Top 17 Lakes around Montsauche-Les-Settons

The primary attraction is the Lac des Settons, known for its historical 19th-century granite dam, which you can explore at Settons Lake Dam. Another popular spot is the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake, offering a unique perspective from within the water. For a different experience, the Wooden boardwalk on Lake Saint-Agnan provides scenic views of Lake Saint-Agnan and its surroundings.

The Lac des Settons dam, completed in 1858, is notable for its pyramid shape, designed to withstand water pressure through its own weight. It's a 20-meter high granite structure, unique in France, and was originally built to regulate the Yonne River for timber rafting to Paris.

Yes, beyond Lac des Settons, you can also visit Chamboux Lake, an artificial lake created in 1984, known for its wildlife and an 8 km walking trail. Lake Saint-Agnan is another significant lake in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering beautiful turquoise waters and a long dam.

Lac des Settons is particularly active, offering a wide array of water sports. You can enjoy sailing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and even more adventurous options like Blob jump and other inflatables. Motorized water sports such as jet skiing and water skiing are also permitted, making it one of the few lakes in the region to allow such activities.

Lac des Settons is an excellent spot for swimming, featuring several small beaches around its perimeter. The beach on the Settons peninsula is particularly well-regarded, having received the "Blue Flag" label for its excellent water quality and environmental management. Lifeguards are typically present during the summer months.

The area around Lac des Settons is ideal for various land-based activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or electric scooter excursions. A popular activity is the 13-kilometer (8-mile) walk around Lac des Settons, which features well-marked tracks and boardwalks, including a bird-watching area. The surrounding forests of fir and larch trees provide a peaceful, natural setting for exploration.

Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities. A popular moderate route is the 14.7 km "Lac des Settons — loop in the Parc naturel régional du Morvan." For more options, including an easy 7.1 km loop from Lac des Settons, you can explore the various trails listed in the Hiking around Montsauche-Les-Settons guide.

Absolutely. The region offers diverse cycling experiences. For gravel biking, you can find routes like the 20.5 km "Lakeside boardwalk – Lac des Settons North loop from Lac des Settons." If you prefer road cycling, consider the 21.1 km "Settons Lake Dam – Boardwalk at Lac du Crescent loop from Montsauche-les-Settons." More routes are available in the Gravel biking around Montsauche-Les-Settons and Cycling around Montsauche-Les-Settons guides.

Yes, Lac des Settons is a well-regarded spot for fishing, particularly known for pike, pike-perch, and perch, especially towards the tip of the lake. Chamboux Lake is also a 2nd category fishing zone.

The lakes are very family-friendly. Lac des Settons offers swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer, pedal boating, and other water activities suitable for all ages. The 13-kilometer walk around Lac des Settons is also manageable for families. Highlights like the Settons Lake Dam and Wooden Footbridge on the Lake are also considered family-friendly attractions.

The 13-kilometer walk around Lac des Settons includes well-marked tracks and boardwalks, which may offer some accessible sections. The Wooden boardwalk on Lake Saint-Agnan also provides a walking alternative on the lake, which could be suitable for some visitors with limited mobility, offering views of the lake and surrounding nature.

The summer months are ideal for enjoying water sports, swimming, and lakeside activities, with lifeguards present at Lac des Settons beaches. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery as the foliage changes. The region's natural setting at approximately 600 meters altitude provides a refreshing escape.

Around Lac des Settons, you'll find various amenities to enhance your visit, including restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and gift shops. Boat tours are available, offering guided perspectives of the lake and its history, with tours of the dam also offered during summer. Several campsites are also located in Montsauche-les-Settons, making it a popular camping destination.