Top 4 Lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan
Best lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan are located in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, a region characterized by its artificial lakes. These lakes were developed for purposes such as timber transportation, water supply, and flood control. The area provides diverse recreational opportunities and natural landscapes, including wooded hills and forests. Visitors can find a range of experiences, from active water sports to tranquil natural settings.
Best lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan
- The most popular lakes is Chaumeçon Dam, a man-made monument that offers views of the lake it creates, featuring islands and forests. This dam, built in the 1930s, provides a scenic backdrop.
- Another must-see spot is Étang du Moulin du Bois, a lake located at the edge of the forest. This small pond is noted for its alder groves.
- Visitors also love Crescent Dam, a man-made monument built between 1929 and 1932. This gravity dam is 330 meters long and 37 meters high, regulating the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers.
- Saint-André-En-Morvan is known for its artificial lakes, forest-enclosed ponds, and deep reservoirs. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct features.
- The lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 9 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Crescent Dam
Highlight • Monument
The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Étang Chaumail
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Chaumeçon Dam
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Étang du Moulin du Bois
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
The Shores of the Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Not for regular bikes, only for mountain bikers. Bring wellington boots.
0
0
very impressive lake and beautiful scenery.
1
0
The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
1
0
This beautiful pond is surrounded by hiking trails, a children's playground and an arboretum.
2
0
At the edge of the forest is this pretty little pond with alder groves on its plans.
2
0
When you reach this pond, you will be struck by the fact that it is enclosed in the forest, as if the pond is there just for you, hidden away. The pond is often so calm that its surface is like glass.
2
0
At the edge of the forest is this pretty little pond with alder groves on its plans.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for family activities around Saint-André-En-Morvan?
For families, Étang Chaumail offers a children's playground and an arboretum. Lac des Settons is also highly recommended with sandy beaches and various water sports like pedal boating. Lac de Saint-Agnan features a 750-meter loop on stilts that is accessible for strollers and people with reduced mobility, making it very family-friendly.
What kind of water sports are available on the lakes in the Morvan region?
The lakes offer a wide range of water sports. Lac des Settons is a hub for sailing, pedal boating, stand-up paddling, and windsurfing. At Lac de Pannecière, you can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddling, and pedalo. Lac de Chaumeçon and Lac de Saint-Agnan are excellent for kayaking and stand-up paddling, while Lac de Chaumeçon also serves as a starting point for whitewater activities like rafting and canoeing on nearby rivers.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails. Around Lac de Pannecière, you'll find marked trails such as "Les rives de Pannecière" (8km), "Les rives du petit lac" (14km), and "Le Maquis de Chaumard" (10km). Lac de Chaumeçon has a 17-kilometer hiking loop starting from Brassy, and Lac du Crescent offers an 11km loop from Marigny-l'Église. Étang Chaumail is also surrounded by hiking trails.
Which lakes are best for fishing in the Morvan?
Lac de Pannecière is well-known for fishing, with a variety of fish including carp, pike, and zander. Lac du Crescent is highly recommended for carnivore anglers, boasting a good population of pike, perch, and zander, with regular catches of large specimens, and a significant carp population. Lac de Chaumeçon and Lac de Saint-Agnan are also excellent spots for fishing.
What historical or man-made landmarks can I see at the lakes?
The region's lakes are artificial, created with impressive engineering. You can visit the unique stone dam of Lac des Settons, built between 1854 and 1858. Lac de Pannecière features an impressive 49-meter-high dam built between 1937 and 1949. The Crescent Dam, a gravity dam built between 1929 and 1932, is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. The Chaumeçon Dam, built in the 1930s, also offers stunning views of the lake it creates.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan?
Yes, the area offers various cycling opportunities. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the "Lac de Pannecière – Col d'Ouroux (564 m) loop" or the "Pierre-Perthuis Bridge – Lake Crescent loop." Gravel biking options include the "Col de Guitte Longue – Lac de Chaumeçon loop." You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Saint-André-En-Morvan, Cycling around Saint-André-En-Morvan, and Gravel biking around Saint-André-En-Morvan guides.
Which lake offers the most tranquil or 'wild' experience?
Lac de Chaumeçon is known for its tranquility and silence, making it ideal for observing starry skies. Lac de Pannecière is considered wilder than Lac des Settons, offering magnificent scenery of wooded hills. Lac du Crescent is often called the 'wildest' of the Morvan lakes due to its deep waters and rugged setting. Lac de Saint-Agnan is also described as the most 'exotic' or 'wild,' with many small creeks and a serene natural experience.
What natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering diverse natural beauty. You'll find pine and larch forests around Lac des Settons, wooded hills surrounding Lac de Pannecière, and forests reflecting beautifully on the waters of Lac de Chaumeçon. Étang du Moulin du Bois is noted for its alder groves, and Lac de Saint-Agnan features a mix of forests and meadows, evoking an Irish landscape.
Is swimming permitted in the Morvan lakes?
Yes, swimming is permitted at designated areas. For example, at Lac de Pannecière, you can swim at Bonin beach, Blaisy peninsula, and Chaumard beach. Lac des Settons also features sandy beaches ideal for swimming.
What makes Lac du Crescent unique among the Morvan lakes?
Lac du Crescent, named for its crescent shape, is known as the 'wildest' of the Morvan lakes. It is famous for its depth, exceeding 30 meters in front of the dam, and its reputation for challenging fishing conditions, especially for large pike and carp. Its picturesque setting has even attracted filmmakers.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Saint-André-En-Morvan?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes, from the serene forests reflecting on the water at Lac de Chaumeçon to the breathtaking scenery around Lac de Pannecière. Many enjoy the variety of outdoor activities, including water sports, hiking, and cycling. The tranquility and opportunities for wildlife spotting are also frequently mentioned, along with the impressive historical dams like the Crescent Dam and Chaumeçon Dam.
Which lake is the largest in the Morvan region?
Lac de Pannecière is the largest of the Morvan lakes, covering an expansive 520 hectares. It was primarily designed to regulate the flow of the Seine and prevent flooding in Paris.
Most popular routes around Saint-André-En-Morvan
Most popular attractions around Saint-André-En-Morvan
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Saint-André-En-Morvan? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
