The Nièvre & Morvan
Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, the Nièvre and the Morvan Regional Natural Park form one of France's most unspoilt natural regions. Ancient forests, clear lakes, peaceful canals and villages full of character: welcome to a wilder side of Burgundy.
Must-see sites
Lac des Settons
Large 360-hectare reservoir ideal for swimming, sailing, kayaking and lakeside walks. One of the Morvan's most popular natural sites.
Château-Chinon & Septennat Museum
Morvan capital perched on a hilltop. Its unique Septennat museum holds official gifts received by President Mitterrand. Exceptional panorama over the Morvan.
Morvan Regional Natural Park
300,000 hectares of beech and oak forests, glacial lakes, rivers and peat bogs. Classified as a Grand Site de France and one of Burgundy's green lungs.
Vézelay — UNESCO Basilica
The eternal hill of Vézelay and its Romanesque basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Starting point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Over 600 km of waymarked cycling routes including the legendary Route des Grands Lacs du Morvan. MTB trails for all levels in the Park forests.
Burgundy Gastronomy
Charolais lamb, goat's cheeses, Morvan honey, Pouilly-Fumé and Chablis. The Nièvre sits at the crossroads of Burgundy's and Loire's great appellations.
Nevers — Capital on the Loire
Nièvre's prefecture on the Loire. Saint-Cyr Cathedral, Renaissance ducal palace, Nevers faience pottery and the Magny-Cours racing circuit 10 km away.
Canal du Nivernais
174 km of canal linking Auxerre to Decize, ranked among France's most beautiful waterways. Ideal for a river cruise or cycling holiday between locks and characterful villages.
The region through the seasons
Nature awakens, waterfalls are at their peak. Ideal for hiking, fishing and family Easter stays.
Swimming in the lakes, open-air festivals, night markets and green tourism at its height.
The Morvan blazes with colour. Mushroom season, golden walks and seasonal gastronomy.
Christmas markets in Nevers and Clamecy, snowy walks, evenings by the fire in Morvan gîtes.