Morvan Regional Natural Park: 10 Wonders to Discover 2 hours away from Paris

There are several tourist sites in Burgundy, so it’s definitely worth spending a few days there to see them all. If you’ve never been to Beaune and its hospices, the various wine estates in the Jura, or the Morvan Natural Park, you’re in for a shock. Explore this last location, which has a wealth of natural, historical, and architectural wonders. You’ll be able to uncover a significant portion of it by following our 10 step guide.

#1 The basilicas of Vézelay and Saint-Andoche

The first was built in the 12th century and would have taken roughly 30 years to complete if it had been built in accordance with Romanesque aesthetic principles. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay served as a pilgrimage stop on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.

While Saint Andoche’s Basilica in Saulieu was erected in the 11th century, it is a Romanesque masterpiece. When the abbey was destroyed in the 8th century, it was rebuilt by this structure, which was built over the remains of an 8th-century monastery. Curiosities such as a 17th-century organ and stunning paintings will add to the appeal of its unusual architecture.

#2 The Bibracte Site

Celtic people of the Aedui had Bibracte as their capital in the 1st century AD, when it was at its peak. The fact that so many artefacts from the past still adorn the site helped it earn the distinctions of Historic Monument in 1984 and Grand site de France in 2007.

You may visit a museum of Celtic civilization on site that chronicles the history of this fortified oppidum, which was home to a population of between 5,000 and 10,000 people. There are few relics of our Gallic forebears in France that are as well-preserved as the ramparts, homes and houses of worship found here.

#3 The Morvan lakes

The area is home to a variety of lakes and reservoirs that entice hikers and water-sports enthusiasts alike. The Cure dam, which was built at a height of 500 metres and covered 366 hectares, formed an artificial lake known as Lake of Settons. In addition to taking in the scenery on foot, visitors may enjoy a day of sailing, canoeing or pedalos.

Saint-Martin-de-la-Mer has a lake of the same height as Lake Chamboux. Three unique reservoirs and several hiking routes enable you to see it from every perspective and take in the awe-inspiring scenery. Check out these spots in the autumn if you can!

#4 The Castle of Bazoches

Overlooking the town since the 12th century, it’s been a constant presence. A modest mediaeval structure erected on the remnants of a Roman post by Jean Bazoches has experienced several alterations throughout the years. Due to the 80,000 volumes that Louis XIV gave to Vauban following his triumph in Maastricht, the architecture and interior arrangement underwent a remarkable renovation and decoration in the early 17th century.

The castle, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994, may rightfully claim to have formerly belonged to Marshal de Vauban, who would have been just as pleased to own such a treasure of French history. Visitors from afar are enchanted by the city’s round towers and square keep. To visit without restraint is a violation of the rule!

#5 The Narvau gorges

This is a must-visit natural feature in the Morvan region near Lormes. Located in the granite of the area, it is a protected historic property. Even the most energetic hikers will enjoy the paths’ unique scenery and the many climbing opportunities that they may take advantage of.

Every visitor should exercise caution and carry adequate gear, such as hiking boots that will allow them to easily ascend the sometimes steep hills.

#6 The Château de Chastellux

The castle, nestled between history and nature, beckons visitors to unearth a thousand-year-old mystery. It was built in the 11th century on Roman remnants and has remained in the same family for more than 1,000 years – an extremely rare occurrence in France!

Le Nôtre created the park in which the castle lies; it’s no surprise that it’s so well-preserved throughout time.

#7 The Zervos Museum

The old home of the novelist Romain Rolland, in Vézelay, houses a museum of contemporary art, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts. You may see pieces by Picasso, Gonzalès, Kandinsky, and Ernst, among others, thanks to the bequest of Christian Zervos following his death in 1970.

Furthermore, the terrace with views of the River Morvan and the Medieval subterranean passageways provide a further layer of appeal to the area.

#8 The Fortress of Thil

Since the beginning of the 11th century, a structure has existed at Vic-sous-Thil, west of Dijon. The Château de Thil is located on the 480-meter-high namesake hilltop, which overlooks the valley and the Morvan mountains.

Owners of the castle, which was designated a historic monument in 1905, are responsible for maintaining the castle’s ruins and remnants. The mediaeval of the Lords de Thil, which features performances by knights, craftsmen, and troubadours, takes place every year for two days and attracts thousands of tourists.

#9 Cardoland

Go to Cardoland if you want to broaden your horizons when it comes to exploring the Morvan. This ancient park has 88 life-size dinosaurs, themed caverns, and numerous fossils that allow visitors to relive the past.

When visiting the ancient circus with a pre-recorded audio tour, you’ll get a full sense of what it was like to be a prehistoric circus performer back in the day. Never to be forgotten by anybody, young or old!

#10 The Resistance Museum in Morvan

To wrap off our tour of the Morvan, we’ll take a look at some of the Second World War-related events that took place there. In 1944, the Germans were forced to depart the area because of the persecution of resistance members by the Germans.

This history is told at the museum that historians from the University of Burgundy, with the help of former Resistance fighters, established in Saint-Brisson in 1983. You may get a greater sense of how this conflict unfolded in this region by visiting three distinct rooms, each dealing with a different aspect of it.

Among the Morvan’s many assets are a rich cultural and historical heritage that is only matched by its breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend the weekend in one of France’s two most populous cities!