Attractions and Places To See in Morvan - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Morvan, often called the "green lung of Burgundy," is a natural park in France known for its diverse range of attractions. The region features historical landmarks, cultural sites, and notable natural features. It is home to six man-made lakes, popular for water sports, fishing, hiking, and cycling, and includes Haut-Folin, the highest peak in the Morvan. The Morvan Regional Natural Park covers a vast area dedicated to preserving the natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see in Morvan
- The most popular attractions is Settons Lake Dam, an other_man_made structure completed in 1858. This dam is notable for its pyramid shape, designed to withstand water pressure through its own weight, and was historically used to facilitate log transport.
- Another must-see spot is Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, a religious_building. Visitors can expect to see a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture in Burgundy Flamboyant style, featuring a 50-meter-high bell tower and an impressive narthex.
- Visitors also love Haut-Folin Pass, a mountain_pass. This pass is the highest point in the Morvan regional natural park at 873 meters, offering a climb through dense forest with varying gradients and scenic views.
- Morvan is known for its historical sites, natural features like lakes and peaks, and cultural points of interest. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient archaeological sites to picturesque waterfalls and charming villages.
- The attractions in Morvan are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 280 upvotes and 70 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene in Vézelay
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Settons Lake Dam
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Lake of Settons
Highlight • Lake
Located in the heart of the Morvan park, at an altitude of 590 meters, the Lac des Settons (or "chettons" in Morvaudiaux) is, like all the lakes of the Morvan, an artificial lake. Built between 1850 and 1858, south of Montsauche-les-Settons, it facilitated the floating of wood from the Morvandelle forests to Paris.
Fed by the waters of the Cure, the Lac des Settons is also a work in its own right. Its 20m high and 267m long dam made of Morvan granite blocks has been listed as a French heritage site since 1937. classified as a historical monument since 1944.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père
Highlight • Religious Site
The Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Père church is built in Burgundy Flamboyant style and is considered a masterpiece of this Late Gothic style. The three-nave church with its 50-meter-high bell tower was built in the 13th century and has been listed as a monument historique since 1840. The two chapels were in the 14./15. and the narthex added in the 15th century. The iconography of the church is not very enlightening, but inside you can find the rather worn-out portrait of a Geizkragens, which keeps his purse hanging around his neck. He is flanked on both sides by a dragon that seems to bite his ears off. This symbol can be seen quite ambiguously: The man turns deaf, although he certainly had the means to help (egoism) or the man is so fixated on his belongings that he forgets to protect himself - himself something good to do (greed as obsessive-compulsive disorder). The richest is the open narthex. For more than two centuries, sculptors were able to realize their ideas and stonemasons could prove their skill in craftsmanship. Upon entering the covered narthex you can see on the right two statuettes in half relief, which are to represent Girart de Roussillon and his wife Berthe or his daughter Eve. They are considered the founders of the former abbey of Saint-Père.
Probably the church (former abbey) had a function as the last stop in the pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Mary Magdalene in Vézelay.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Haut-Folin Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Morvan.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Morvan
The Grande traversée du Massif Central by gravel bike
Bibracte-Alesia Hiking Trail – In the footsteps of the Gauls
Tour du Morvan — The little mountain of Burgundy
Burgundy-Franche-Comté by bike – between vineyards and peaks
From north to south - On the slopes of the GTMC
Saint-Jacques by bike – seven days on the Via Vézelay in France
The CycloRoute71 — cycling around the Saône-et-Loire
The Great Crossing of France's Massif Central by mountain bike
MTB fun in the Massif Central — La Grande Traversée du Morvan
Between summits and big lakes — gravel riding in France’s Morvan park
Other adventures in Morvan
Tips from the Community
It's a must-see in Burgundy; its 366 hectares make it one of the six large lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Located in the heart of the Morvan National Park, at an altitude of 590 meters, Lac des Settons (or "chettons" in Morvan) is, like all the lakes in the Morvan region, an artificial lake. Built between 1850 and 1858, south of Montsauche-les-Settons, it facilitated the floating of timber from the Morvan forests to Paris.
0
0
You can cycle all the way around the lake on paths and wooden bridges, although it can get busy with bathers, walkers and other cyclists.
3
0
Nice place but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the bike tour because the passages are quite narrow, with a lot of roots and above all, you come across a lot of people on foot. Better to choose a tour outside the peak season (July and August)
1
0
It looks great to do it this round but right now I can't REALLY SORRY !!!
