Best lakes around Anost are situated within the Morvan Regional Natural Park, a landscape characterized by its artificial lakes. These lakes, created in the 19th and 20th centuries, primarily served to regulate water levels for the Yonne and Seine rivers and for timber transport. Today, they offer a range of natural beauty and recreational activities. The region provides diverse opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
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
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Anost.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Anost
The Grande traversée du Massif Central by gravel bike
Bibracte-Alesia Hiking Trail – In the footsteps of the Gauls
Tour du Morvan — The little mountain of Burgundy
The Great Crossing of France's Massif Central by mountain bike
MTB fun in the Massif Central — La Grande Traversée du Morvan
Between summits and big lakes — gravel riding in France’s Morvan park
Hiking around Anost
Road Cycling Routes around Anost
Cycling around Anost
Gravel biking around Anost
The Pannecière reservoir was commissioned in 1949. This artificial lake's purpose is to increase the flow of the Yonne and Seine rivers and to mitigate the risk of flooding. It is the largest lake in the Morvan region.
0
0
Electricity production and tourism
0
0
It's a must-see in Burgundy; its 366 hectares make it one of the six large lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Located in the heart of the Morvan National Park, at an altitude of 590 meters, Lac des Settons (or "chettons" in Morvan) is, like all the lakes in the Morvan region, an artificial lake. Built between 1850 and 1858, south of Montsauche-les-Settons, it facilitated the floating of timber from the Morvan forests to Paris.
0
0
According to the sign there are supposed to be otters here
0
1
You can cycle all the way around the lake on paths and wooden bridges, although it can get busy with bathers, walkers and other cyclists.
4
0
Nice place but I wouldn't necessarily recommend the bike tour because the passages are quite narrow, with a lot of roots and above all, you come across a lot of people on foot. Better to choose a tour outside the peak season (July and August)
1
0
Possibility of picnic on the footbridge: 2 benches and beautiful views.
0
0
For families, the Plan d'eau Humbert in Anost is an excellent choice. It offers supervised bathing, children's games, and an aqua park. Lac des Settons also features a "Blue Flag" certified beach with supervised swimming during summer, making it very family-friendly.
Lac des Settons is the most active of the Morvan lakes for water sports. You can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, pedal boats, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and canoeing. Lac de Chaumeçon is also popular for rowing and canoeing, while Lac de Crescent is noted for predator fishing.
Yes, Lac des Settons offers a well-marked 13-kilometer track around the lake, which includes boardwalks and bird-watching areas, suitable for walking and cycling. Lac de Saint-Agnan also has a pleasant 10 km walk around the lake, passing through a nature reserve.
The region's lakes are known for their picturesque settings. Lac des Settons is surrounded by fir and larch forests, offering serene views. You can also visit the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake for a unique perspective from within the water, or enjoy the natural beauty around Pannecière reservoir lake, the largest in the Morvan.
The lakes themselves have historical significance, primarily created in the 19th and 20th centuries to regulate water levels and facilitate timber transport. The Settons Lake Dam, completed in 1858, is the oldest dam in Morvan and was historically crucial for log transport to Paris.
The area around Anost and its lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For example, explore the gravel biking trails or discover the MTB trails that often pass by these beautiful water bodies.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but summer is ideal for swimming and water sports due to supervised bathing and warmer temperatures. Autumn offers stunning scenery with vibrant fall foliage, especially around lakes like Lac de Saint-Agnan, often compared to "Little Canada" for its natural beauty.
Yes, Lac de Chaumeçon offers a tranquil setting, ideal for calm relaxation and is popular for fishing. Lac de Crescent also provides a peaceful atmosphere and is known as an excellent spot for predator fishing. Pinsot Pond and La Canche Pond are also serene spots for a break.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from the active water sports at Lac des Settons to the tranquil walks and fishing opportunities at other lakes. The natural beauty, especially the forests surrounding the lakes, and the historical significance of the dams are frequently highlighted. The accessibility of the Plan d'eau Humbert within Anost is also a plus for many.
Lac des Settons has well-developed infrastructure, including restaurants, bars, and shops, making it convenient for visitors. The Plan d'eau Humbert in Anost is located near a campsite, offering accommodation options right by the water.
Wild swimming is possible in several lakes, with Lac des Settons being a popular choice. However, for supervised and monitored bathing, the Plan d'eau Humbert in Anost and the "Blue Flag" certified beach at Lac des Settons are recommended for safety and water quality.


Still not found your perfect lake around Anost? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.