Top 9 Lakes around Saulieu

The lakes near Saulieu, situated on the edge of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, are predominantly artificial, created in the 19th and 20th centuries for purposes like water supply, timber transport, and flood regulation. Today, they offer stunning natural settings and a diverse range of recreational activities, from active water sports to peaceful walks, making them popular destinations for enjoying nature.

The lakes offer a wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking on routes like the Great Morvan Crossing near Lac des Settons, gravel biking, and road cycling. Many lakes also provide opportunities for walking, fishing, swimming, and water sports such as rowing and canoeing, particularly at Lac de Chaumeçon.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Chamboux Lake is known for its pleasant walking trails around the water, trees, and wildlife. Lake Saint-Agnan also features family-friendly areas, including a unique wooden boardwalk that allows you to walk directly over the lake and observe local flora and fauna, sometimes even wild horses.

For unique perspectives, visit the Wooden boardwalk on Lake Saint-Agnan, which offers views of the lake and surrounding horse pastures. Lake Saint-Agnan itself is known for its magnificent turquoise waters. Lac de Pannecière provides majestic scenery with its vast waters encircled by woodlands and steep banks, offering a wild natural area for exploration.

Lac du Crescent is particularly noted as a prime spot for anglers interested in catching carnivorous fish. Lac de Pannecière is also abundant with fish, and Lac de Chaumeçon is an excellent fishing spot, recognized for its soothing and silent environment.

Lac des Settons is arguably the most well-known and lively of the Morvan's great lakes, often considered the first to embrace tourism. Created in 1861, its dam is notable for its pyramid shape. It's a major stop on the Great Morvan Crossing for mountain biking and offers a vibrant atmosphere.

Yes, many lakes offer dedicated trails. The trail around Chamboux Lake is a great opportunity to enjoy the water, trees, and wildlife. Lac de Saint-Agnan features an 8.7 km circular route, including a Water Trail with wooden planks directly over the water and educational boards. The Étang du Taureau Discovery Trail also has a beautiful wooden walkway through the woods.

Lac de Saint-Agnan is known for its exotic and tranquil atmosphere, with sunsets that evoke an Irish landscape. Its many small coves make it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, adventurous escape. Lac du Crescent and Lac de Chaumeçon also offer peaceful environments, with the former being ideal for quiet swimming and the latter for relaxation.

Lac de Pannecière is the largest of the Morvan lakes, covering an area of 520 hectares. It plays a crucial role in regulating the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and is known for its majestic scenery and wild natural areas.

Absolutely! The region is excellent for mountain biking. You can find various routes, including those around Lac des Settons and Lac de Saint-Agnan. For detailed routes, check out the MTB Trails around Saulieu guide, which features routes like the 'Lake Chamboux – Lakeside boardwalk loop'.

Yes, Lac de Chaumeçon is particularly popular for water sports such as rowing and canoeing. Its calm environment makes it ideal for these activities.

The lakes are popular destinations for recreation and enjoying nature, particularly during warmer months when activities like swimming, water sports, and hiking are most enjoyable. The serene natural beauty can be appreciated year-round, but summer offers the widest range of activities.