0
0
The climb is easy to do, as there are always easy passages in between
3
0
Even for poor climbers, it is quite doable from Arleuf. Haut Folin from Arleuf via Col du Haut Folin is a climb in the Morvan region. The route is 8.3 kilometers long and covers 295 meters of altitude with an average gradient of 3.6%. At the end of Arleuf, you first lose a few meters of altitude before the D500 leads from Arleuf to Fosse with an initially relatively low gradient; at the end of this modest hamlet, the road then climbs in a few bends to the right along a ridge at 6-8% and opens up the view to spectacular views of the Yonne valley. The road then climbs extremely irregularly through dense forest, sometimes at 2%, sometimes at up to 7%, and it is not easy to find a rhythm. After a total of 6 km, you reach a plateau where, apart from a few ramps, the progress is somewhat flatter and faster. After the D179/D500 junction, continue to follow the D500 towards the summit, and here the route becomes a little more ambitious with a gradient of 5-7%, before finally reaching the summit in the middle of a dense mixed forest and thus a mountain classification of the 2nd category.
3
0
Very worthwhile visit to this beautiful church
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Morvan?
Morvan, often called the "green lung of Burgundy," offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit the six man-made lakes, such as Lac de Pannecière and Lac des Settons, which are popular for water sports, fishing, hiking, and cycling. Don't miss Haut-Folin Pass, the highest point in the Morvan at 873 meters, offering scenic views through dense forest. Other notable natural sites include the picturesque Le Saut de Gouloux Waterfall, Mont Beuvray with its panoramic views, and the dramatic Signal d'Uchon and Rochers du Carnaval rock formations.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Morvan?
Yes, Morvan is rich in history and culture. Vézelay is a significant pilgrimage site with the UNESCO-listed Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. Explore Bibracte, a major Celtic archaeological site on Mont Beuvray, or visit the historic Cordelle Chapel near Vézelay, marking where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade. The city of Autun boasts Roman remains and a medieval center, while Avallon is a charming gateway town with historical architecture.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do in Morvan?
Morvan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking on numerous trails. The region's lakes are perfect for water sports. For specific routes, consider exploring the hiking trails around Lac des Settons or Lac de Saint-Agnan. Cyclists can find challenging road cycling routes like the Tour des deux lacs, Setons & Panneciére, or explore MTB trails around Lake Crescent.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Morvan?
Absolutely. Many attractions in Morvan are suitable for families. The lakes, such as Lac des Settons, offer opportunities for swimming, boating, and lakeside walks. The Settons Lake Dam itself is an interesting historical structure. Exploring charming towns like Avallon or visiting the Ecomuseums that showcase local traditions can also be engaging for all ages.
Where can I find the best panoramic views in Morvan?
For breathtaking views, head to Mont Beuvray, which offers remarkable panoramas, including Mont-Blanc on clear days. The Signal d'Uchon and Rochers du Carnaval near Uchon also provide excellent viewpoints over the Arroux valley. Additionally, the Haut-Folin Pass, the highest point in the Morvan, provides scenic vistas during your climb through the forest. Château-Chinon, the capital of Morvan, also offers a fantastic panorama from the Panorama du Calvaire.
What are the main lakes in Morvan and what can I do there?
The Morvan is home to six man-made lakes, with Lac de Pannecière and Lac des Settons being the largest and most popular. Other notable lakes include Lac de Saint-Agnan, Lac de Chaumeçon, Lac de Chamboux, and Lac du Crescent. These lakes are ideal for various activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The surrounding areas also offer numerous trails for hiking and cycling, including a popular loop around Lac des Settons.
When is the best time to visit Morvan for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Morvan for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling is generally from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is milder and more conducive to exploring the natural landscapes. Summer offers the warmest temperatures for water sports on the lakes. For specific weather conditions and seasonal considerations, you might find additional information on regional tourism sites like Burgundy Tourism.
Are there any significant religious sites in Morvan?
Yes, Morvan features several significant religious sites. The most prominent is the Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major pilgrimage destination. Another notable site is the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père, a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. The small Cordelle Chapel near Vézelay also holds historical religious significance as the site where Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade.
What is the Morvan Regional Natural Park, and what does it offer?
The Morvan Regional Natural Park (Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan) was established in 1970 to preserve the natural environment while promoting sustainable tourism. It covers a vast area across four departments of Burgundy. The park is a haven for nature lovers, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports, and horseback riding. The Maison du Parc in Saint-Brisson serves as the park's administrative center and houses an ecomuseum, a museum about the Resistance, a botanical garden, and an arboretum.
What unique historical mysteries can be found in Morvan?
One of Morvan's most intriguing historical mysteries can be found in Quarré-les-Tombes. This unique village is known for the over 100 ancient limestone sarcophagi, dating from the 7th-10th century, that surround its church. The origin and exact purpose of these sarcophagi remain a subject of historical debate and fascination, adding a mysterious allure to the village.
What do visitors enjoy the most about Morvan's attractions?
Visitors frequently praise the Morvan for its stunning natural beauty and the sense of tranquility it offers. The diverse landscapes, from dense forests to serene lakes, are highly appreciated. Historical sites like the Notre-Dame Church of Saint-Père are often described as impressive and amazing, showcasing magnificent architecture. The region's cycling routes, such as those around Haut-Folin Pass, are enjoyed for their varying gradients and scenic views, making them accessible for different skill levels.
Most popular routes in Morvan
Most popular attractions in Morvan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
