The area -

The Area

The Morvan is a popular vacation area for lovers of peace and quiet, nature, culture, gastronomy and wines as well as those who want to have an active holiday. It is a perfect area for hiking, cycling, fishing, horseriding and canoeing, ways to enjoy nature to the fullest.

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The Morvan is an unspoilt and hilly granite mountain range, with its highest point being the Haut-Folin at 901 meters. The name Morvan derives from the Celtic language: Mar = black and Vand = mountain. The area has a rich ecosystem because of the combination of forests, agricultural land, shrubs and rivers, and it houses an enormous diversity of wild flowers, birds and mammals. At dusk, you may see clouds of small bats as they come out for there evening meal.
The Morvan consists mostly of farmlands separated by walls and hedges, interspersed with trees and shrubs, and laced with beautiful small winding roads. About 45% of the area is covered with gorgeous forests.

Burgundy also has many cultural attractions in its towns and villages. We recommend these.

Vezelay
The Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, an important place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages and part of the trail of Santiago de Compostella, sits on the hill of this beautiful village in Yonne. This masterpiece of Burgundian Roman art derives from the 9th century and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Vezelay is a timeless little city with steep climbs, Roman houses and impressive city walls that you can discover from the wall walks.

Autun
This is one of the oldest cities in Burgundy, which modern day tourists can have a lovely time exploring. The most distinct building is the Cathedral Saint-Lazare, construction of which started in the 12th century. Its tympan is considered to be a masterpiece of Roman sculpture. From Roman times, some of the city gates and a theatre have been preserved.
In the centre of Autun is the Champ de Mars, an atmospheric square with bars and restaurants. Every Wednesday and Friday there is a market. From the Champ de Mars, streets and alleys wind their way to the momuments of the city.

Château-Chinon
The historical capital of the Morvan, of which François Mitterrand was the mayor from 1959 to 1981, is known for its Mitterand museum (Musée du Septennat). You can also visit the Notre Dame gate, remnant of the old city wall, as well as the monumental fountain by the artists Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. From there you can walk towards the Panorama du Calvaire (overlook of the crucifix) to get a beautiful view over the rooftops of Château-Chinon to the Morvan and Bazois beyond.

Bazoches
In this beautiful village in the heart of the Morvan, visit the Saint-Hillaire church constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Its acoustics are so renowned that a festival devoted to lyrical song, the “Nuits musicales de Bazoches” (musical nights of Bazoches) is held here every year in July.
Bazoches is most known for its impressive castle, built in the 12th century by landlord Jean de Bazoches, which is opened for visitors from the end of March to early November.

Arthel
One of the most beautiful villages of France, with floral streets, old houses and a park from the 18th century. On the hill sits the castle of Apremont. This little village is definitely worth a visit.