🌲 The Morvan: nature, forests and hiking in the heart of Burgundy
A preserved regional nature park, with deep forests, peaceful lakes and hiking trails, for a quiet nature getaway
A haven of preserved nature, far from the hustle and bustle
The Morvan is an ideal destination for nature lovers, families and anyone seeking a calm, restorative environment. This range of green hills covers more than 290,000 hectares in the heart of Burgundy, offering an exceptional setting of dense forests, peaceful lakes and rolling meadows.
Nicknamed the "green heart of Burgundy", the Morvan is a true haven of peace where nature reigns supreme. Far from urban noise and bustle, this preserved territory is home to remarkable wildlife and flora, silent forests and a rich cultural heritage, making it a prime destination for a peaceful green getaway.
Here, there are no crowds or heavy traffic: only birdsong, rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of the lakes. A perfect setting to reconnect with the essentials, recharge, and fully enjoy the fresh air.
The Morvan in numbers
🌳 Deep forests, havens of calm and biodiversity
The Morvan is one of the largest and best-preserved forest massifs in Burgundy. Centuries-old beech groves, coniferous forests, oak woods and coppices spread across the hills, forming a dense, silent landscape perfect for walking and quiet contemplation.
These forests are home to discreet yet abundant wildlife: roe deer, wild boar, foxes, a wide variety of forest birds, and sometimes even red deer, whose bellowing echoes through the woods in autumn. Walking here means immersing yourself in a rare kind of silence, broken only by the sounds of nature.
Numerous marked forest trails let you explore this heritage on foot, by bike or on horseback, with shorter routes suited to families and longer itineraries for experienced walkers.
🌲 Not to be missed
- 🍃 Forêt au Duc, one of the oldest beech forests in the massif
- 🍃 Peat bogs and wetlands, rich in biodiversity
- 🍃 Viewpoints over the wooded hills from the summits
- 🍃 Undergrowth perfect for foraging (mushrooms, blueberries)
🥾 Hiking: trails for every level
The Morvan is an exceptional playground for hiking, with over 1,000 km of marked trails crossing forests, hills and valleys. Whether you're after a one-hour family stroll or a multi-day trek, you'll find the right route here.
GR13 – Tour du Morvan
The GR13 long-distance trail crosses the Morvan from north to south over more than 200 km, offering full immersion in the park's forest and lake landscapes. Ideal for experienced hikers looking for a genuine nature trek.
Saut de Gouloux waterfall
A short, accessible walk leads to this iconic Morvan waterfall, nestled in lush greenery. A firm family favourite, especially spectacular after rainfall.
Family trails and short loops
Numerous marked loops of 2 to 10 km let you discover the Morvan as a family, with educational signage on local wildlife and plants. Perfect for gently introducing children to hiking.
Several trailheads are directly accessible on foot from our eco-gîtes, with no need to take the car — a real plus for a stress-free nature holiday.
🏞️ Nature & Family Activities
Hiking & Walks
Discover the GR13 trail (Tour du Morvan), waterfalls such as Saut de Gouloux, and hundreds of kilometres of marked paths suited to all levels, from family strolls to sporty hikes.
Water Sports
The lakes of the Morvan (Settons, Pannecière, Chaumeçon) offer swimming, canoe-kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats and sailing. Lake Pannecière, just 100m from our gîtes, is perfect for family water fun.
Fishing
The Morvan is renowned for the quality of its waters. Fish for carp, pike and perch in the lakes, or trout in the rivers. Numerous developed fishing spots and specialised routes.
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Marked mountain bike trails through forests and hills, cycle touring routes on quiet roads, and picturesque Morvan villages to discover at your own pace.
Nature Watching
Wildlife and flora discovery workshops, bird watching, and animal track identification. Nature activities organised by the Park to raise awareness of biodiversity among young and old alike.
Winter Sports
In winter, cross-country skiing on the slopes of Haut-Folin (the Morvan's highest point), snowshoeing through the forest, and winter hikes through magical snowy landscapes.
🤫 The Morvan, a destination to unwind in peace and quiet
Off the main tourist routes, the Morvan has remained untouched by mass tourism. Here, there are no queues or crowded sites: nature is enjoyed peacefully, at your own pace.
The low population density, peaceful villages and vast natural spaces make it an ideal place to unplug from everyday life: remote work surrounded by greenery, a restorative stay, or simply a few days away from the noise.
Light pollution is also very low here, offering remarkable starry skies — a rare experience just a few hours from major cities.
🌙 What makes the Morvan so peaceful
- 🔇 Little traffic, quiet country roads
- 🌟 Preserved starry skies, far from light pollution
- 🏘️ Authentic villages, without overtourism
- 🌲 Vast natural spaces to breathe freely in complete serenity
🏛️ Heritage & Culture
🏰 Castles & Historic Sites
Discover Bazoches Castle, the Basilica of Vézelay (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the archaeological site of Bibracte, former capital of the Aedui. A journey through the history of France and Gaul.
🎭 Traditions & Festivals
Local festivals, traditional markets and village fêtes mark the seasons. Discover local crafts, age-old know-how and authentic Burgundian gastronomy.
🍷 Local Gastronomy
Savour Morvan specialities: jambon persillé, Burgundy snails, Burgundy wines, and local goat cheeses. A rich and generous culinary tradition.
🌊 Lake Pannecière, our natural setting
Our eco-gîtes are ideally located just 100 metres from Lake Pannecière, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Morvan. This 520-hectare body of water, surrounded by forest, offers an exceptional and peaceful setting for your nature holiday.
🌿 A commitment to sustainable tourism
The Morvan is committed to responsible, sustainable tourism. Our eco-gîtes, awarded the Burgundy Sustainable Tourism Trophy, embody this philosophy of environmental respect.
Come and discover a territory where people and nature live in harmony, where traditions are passed down from generation to generation, and where every visitor can help preserve this exceptional heritage.
🏆 Sustainable Tourism Trophy
Our eco-gîtes Les 3 Soulins were awarded the Burgundy Sustainable Tourism Trophy for our commitment to the environment and local development.
- ✅ Eco-friendly timber-frame construction
- ✅ Economical, environmentally-friendly heating
- ✅ Harmonious integration into the landscape
- ✅ Raising awareness of nature conservation
❓ Frequently asked questions about the Morvan
What is the best time of year to go hiking in the Morvan?
Spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and particularly photogenic nature. Summer allows you to combine hiking with lake swimming, while winter is great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
Is the Morvan suitable for families with children?
Absolutely: numerous short, marked trails, lakes with supervised swimming, and educational nature activities make it a destination very well suited to families.
Can you swim in the lakes of the Morvan?
Yes, several lakes such as Pannecière or Les Settons have supervised swimming areas in season, with good water quality.
Is the Morvan a quiet place, away from mass tourism?
Yes, that's one of the Morvan's great strengths: sheltered from major tourist flows, it offers a peaceful setting all year round, ideal for rest and disconnecting.