The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Barrage Du Crescent
4.4
(232)
992
hikers
28
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Barrage Du Crescent navigate a landscape defined by the expansive Lac du Crescent, fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The region is situated within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, featuring mystical forests and undulating green hills. Trails offer varied scenery, transitioning from woods to fields at the lake's edge, with moderate elevation changes.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Barrage Du Crescent
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Lake Crescent – Crescent…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
3.6
(5)
26
hikers
14.1km
04:00
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
12
hikers
6.14km
01:40
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
28.8km
08:19
720m
720m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(4)
18
hikers
20.8km
05:58
510m
510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
19
hikers
10.5km
03:01
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Crescent Lake is one of the six large lakes of the Morvan. It owes its name to its crescent shape and offers a magnificent natural setting.
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Crescent Lake owes its name to its crescent shape. It is popular with local fishermen and also with swimmers who can visit its beach to cool off. Camping is also permitted. This lake, with its exceptionally bucolic setting, was chosen as the location in 2015 by Michel Gondry for filming his movie Microbe and Gazoil.
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There is no possibility of touring the lake by mountain bike along the banks, but rather by taking the road. However, check that the road that passes over the dam is open (temporarily closed until June 25, 2025 for us!).
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Very dedicated owner who is restoring the old mill on a voluntary basis and at the same time uses it as a place to stroll and relax.
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The second part of the village's name comes from the large number of empty stone tombs placed in the cemetery surrounding the church. The church is the central location of the village, next to the mayor and not far from a mini-market and a few shops.
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The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
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Straddling the departments of Nièvre and Yonne, with an area of 138 ha, Lac du Crescent owes its name to its "crescent" shape. This lake is formed by a hydroelectric dam built in 1930 and financed as German war damage linked to the 1st World War. The dam is 330 m long, 37 m high and the capacity of the lake is 14 million m3. The Crescent reservoir is fed by the most famous trout rivers in the Morvan: the Cure and the Chalaux. It is therefore a good fishing spot, like all the neighboring lakes of the Morvan, but a swimming area has also been set up on the side of the Yonne in the town of Chastellux sur Cure.
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A mountain pass has the distinction of being located in the commune of Marigny-l'église. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the verdant Morvan countryside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Barrage Du Crescent?
There are over 25 family-friendly hiking trails around Barrage Du Crescent, offering a variety of options for different ages and abilities. This includes 9 easy routes perfect for younger children or leisurely strolls, and 12 moderate routes for families seeking a bit more adventure.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with very young children or strollers?
Yes, several easy routes are ideal for families with young children. For a gentle lakeside experience, consider the Lake Crescent – Lac du Crescent loop from Lac du Crescent. This easy 6 km (3.7 mi) trail takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, offering pleasant views of the lake. Another similar option is the Lake Crescent – Lac du Crescent loop from Chalaux, also around 6 km (3.8 mi) and easy.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes in this region?
The region is characterized by its mystical forests, undulating green hills, and the expansive Lac du Crescent. You'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, and many trails offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding protected landscape of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Many of the family-friendly trails around Barrage Du Crescent are circular, making them convenient for returning to your starting point. For example, the Lake Crescent – Crescent Dam loop from Lac du Crescent is a moderate 14 km (8.7 mi) circular path that offers views of the lake and the impressive dam structure.
What are the best times of year to hike with kids around Barrage Du Crescent?
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for family hiking, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer can also be pleasant, especially in the mornings or late afternoons, but be prepared for warmer weather.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
The Morvan Regional Natural Park generally welcomes dogs, but it's always best to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near livestock. Always check specific trail regulations or local signage for any restrictions.
Are there any interesting landmarks or historical sites accessible from the trails?
Yes, some routes pass by or offer views of historical sites. The Barrage du Crescent itself is an impressive structure built between 1929 and 1932. For a longer adventure, the Lake Crescent – Chastellux-sur-Cure Castle loop from Chastellux-sur-Cure, though more challenging at 20.8 km (12.9 mi), allows you to explore the vicinity of the historic Château de Chastellux.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Parking is generally available at common starting points around Lac du Crescent and in nearby villages. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen trail.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails here?
The komoot community highly rates the trails around Barrage Du Crescent, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the beautiful lake views, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable family outings.
Are there opportunities for other family activities near the hiking trails?
Beyond hiking, Lac du Crescent offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. While there isn't a dedicated leisure base, families can bring their own canoes to enjoy the water. The area's wild and wooded aspect is also appreciated for general family walks along the shores.
What is the typical elevation gain on family-friendly routes?
The family-friendly routes typically feature moderate elevation changes, making them accessible for most. Easy trails might have less than 100 meters (330 ft) of elevation gain, while moderate routes like the Lake Crescent – Col de Marigny loop from Lac du Crescent, which is 11.7 km (7.3 mi), have around 245 meters (800 ft) of ascent, offering a good workout without being overly strenuous.
Most popular routes around Barrage Du Crescent
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