Contents of the article:
- The major lakes of the Morvan where you can swim
- Beaches and leisure centres for swimming in Nièvre
- Waterfalls and unspoilt natural spots in the Nièvre
- Camping in the Nièvre and enjoying the lakes
- Practical tips
The large lakes of the Morvan where you can go for a swim
In the heart of the Morvan, the large lakes of the Nièvre offer unspoilt landscapes where swimming feels like something straight out of a postcard. Surrounded by forests and hills, these vast stretches of water appeal to nature lovers and holidaymakers seeking a refreshing dip alike. From well-equipped beaches and supervised swimming areas to wilder coves: there’s something for everyone, allowing you to find your perfect spot to enjoy the summer in an exceptional natural setting.
Lake Settons (Montsauche-les-Settons)
Covering 360 hectares, Lake Settons is one of the largest lakes in the Morvan and one of the most iconic spots in the Nièvre. With a Blue Flag-awarded beach, it is set within a preserved landscape blending forests, rivers and traditional villages, offering a setting that is both unspoilt and much loved by holidaymakers.
Developed for recreational boating and water sports, Lac des Settons is particularly popular in summer. You can swim all around the lake, and a lifeguard-supervised beach is open during the summer season near the Activital leisure centre. On site, a wide range of activities are available: sailing, pedalos, canoeing and even catamaran sailing.
Lake Pannecière (Chaumard)
Lake Pannecière is the largest lake in the Morvan Regional Nature Park, and also the largest in Burgundy. It is particularly popular with fishing enthusiasts, who find it offers a preserved natural setting conducive to tranquillity.
For relaxation and water-based activities, there are several spots around the lake, such as Bonin Beach, the Blaisy Peninsula and Chaumard Beach, at the far end of the Champ des Îles. Swimming is permitted in the lake, with the exception of the area 500 metres upstream of the dam, marked by yellow buoys. The beaches are natural and unsupervised.
Lake Saint-Agnan (Saint-Agnan-en-Morvan)
Situated in the heart of the Morvan, Lake Saint-Agnan lies within a preserved natural environment, nestled between forests and meadows. The lake offers numerous small coves ideal for relaxation and water-based activities, in a peaceful and unspoilt setting much loved by visitors. You will find neither developed beaches nor lifeguards here, making it a spot more suited to free and natural swimming.
Lake Chaumeçon (Brassy)
Lake Chaumeçon is one of the smallest of the major lakes in the Morvan, covering an area of 135 hectares. It lies in a particularly unspoilt setting, nestled between forests and wooded hills. Its shores have remained natural and are accessible through the woods, with a few wild beaches where you can enjoy the lake in a natural setting. The lake also serves as a starting point for white-water activities such as canoeing, rafting and rowing. Internal combustion engines are prohibited here.
This is not an official or designated bathing area: water quality is not regularly monitored and there is no lifeguard service.
Lake Crescent (Marigny-L’Eglise)
Covering 138 hectares, Crescent Lake takes its name from its distinctive crescent shape. Surrounded by wooded hills, it offers an unspoilt setting much loved by anglers, hikers and walkers.
There are two developed areas where visitors can enjoy the lake’s shores: one near the dam, in the commune of Chastellux-sur-Cure, and the other towards the hamlet of Chézelles, in the commune of Saint-Germain-des-Champs.
Whilst some visitors choose to swim there during the summer, it is not an official bathing site: water quality is not monitored and there are no designated or supervised beaches. Furthermore, swimming is prohibited in the section located in the municipality of Chastellux-sur-Cure, near the dam.
Beaches and leisure centres for swimming in the Nièvre
Beyond the large lakes of the Morvan, the Nièvre has several beaches with facilities and leisure centres ideal for a refreshing dip. These sites, which are often family-friendly, also offer a range of water sports and leisure activities in a pleasant setting by the water’s edge.
Baye Pond (Bazolles)
Situated in the south of the Morvan Regional Nature Park, Baye Lake is one of the main water-based leisure spots in Nièvre. Bordered by the Nivernais Canal, it offers a lovely setting for a day out with family or friends.
You can make the most of the Baye Pond’s well-equipped beach to relax or go for a swim, with lifeguards on duty in July and August. The leisure centre also offers canoe, paddleboard, pedalo and bike hire – a great opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside from the water or along the canal.
The Decize Water Sports Centre
Located in the south of the Nièvre, the Decize Water Sports Centre stretches along the banks of the Aron, right next to the Loire. This vast outdoor leisure area is one of the department’s main water sports centres.
Its sandy beach offers supervised access to the water in the afternoons during July and August. Outside these periods, swimming is not permitted. The site also features Aquatoons, a free water play area with water jets, as well as paddle boat hire (for 2 or 10 people) to explore the banks of the Aron and the surrounding Loire countryside.
The Marnant Pond (La Nocle-Maulaix)
Situated in the south of the Nièvre, the Marnant lake is a body of water surrounded by meadows and banks shaded by tall trees. This rural setting makes it a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
The site has a sandy beach, which is lifeguarded from the first weekend in July to the last weekend in August, every afternoon (except Mondays). Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing, as well as the very popular fishing on site.
Nevers Plage
Situated on the banks of the Loire in Nevers, Nevers Plage is a summer leisure area set up in the river’s shallow channel. Normally, a swimming area is marked out by flags and supervised during the summer season.
