A climatic crossroads, the Morvan offers you an original mosaic of some twenty truly different landscapes, culminating at the Haut Folin, at an altitude of 901 metres. Shaped over the centuries by agricultural and forestry activity, the territory is dotted with granite peaks. Generally referred to as the Montagne Bourguignonne, it is an outpost of the Massif Central. Most of the area is protected by the vast Morvan Regional Nature Park, created in 1970. It stretches from north to south, over a hundred kilometres, and groups together the four departments of the former Burgundy region. Its relief allows the practice of a large number of outdoor activities.
Lakes and forests
Six large dams often used for walks and water sports are located in the northern part of the village: Crescent, Chamboux, Saint-Agnan, Chaumeçon, Les Settons, Pannecière-Chaumard. The omnipresence of water translates into nearly 3,500 ponds and a myriad of bucolic springs and rivers. Blue notes set in the green ocean of forests. Outside the large tourist towns, the habitat is scattered in hamlets, nestled in a very soothing nature, with here and there gorges and picturesque rocky escarpments.
Where to camp in the Morvan?
Among the sixty or so campsites in the Morvan, you'll be able to discover the region while taking advantage of facilities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, washing-up facilities and services for outdoor activities. The peaceful setting and proximity to natural sites make the Morvan a very popular destination for a camping holiday, and here are just a few that we've chosen for you.
Chalets and mobile homes for rent in the Morvan
Saulieu *** campsite in the Côte d'Or. Set between lake and river, it has around a hundred pitches with chalets and mobile homes, as well as nature huts (without sanitary facilities, sanitary blocks are available nearby). Here you can enjoy activities such as rafting, diving and climbing, as well as services such as a snack bar and an open-air swimming pool with a paddling pool for the little ones. Open from March to October, Saulieu has been voted the gastronomic capital of France. Pets are welcome.
Les Mésanges campsite, on the shores of Lac des Settons (with beach) in the Nièvre region
In the Nièvre region, Les Mésanges *** campsite in Montsauche-les-Settons is just 200 m from Lac des Settons, with around 100 pitches and a few rentals from April to September. The campsite offers paddle and kayak sports, as well as other activities such as volleyball, basketball and badminton. There are no children's clubs, but there is a play area and a baby bathroom. A family campsite to suit everyone.
Les Deux Rivières campsite, with swimming pool, located in the Morvan at La Celle-en-Morvan
Camping Les Deux Rivières *** in La Celle-en-Morvan is open from May to September and offers 48 pitches and a lovely outdoor swimming pool. Children's entertainment is organised during the summer and you can enjoy activities such as volleyball and table tennis. A campsite on a human scale awaits you here.
Campsites located in the Morvan Regional Nature Park
In Avallon (Yonne), the sous Roche *** municipal campsite offers around a hundred pitches and a dozen rental accommodation options (chalets and tents). An outdoor swimming pool with solarium and paddling pool awaits you. Bicycles for hire on site and children's play equipment. The campsite is open from April to October and until the end of the year for rentals.
Finally, to the south of Luzy, Les Portes du Morvan campsite **** is located in Issy-l'Évêque in Saône-et-Loire near a pond, with almost a hundred pitches and around ten rentals, with an open-air swimming pool, a paddling pool and a vast programme of activities. water park with an open-air swimming pool and a vast programme of activities.
From the Gauls to Vauban
The rich history of the Morvan is combined with the remains of Bibracte, dominated by Mount Beuvray, the ancient capital of the proud people of the Aedui, who were fighting against the Romans more than 2000 years ago. You will also find the site of the eternal hill of Vézelay. A fine example of Romanesque art, the splendid basilica is a reminder of the power of the Benedictine abbey founded in 1120 and the convergence of numerous pilgrimages heading towards the road to Compostela. Just next door, visit the charming Avallon, rising on the banks of the Cousin, which has preserved around the collegiate church of Saint-Lazare, old houses, a large clock tower and typical terraced gardens. Further south, the Château de Bazoches cultivates the memory of Sébastien Le Prestre, the Marquis de Vauban, a native of the Morvan, the famous builder of citadels.
Wood for Paris
Another local feature of Morvandelle that takes advantage of the abundance of woodland: the floating of firewood. From the 16th to the 19th century, this was a veritable economic vein, transported to the centre of Paris from Château-Chinon and the neighbouring rivers.
On the eastern fringe, the plains and valleys of the bocagère extend around Saulieu, a heritage and gastronomic town. In the southern part, the historic towns of Autun and Luzy are worth a visit. But also discover in the Morvan, a large number of museums, castles, ancient sites and religious sanctuaries of all styles.