The 16 things to do in the Morvan Regional Natural Park

Burgundy is a territory with a rich cultural and historical heritage. For your summer stay, here are 16 must-see places to visit in the Morvan Regional Natural Park!

At the edge of the Côte d'Or and the Nièvre, tourists come to visit the Morvan Regional Natural Park, the smallest mountainous area in France. This massif consists of the same geological properties as the Massif Central, with ancient volcanic rocks. Over nine-cent metres of altitude, its relief is considered to be mountainous, as is its particular climate.

This regional reserve covers more than 290,000 hectares and hosts many visitors every year. Indeed, it is strong with its extraordinary vegetation, its atypical relief and its varied fauna. In addition, it has the advantage of offering a small green setting to its visitors, without any pollution. The inhabitants of the massif even say that in the summer, we can see the Milky Way from its peaks.

Still not convinced? We take you to discover 16 unusual and essential things to do in the Morvan Regional Natural Park!

1. The Lac des Settons

Discovering the lakes is one of the must-see activities to be done in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Settons is located at the border of the Nièvre department, at more than five-cent meters above sea level.

It is an artificial water point, created after the Cure dam. During the summer season, it attracts many visitors to the region thanks to the many leisure activities it offers. Pedalos, sailboats, canoes, and many more. Your day by the lake promises to be fun!

2. The Basilica of Vézelay

The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine of Vézelay is an ancient abbatial, located in the eponymous city. Its construction in the 12th century would have lasted only thirty years according to the archives. However, its Romanesque architecture makes it a magnificent monument to visit in the Morvan Regional Natural Park.

Also, it has the peculiarity of mixing two very special styles. In fact, its structure was entirely inspired by Romanesque art, but its choir is of Gothic inspiration. His discovery will therefore be of the most interesting for the ferus of History and Culture!

3. The Castle of Bazoches

The fortress of Bazoches is a must-see visit to the Regional Natural Park of Morvan. It is located in the eponymous commune, overlooking the relief since the 12th century. Over the ages, the building has been renovated, and its layout has been modernized.

At the beginning of its construction, it was indeed a medieval building. However, during its acquisition in the 17th century, its structure was naturally put to the taste of the day. Today, it is a real architectural gem that will invite you to live an authentic moment of history.

4. The Abbey of the Peter who Vire

This Benedictine abbey in the fun name is a fascinating discovery to be made in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. It was built in the 19th century, according to Romanesque art, with reference to the place where it is located.

The legend of the Pierre-qui-Vire, however, is much older. It is a huge stone in balance on a rock, which is now sealed with cement. But the myth explains that before, the stone saw three times every noon, when the sun struck the dolmen. A fun story to accompany your visit to this exceptional building!

5. The Gorges de Narvau

Near Lormes, the Gorges de Narvau is a must-see in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This exceptional place has been classified for more than twenty years as a protected historic site.

It was dug through the smoothing of Auxois in the granite of Morvan. Its hiking trails and unusual landscape will easily seduce nature lovers. In addition, the sensational bits can try to climb on one of the many spots in the park!

6. The Castle of Chastellux

Visiting the Morvan Regional Natural Park is a unique opportunity to discover this unique region. Between History and Nature, the site invites its travellers to discover its fabulous secrets. Dating from the 11th century, the Château de Chastellux is one of the major monuments of the park. Indeed, its structure has the advantage of being constantly restored over time.

During your visit, you can admire its medieval towers, Renaissance style rooms, as well as its classicist structure. This building will invite you to cross the ages, and make a real leap in time.

7. Zervos Museum

The Zervos Museum is a most atypical visit to the Morvan Regional Natural Park. It is located in the old house of master of the writer Romain Rolland , to Vézelay .

The property, however, houses the magnificent works of critic Christian Zervos, when he died in 1970. Between its atypical walls, you can admire fabulous paintings by Picasso, Gonzalès, Kandinsky and Ernst. But you can also discover sculptures by Calder, and Giacometti. It is therefore a mandatory stop for art and culture lovers!

8. The Domaine de la Croix Montjoie

If Burgundy is a historical territory, it is also strong from its exceptional terroir. Also, there are many vineyards to visit in the Regional Natural Park of Morvan.

One of the most famous is the Domaine de la Croix Montjoie, which houses wonderful vines of Chardonnay. The building of the 19th century recounts more than a hundredth anniversary of viticulture and traditions. During your visit, you can discover the secrets of this exceptional drink and its culture.

9. The Fortress of Thil

The Thil Castle is another unusual historic site to visit in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The remains of this medieval fortress have been listed among the Historical Monuments of the Hexagon since 1905.