This year, conditions have changed following the flooding of the Loire: swimming is therefore not available in 2026, due to safety concerns linked to changes in the riverbed and the presence of a current. It has been replaced by mist sprayers over a stretch of around 100 metres, to help visitors cool off.
The site remains open to the public from 1 July to 31 August and offers relaxation areas as well as entertainment and concerts. As the Loire remains a natural river with a current, the utmost caution is advised and the instructions of the on-site staff must be followed.
Zébulle Parc (Chevenon)
Located about ten minutes from Nevers, in the heart of the Loire Valley, Zébulle Parc is a leisure area surrounded by nature, free of charge and open all year round. Set around a series of ponds, the site offers a leafy setting ideal for relaxing with family or friends.
Lifeguards are on duty in the afternoons from the first weekend in July until the end of August. Outside this period, swimming is not permitted.
The Merle Pond (Crux-la-Ville)
Situated in the heart of the Nièvre, near Saint-Saulge, the Merle pond leisure centre is set in a preserved natural environment, surrounded by woodlands. Created in the 18 r for fish farming, it now offers a body of water covering approximately 17 to 19 hectares, open to the public.
The lake has a sandy beach on one side, which is lifeguard-supervised in July and August, situated near the campsite. The lake is also equipped for water sports, with canoes, kayaks and pedalos available for hire.
Grenetier Pond (La Machine)
Located in the south of the Nièvre, Grenetier Pond – also known as Espace Paulette Lavergne – is a popular holiday destination for its outdoor activities and lush natural surroundings. Situated near former mining sites, it now offers a pleasant and varied environment ideal for relaxation.
The lake has a sandy beach which is lifeguarded in the afternoons during July and August, making it one of the main lakes in the area. Outside these periods, launching boats is not permitted.
The Chênaie Pond (Montapas)
Situated around 5 km from Saint-Saulge, in lush green surroundings, the Chênaie pond is a small lake covering approximately 2 hectares, designed for relaxation and leisure activities in the heart of nature. Nestled in the heart of the village of Montapas, it offers a peaceful setting, far from the department’s busiest attractions.
The lake has a sandy beach and a supervised swimming area in July and August, in the afternoons. It is a popular spot for a refreshing break with family or friends during the summer season.
The Prés de la Ville Pond (Prémery)
Situated in the heart of the Nièvre region of Burgundy, the pond 'Prés de la Ville' is a pleasant lake bordered by the Nièvre d’Arzembouy. It is a popular spot for relaxation and outdoor activities in a lush green setting.
The lake has a sandy beach, making it a popular spot for families during the summer season. It is also popular for fishing and leisure activities all year round. There are no lifeguards on duty.
The Goulot Pond (Lormes)
Situated in the heart of the Grands Lacs du Morvan region, the Goulot pond covers around 10 hectares in a natural setting surrounded by forests. This peaceful lake is ideal for both walks and family leisure activities.
The lake features a sandy beach and landscaped lawns, with supervised swimming in summer, from early July to late August, every afternoon.
Please note that in 2026, due to a major leak in the embankment protecting the Goulot pond, activities around the lake (fishing, swimming, kayaking) are suspended for the season.
Waterfalls and unspoilt natural spots in the Nièvre
The Nièvre also boasts a number of remarkable natural sites, ranging from secluded waterfalls to wooded gorges, mainly in the Morvan massif, offering wild landscapes ideal for hiking and taking a break by the water’s edge. It is sometimes possible to dip your feet in the water here, but these areas are not suitable for prolonged swimming.
One exception is the Saut de Gouloux waterfall, situated about 5 km from Saint-Brisson. It is a waterfall of around 10 metres formed by the Caillot stream, which plunges into an ancient fault. Nestled in the heart of a Morvan forest, it offers a cool, shaded natural setting. In summer, some walkers take advantage of the cool surroundings to take a quick dip for a few moments, amidst very wild scenery.
Camping in the Nièvre and enjoying the lakes
There are just under 60 campsites in the Nièvre, spread across the Morvan, the Loire Valley and the department’s more rural areas. This network, on a human scale, makes it easy to stay close to the main places for swimming, whether they be large lakes, leisure centres or natural areas. We particularly recommend the following campsites:
Camping Les Halles (Decize)
The Les Halles*** campsite in Decize enjoys a prime location, just a few metres from the water sports centre. It offers easy access to the beach, water sports and the site’s relaxation areas.
La Saulaie Campsite (La Charité-sur-Loire)
Situated in La Charité-sur-Loire, the La Saulaie*** campsite is close to the banks of the Loire and around 25 to 30 kilometres from the area’s main leisure spots, such as Nevers Plage, Les Prés de la Ville in Prémery and Zébulle Parc in Chevenon.
Practical tips for enjoying swimming spots in the Nièvre
Swimming in the Nièvre is mainly enjoyed in summer, either at designated sites or in the great outdoors. Supervised areas are generally open between July and August, with lifeguards usually on duty in the afternoons. As opening times may vary depending on the site, and swimming may be prohibited outside supervised hours, it is advisable to check the conditions displayed on site.
In the Morvan lakes and natural spots (waterfalls, streams), swimming usually takes place in undeveloped areas. You should remain vigilant regarding currents, variations in depth and water temperature.
It is essential to keep a close eye on children, even in authorised areas, and to stay close by at all times. It is also advisable to check the water quality and any health advisories before swimming.
Finally, please respect the environment, do not leave any rubbish behind and follow the signage to help preserve these fragile natural areas.