers can opt for mountain biking, hiking or canoeing. And for the more adventurous, there’s a real survival course in the woods. We’re sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy!
13. Bibracte
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Jochen Jahnke
The Bibracte site is a must for history buffs. Indeed, it’s one of the most beautiful sites to visit in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. This ancient Gaulish capital has preserved many vestiges of its past.
Since its discovery, the site has housed a museum of Celtic civilization and is classified as one of the country’s Historic Monuments. During your visit, you’ll be able to admire ramparts, dwellings and ancient places of worship. As our country has very few ruins of our ancestors, this site is a real archaeological gem.
14. The Museum of the Resistance in Morvan
Photo credit: Musée de la Résistance en Morvan
While the massif is strongly marked by medieval and prehistoric times, it has also been the scene of recent conflicts. As a result, this museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. The region played a key role in the Resistance movements during the Second World War.
In 1944, it was the actions of the maquisards that forced the German troops to liberate it. Today, the site invites you to discover the story of these Morvandiaux and their struggle against Nazi occupation.
15. Saint Andoche Basilica
Photo credit: Wikipedia – PMRMaeyaert
The Basilica in Saulieu is a must-see in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. Built in the 11th century, this church is an authentic treasure trove of Romanesque architecture. Fortunately, its atypical structure has survived the centuries to retain all its splendor.
Inside, you can admire its imposing 17th-century organ and exceptional frescoes.
16. Discovering Morvan gastronomy
Photo credit: Shutterstock – HandmadePictures
The Morvan is undoubtedly one of France’s most beautiful regions. And it’s not just its exceptional landscapes that give it its reputation. This land of legends is also the source of many culinary traditions.
During your trip, you can stop off at a delicious specialty restaurant. Local chefs will invite you to savor blueberry tarts, charcuterie dishes or even the succulent Morvan grated cheese. Among the best restaurants in the Parc Naturel is the unmissable « Au Vieux Morvan ». But the curious can also try the traditional cuisine of « L’auberge du Goupil ».
Also in the Morvan Regional Nature Park
Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. You can visit historic sites such as the Fontaines Salées, the Château de Lantilly or the Maison Jules-Roy. Nature lovers can also enjoy a variety of hikes. They can, for example, try to reach the Haut Folin peak, or discover the Gorges de la Canche. This extraordinary natural site is just waiting to be discovered!
How do I get to the Morvan Regional Nature Park?
By plane
If you want to visit the Morvan Regional Nature Park, you could opt to take to the skies. However, there are no airports in the towns around the park. You’ll need to land in Lyon to reach the site. To find the best low-cost flight, we recommend you visit the website of our partner, Ulysse. You’ll be sure to find the best route for your trip!
However, you’ll need to hire a car on site to get to the park.
By car
As a natural site, it’s best to visit the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan by car. This will make it easier for you to get around the various must-see sites. Travelers coming from the south or west should take theA6 orA71 motorways.
Residents of eastern and northern France will have to use theA5 orA31.
Where to stay in the Morvan Regional Nature Park?
Before booking your vacation, it’s important to use a hotel comparator. It’s the best way to find exceptional accommodation for your stay, at a low price. If you want to visit the Morvan Regional Nature Park, you can rent a room in a hotel or gîte. Indeed, the region’s various communes are brimming with interesting rentals for travelers. In summer, accommodation in the park costs between €60 and €150 per night.
However, you could opt for a more atypical rental for your stay in Burgundy. With sites like Abracadaroom or Airbnb, you can choose an unusual habitat. In cabins, chalets or bubbles, you can take full advantage of the wilderness setting of this regional park. We bet your vacation will be unforgettable!
Vézelay remains the most beautiful place to stay in the Morvan. However, Saulieu is an interesting alternative. It all depends on what you’re looking for!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Bourgogne-Franche-Comté