Situated in Burgundy between Auxerre and Dijon, the Morvan is a territory of little mountains ranging from 300 to 900 m. At its heart, the Regional Natural Park protects the authenticity of an environment rich in traditions. Closest mountain range to Paris, the Morvan is a great nature escape between lake and forests perfect for outdoor activities. Indeed 50 % of the area is covered by forest.
Heritage and valleys in the North
North of the Morvan is an area of valleys and historical sites. You will encounter small villages, churches, castles in a wooded and inspiring countryside. Among others, you can visit the medieval and World Heritage town Vezelay and its famous abbey before tasting the local wine. Do not miss Avallon and try the cheese produced by the Abbaye-de-la-Pierre-qui-Vire (Turning stone Abbey).
Lakes at the heart of the Morvan
The center of the Morvan is an area of lakes: 6 preserved lakes are the place for fishing, rowing, sailing, kayaking or hiking in quiet and natural surrondings. The lake of Panneciere is the biggest one, preserved and savage. The lake des Settons is more family-oriented with a beach and a marina.
Mountains and forest in the South
South of the Morvan are located the highest summits in an area covered with forests. Discover here a peaceful aspect of French mountains, a quiet and authentic experience. The Morvan peaks with the Haut-Folin at 901 meters above sea level. The Mont Beuvray (821 m) is famous for the gaulish oppidum of Bibract, ancient capital before roman conquest.
Great escapes and adventures
This remarkable natural territory is a perfect place for multiple-days outdoor escapes. Hikers would love to follow the trails in forests and wild countryside. The GR13 crosses the Morvan from North to South and connects Vezelay with Autun in approximately 8 days (140 kilometers). The Morvan loop is a 220 kilometers GRP trail passing by the lakes and other remarkable natural and historical sites. Besides, Vezelay is still a major starting point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. Download a map with some hiking trails.
The Park rangers maintain more than 2 400 kilometers of mountain bike trails. The most famous being the great crossing (GTM): 300+ kilometers from Avallon to Autun via Saulieu and major natural sites (Haut-Folin, lake of Settons, Mont Beuvray, etc.). Detailed itinerary and GPX are available on the Morvan tourism website.
Horse riders also have their Morvan loop. With 600 kilometers of trails designed for horse riding, the Morvan is a paradise for horse riders and multiple-days experiences. Maps available.
Access
Main access gates are Avallon coming from the North or Autun coming from the South.
Fast train (TGV) to Le Creusot then local buses to Autun or Saulieu.
Local trains from Paris stop in Avallon.
Local trains from Lyon stop in Chagny then a local bus takes you to Autun.
Bus connections From Dijon to Saulieu and from Nevers to Château-Chinon
Pictures © Alain Doire/Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourisme