A long weekend in the Morvan
How about a 3-day break in the Morvan? This natural region of undulating hills has some fabulous little places to visit, including waterfalls and lakes. There are also some superb heritage sites here, such as UNESCO sites like Vézelay Abbey, "Grand Site de France" such as Bibracte, the Château de Bazoches and towns to explore such as Avallon and Saulieu. What are you waiting for? Let's go!
Exploring Avallon
Early morning (or later), come and explore the medieval streets of Avallon. This pretty town is labelled one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France" and you will see why when you see the charming fortifications, dovecotes, collegiate church, towers and market (Thursday and Saturday mornings).
Day 1 - morningVézelay recognised by UNESCO
Set off to Vézelay. The famous basilica and "eternal hill" are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The higher you climb up the hill, the more impressive you'll find the surroundings, until you reach the ultimate climax at the top. That's where you'll come face-to-face with the huge basilica. Nearby, go to the terrace for a 180° panoramic view of the Morvan.
Visit Avallon
Visit Vézelay
Château life in Bazoches
Welcome to Bazoches, the (perfectly preserved) residence of the Marechal de Vauban, the French genius behind the fortifications under Louis XIV.
Experience the life of this exceptional man, who would spend his time at this château either writing or thinking about the attack and defence mechanisms of his fortifications.
Visit this château
Refreshing waterfall at the Saut du Gouloux
After a spot of culture, time for your dose of nature at the Saut du Gouloux. What better a way to enjoy the refreshing benefits of Mother Nature than at a 10-m-high waterfall?
To enjoy this refreshing waterfall, go along the 1.8-km waymarked trail, with information about the local wildlife on the way.
See this waterfall
Gastronomy and sculpture in Saulieu
To the town of Saulieu, renowned for excellence in gastronomy. Chefs Alexandre Dumaine and the famous Bernard Loiseau have brought several Michelin stars to the town. After exploring the market, go for a stroll in the town and treat yourself to a glass of wine. As you wander around the town, you'll most likely come across a bull or maybe a bear, both completely harmless. That's right, Saulieu is the birthplace of animal sculptor François Pompon, and you can admire his work at the museum bearing his name.
Museum and local traditions
Morvan is a nourishing land. Behind this reputation is the reality that from the 19th century, thousands of women from the Morvan were sent to Paris as wet nurses (thanks to the renowned qualities of their breast milk) for the children of the wealthy. Meanwhile, up until the 60s, the region also welcomed tens of thousands of children in public care. These moving stories are told at the Musée des Nourrices in Alligny-en-Morvan.
Visit this museum
Glistening lake
In the Morvan, the land is nourishing and the waters are pure and clear. If you still need convincing, come to the Lac des Settons. The Blue Flag is displayed proudly here, to attest to the excellent quality of the swimming waters and ecological interest of the area. If that doesn't make you want to go for a dip, maybe you'd prefer to try stand-up paddle, a pedalo boat or a catamaran.
See this lakeJourney into the past in Bibracte
Travel back in time on a tour of Bibracte. Far from the Asterix-inspired clichés, this archeological site with celtic civilisation museum will help you understand how the Aedui Gallic tribe lived here 2,000 years ago. And for the ultimate experience, you can enjoy lunch just as your Gallic ancestors once did, at the Chaudron de Bibracte. Traditional beer cups, wooden spoons, Gaul-inspired dishes, you'll feel like you've been transported!
Big stones
Here, we call the peak standing at almost 700m, the "Signal" of Uchon. It may not be a very high peak, but that doesn't make it any less interesting, particularly due to the surrounding area dotted with rounded blocks of granite. Those interested in walking and hiking in nature, this is the perfect place for you!
