4.4
(233)
991
hikers
98
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Barrage Du Crescent traverse a landscape defined by the crescent-shaped Lac du Crescent and the surrounding Morvan Regional Natural Park. The area features a mix of tranquil waterscapes, lush forests, and picturesque countryside. The impressive Barrage du Crescent dam is a prominent landmark, while the region's varied terrain offers paths suitable for different fitness levels.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4.2
(6)
12
hikers
6.01km
01:39
90m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
12
hikers
6.14km
01:40
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4
hikers
6.13km
01:44
130m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
2
hikers
3.94km
01:11
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
5.08km
01:31
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Crescent Lake is one of the six large lakes of the Morvan. It owes its name to its crescent shape and offers a magnificent natural setting.
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Very dedicated owner who is restoring the old mill on a voluntary basis and at the same time uses it as a place to stroll and relax.
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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.
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Straddling the departments of Nièvre and Yonne, with an area of 138 ha, Lac du Crescent owes its name to its "crescent" shape. This lake is formed by a hydroelectric dam built in 1930 and financed as German war damage linked to the 1st World War. The dam is 330 m long, 37 m high and the capacity of the lake is 14 million m3. The Crescent reservoir is fed by the most famous trout rivers in the Morvan: the Cure and the Chalaux. It is therefore a good fishing spot, like all the neighboring lakes of the Morvan, but a swimming area has also been set up on the side of the Yonne in the town of Chastellux sur Cure.
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A mountain pass has the distinction of being located in the commune of Marigny-l'église. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the verdant Morvan countryside.
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Swimming very pleasant in summer weather.
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The view is magnificent but you have to hang on in winter!
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The Barrage Du Crescent area offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 35 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are nearly 90 hiking tours available, catering to various preferences.
Easy hikes in this region primarily feature the picturesque Lac du Crescent, surrounded by lush forests and the tranquil countryside of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You'll encounter waterscapes, wooded paths, and rural views, often with the impressive Barrage du Crescent dam as a focal point.
Yes, many easy trails around Barrage Du Crescent are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Marigny-l'Église loop from Marigny-l'Église, which is just under 5 km, or the La Cure – Resistance memorial stone loop from Marigny-l'Église, a 4.7 km route.
The easy trails around Barrage Du Crescent are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.38 stars from nearly 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied scenery, the peaceful atmosphere, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable, accessible walks.
Yes, the easy trails are generally suitable for families. Their shorter distances and manageable elevation gains make them ideal for walks with children. Routes often follow the lake shore or gentle forest paths, providing a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages.
Many trails in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, including those around Barrage Du Crescent, are dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially near wildlife or other hikers, and to check specific trail regulations if posted.
The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for easy hikes, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Winter walks are possible, but some paths might be muddy or require appropriate footwear.
Parking is typically available near popular starting points for trails, such as at the Barrage du Crescent itself or in nearby villages like Saint-Germain-des-Champs or Marigny-l'Église. Look for designated parking areas to ensure convenient access to the trailheads.
Absolutely. The most prominent feature is the impressive Barrage du Crescent dam itself, a significant historical and functional structure. The trails also offer views of the crescent-shaped Lac du Crescent, fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers, and you'll experience the diverse landscapes of the Morvan Regional Natural Park.
While the immediate vicinity of the dam might have limited options, nearby villages and towns within the Morvan Regional Natural Park often have cafes, restaurants, or small shops where you can find refreshments. It's a good idea to check in advance or bring your own snacks and drinks.
Public transport options directly to the more remote trailheads around Barrage Du Crescent can be limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to access the starting points of these easy hikes. Some regional bus services might connect to larger towns in the Morvan, from which further arrangements would be needed.
Easy hikes around Barrage Du Crescent typically range from 4 to 6 kilometers (2.5 to 3.8 miles) in length. Most can be completed within 1.5 to 2 hours, making them perfect for a leisurely stroll. For example, the Lake Crescent – Lac du Crescent loop from Lac du Crescent is 6 km and takes about 1 hour 39 minutes.


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