Looking for green plains for a little getaway? Then plan an unusual romantic weekend in the Morvan!
Equidistant from Paris and Lyon lies the gigantic Parc Naturel du Morvan. This verdant setting stretches over four départements and is just waiting for you to unveil its natural treasures. And although nature is omnipresent, there are plenty of activities of all kinds on offer to make your weekend in the Morvan a little more unusual.
From cultural and gastronomic discoveries to rafting and cycling, there’s something for everyone. What’s more, you’ll have access to accommodation, each more original than the last. Your other half will come away from this adventure with stars in their eyes. We’re off!
1. Rafting and a charming stilt cabin in Burgundy
Photo credit: Abracadaroom
Why go there?
? Fall asleep to the sound of water
?♂️ Ride a bike to discover Dijon
? Relax in the spa
For all lovers of rustic-style living, this stilt cabin is sure to please. Despite its spartan appearance, it’s equipped with everything you need. Climb up quickly to enjoy the view over the canal and the Marigny valley.
Favorite activity: rafting down the Cure or Chalaux rivers
For those looking for a thrill, 1 hour’s drive to the east – at Planefas – you’ll find a rafting club offering trips down the Cure and Chalaux rivers. Alternatively, Dijon is just a stone’s throw away. You can visit the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.
A Nordic bath is located on the terrace. Don’t hesitate to take a dip in it during your unusual weekend in the Morvan.
2. Yurt and historical walk in Saône-et-Loire
Photo credit: Airbnb
Why go there?
? To sleep like a man of the steppe
? Enjoy the disconnect
? Enjoy a local breakfast every day
Located in La Tagnière, this yurt could well become yours! For this unusual weekend in the Morvan, imagine yourself on the steppes of Mongolia, only 350 km from Paris. Special mention must be made of the garden, which features fruit trees, a spring of pure water and a ranch.
For history lovers, the Bibracte historic site is just a stone’s throw away. Come and discover the Gallo-Roman remains and the museums dedicated to them. Those with a passion for history can even cook like real Gauls!
3. Romantic getaway in Dijon
Photo credit: Weekendesk
Why go there?
? Enjoy the myriad of treatments
? Enjoy a glass of champagne on a bed of rose petals
? End the day with a musical performance at the Embassy Bar.
What would you say to an unusual romantic weekend near the Morvan? That’s what this Dijon-based hotel has to offer. During your stay, you won’t have to worry about a thing. Massages, spa, hammam – everything is done to help your body get rid of tension and toxins.
Once you’ve re-energized, a hand-in-hand stroll through the city of Dijon will give your mind a breath of fresh air. And when you return, scatter the rose petals on the bed and open the bottle of champagne. The rest is up to you.
4. Local wine tasting
Photo credit: Weekendesk
Why go there?
? Discover Beaune, capital of Burgundy wines
? Visit a local winery
? Take home a bottle as a souvenir
An unusual weekend in the Morvan without tasting the local wines? A heresy! Put your suitcases down in this warm and welcoming room and put things right. The hotel has concocted a wine tasting in the Caveau Divin.
Afterwards, a bottle of wine will be left in your room for you to enjoy in privacy. If one bottle isn’t enough, a visit to Beaune is a must to replenish your stock.
5. Journey into a magical world
Photo credit: Abracadaroom
Why go there?
? Live in the imaginary world of J.R.R Tolkien
? Take part in the cultural evenings organized by the estate
? Prepare a hobbit feast with the equipment on hand.
A complete change of scenery awaits you as you enter Domaine de la Pierre Ronde. You won’t be transported to another country, but straight into another universe, that of elves and hobbits. What better way to spend an unusual weekend in the Morvan?
Everything is scrupulously well reproduced. J.R.R Tolkien wouldn’t have put up with it! The wide expanses of grass invite you to relax, while a 15-minute drive away is a mountain bike rental service.
Favorite activity: mountain biking in the Morvan with a guide
You can then hire a monitor to visit part of the Morvan, and for those who fear for their thighs, electric-assist models are also available.
6. The dream train
Photo credit: Booking
Why go there?
? Embark on the old Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée line
?️ Immerse yourself in a retro atmosphere
?♂️ Feel like you’re in Le Crime de l’Orient Express
If following a railroad line used to be a sure-fire way of stumbling across civilization, this time you’ll come face to face with… a hotel! Welcome to the Train des Rêves, which, as its name suggests, is an old disused locomotive.
But don’t worry, it’s been renovated from top to bottom. Spacious, luxurious rooms are at your disposal. You’ll be able to pretend you’re James Bond in Good Kisses from Russia, then imagine you’re Hercule Poirot in The Crime of the Orient Express as you sip your tea in the bar car.
To take your exploration of unused railway lines a step further, book a velorail ride at Cordesse-Igornay station. This original means of locomotion travels along the old Autun-Saulieu line. 22 kilometers of rides await you to complete your unusual weekend in the Morvan.
7. Weekend discovery in Nièvre
Photo credit: Weekendesk
Why go there?
? Discover Nevers
?♂️ Enjoy the thrill of kayaking down the Nièvre river
? Taste local produce
Located at the gateway to the Morvan region, Nevers and its secrets are just waiting for you! Just what you need: this charming 3-star hotel is located right in the city center. Take your bikes and stroll along the Canal Latéral de la Loire to the medieval village of Apremont sur Allier.
If you’re looking for more thrills, ditch the bikes and book a half-day kayak trip along the banks of the Loire. For the perfect end to your day, head to the hotel garden for some lounging.
8. Life as a squire
Photo credit: Weekendesk
Why go there?
? To feel like a lord of yesteryear
?️ Taste Burgundy specialities
? Relax in the spa
Oyé oyé gentes dames et damoiseaux, the owners of Château de Courban await you in their building to let you enjoy their life as a châtelain. On the menu: a stroll around the estate, relaxation at the spa and a sumptuous dinner featuring local produce.
By the end of this unusual weekend in the Morvan, you’ll be begging for more. All that’s left is to enjoy your spacious room to the last second, before closing it once and for all.
Now you’re all set for an unusual weekend in the Morvan. So pack your bags and head off on an adventure.