The best walks and hikes around Autun

The Autun region, nestled within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offers over 500 hiking routes. These trails cater to various skill levels, with approximately 230 easy routes, 270 moderate routes, and 28 more challenging options.

Hikers consistently rate the trails around Autun highly, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,700 reviews. Many praise the diverse landscapes, from dense forests and rolling hills to unique granite rock formations, and the well-maintained paths that lead to historical sites and panoramic views.

Yes, Autun offers numerous easy hiking trails perfect for families and beginners. For example, the Le chemin des Chèvres — loop in the parc naturel régional du Morvan is an easy 6.6 km loop featuring streams and varied natural paths. Another excellent choice is the Tour of the Ramparts of Bibracte, a 5.7 km path offering historical insights and panoramic views from Mont Beuvray.

Many of the trails around Autun are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include the easy Le chemin des Chèvres loop and the more challenging Uchon, the Land of Rocks Loop, which explores unique granite formations.

Hiking near Autun offers a rich tapestry of landscapes within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll encounter dense forests, rolling hills, picturesque valleys like the Arroux, and distinctive granite rock formations such as the 'Carnaval Rocks' in Uchon. Many trails also follow rivers like the Canche or loop around serene lakes, providing diverse natural beauty.

The Autun region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly rewarding. Spring brings vibrant flora, including primroses and wild daffodils, while autumn transforms the hillsides into a stunning display of scarlet, gold, and russet, making it an ideal time for scenic hikes.

Yes, the region features natural attractions including waterfalls. You can discover the Brisecou Waterfall, which is a notable highlight in the area, often accessible via local hiking trails.

Autun's rich history is woven into its hiking trails. You can explore the ancient Gallic settlement of Bibracte atop Mont Beuvray with the Tour of the Ramparts of Bibracte. Shorter routes north of Autun also lead to significant Roman landmarks like the Porte Saint-André, the Temple de Janus, and the Porte d'Arroux. Additionally, you can hike around the magnificent Château de Sully.

The Autun region is famous for its unique granite rock formations. The 'Carnaval Rocks' in Uchon, often called the 'Pearl of Morvan,' offer exceptional panoramic views and a wild landscape. You can explore these on routes like the Uchon, the Land of Rocks Loop, or the Les Rochers d'Uchon – New Pond loop from Vauvillard. Another notable feature is the 'Pierre qui Croule,' a precariously balanced granite block found along forest trails.

Many trails in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, including those around Autun, are generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife, and to check specific trail regulations before you go. Ensure you carry enough water for your dog, particularly on longer routes.

Yes, the region offers several trails that follow rivers and loop around lakes. You can enjoy paths along rivers like the Canche, with routes such as Beautiful stream crossing – Path along the Canche loop from Roussillon-en-Morvan. The Morvan also features routes around various lakes, including the Lac des Settons, which offers a 15-kilometer loop with magnificent views.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Autun serves as a starting point for sections of significant regional trails. These include parts of the Grande Traversée de la Bourgogne du Sud and the GRP Tour du Morvan, a 220 km trail passing through the six lakes of the Morvan. The Uchon, the Land of Rocks Loop is a challenging 21.9 km route exploring the unique granite formations.