Today it is possible to explore its impressive fortifications and admire its dungeon. Nearly out of time, it has overlooked the region for nearly a millennium. Thus, his exploration is likely to seduce small and large!

10. Lake Chamboux

Lake Chamboux is one of the largest lakes in the Morvan massif. It is more than 500 m above sea level, in Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer. However, it does not resemble other regional water points as it is divided into three separate reservoirs. Its peaceful atmosphere and the paths around it thus naturally invite to the walk.

On your way, you can admire the surrounding landscapes and discover their fabulous vegetation. In the heart of the massif, this lake is certainly a must to visit in the Regional Natural Park of Morvan.

11. Cardoland

Families will not have to think long about what to do in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Indeed, Cardoland's site is a fun activity for both young and old.

This prehistoric park invites you to discover nature as you have never seen! Between dinosaur replenishments, ornate and fossil caves, you will not be bored. Cardoland invites you to live an authentic moment of history and adventure!

12. AB Leisure

On the banks of the Cure, AB Loisirs offers you multiple activities to do in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This base specializes in outdoors and nautical leisure. The bits of strong sensations will then be able to try rafting, hip, quad or speleo.

For their part, nature lovers will instead opt for mountain biking, hiking or canoeing. But the toughest will be able to embark on a real survival internship through the woods. So we don't doubt that you're gonna find something to have fun!

13. Bibracte

The site of Bibracte is a must-see for the Fears of History. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. This former Gaulish capital has been able to preserve many vestiges of its past.

Since its discovery, the site has been home to a museum of Celtic civilization and is one of the country's historic monuments. During your visit, you will be able to admire the ramparts, the houses, as well as ancient places of worship. Our country has few ruins of our ancestors, this site is a real archaeological gem.

14. The Resistance Museum in Morvan

If the massif is strongly marked by medieval and prehistoric times, it has also been the scene of recent conflicts. This museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. The region has indeed had an essential role in the resistance movements during the Second World War.

In 1944, the actions of the maquisards forced the German troops to free it. Today, the site invites you to discover the history of these morvandicals and their struggle against Nazi occupation.

15. Saint Andoche Basilica

The Basilica of the commune of Saulieu is an inevitable visit to make in the Regional Natural Park of Morvan. This church built in the 11th century is an authentic treasure of Roman architecture. Its atypical structure was fortunately able to cross the centuries, and keep its splendour.

Inside, you can admire its imposing organ of the seventeenth century, and its exceptional frescoes.

16. Discovery of Morvandelle gastronomy

The Morvan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in France. Also, it does not only hold its reputation for its exceptional landscapes. This territory of legends is also the source of many culinary traditions.

During your trip, you could make a stop in a delicious specialty restaurant. The local chefs will invite you to enjoy blueberry pies, cold meat dishes or even morvandic greedy. Among the best restaurants in the Natural Park, one thinks of the uncontourable "Au Vieux Morvan". But the curious will also be able to try out the traditional cuisine of “The Goupil Hostel”.

See also in the Morvan Regional Natural Park

There are obviously many other activities to be done in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You can visit other historic sites such as the Salted Fountains, the Lantilly Castle or the Jules-Roy House. In the same way, nature lovers will be able to go on various hikes. They can, for example, try to reach the peak of the High Folin, or discover the Gorges de la Canche. This extraordinary natural site is no longer waiting for you to be discovered!

How to get to the Morvan Regional Natural Park?

By plane

If you would like to visit the Morvan Regional Natural Park, you could choose the way to the air. However, the cities of the massif have no airport. You will have to land in Lyon to reach the site. In order to find the best low price flight, we recommend you visit our partner's website, Ulysses . You will be assured to find the best route for your trip!

However, you will need rent a car on site to go to the park.

By car

As it is a natural site, it is best to take the car to visit the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Indeed, it will allow you to move more easily through its different places to be missed. Travellers from the South or the West will then have to borrow A6 or A71 .

For their part, the inhabitants of the East and the North of France will have to pass through A5 or A31 .

Where to stay in the Morvan Regional Natural Park?

Before you book your holiday, it is important to use a Compare hotels . This is the best way to find exceptional accommodation for your stay, at a low price. If you would like to visit the Morvan Regional Natural Park, you can rent a room in a hotel or a lodging. Indeed, the various communes in the region are full of interesting rentals for travellers. In summer, housing in the park costs between 60 and 150€ for one 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 will then fully enjoy the wild setting of this regional park. We bet your holidays will be unforgettable!

Vézelay remains the most beautiful place to stay in Morvan. However, Saulieu is an interesting alternative. It depends on what you're looking for!