The region offers:
Fishing – available on the lakes and rivers normally between 12th March and 18th September for carp, black-bass, trout, pike, pikeperch, grayling and others. Our lake, Lac Panneciere, is the favoured fishing lake in the Morvan.
Horseriding – there are stables a short distance away from the gite.
Walking – a number of countryside trails, heritage trails, and special programmes exist for you to choose from, or just follow your own whim.
Site seeing – there are many places of historical interest in Burgundy. For example:
- Château-Chinon: Although a small town, Château-Chinon is the capital of the High Morvan region and has a history of occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. The Chateau, after which the town was named, has been burned down in the XV. Century. In more recent history Château-Chinon became famous when its Mayor of 22 years was elected President of France. Francois Mitterand would return for his annual holidays and stay in the hotel, Le Vieux Morvan. One of the two museums, the Septennat, houses the collection of official gifts President Mitterand received from all over the world. Next door is another museum, of Costume. Our nearest bars, restaurants, shops and supermarket are found here.
- Autun: With its Roman relics, Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Lazare (where concerts are frequently held) and famous Musee Rolin, is a bustling town with its twice weekly market, shops, bars and restaurants. Markets are held Wednesday and Friday mornings.
- Beaune: Is a lovely town set amid the Burgundian vinyards. It is enclosed by ancient ramparts, which have set into them the caves of wine growers. Many of the fine medieval buildings, like the Hotel Dieu, display the distinctive Flemish – Burgundian patterned tiled roofs. The pedestrianised centre is packed with bars, restaurants and boutiques and the popular market is held on Saturday mornings.
- Dijon: Ancient seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, now the areas lively capital. Visiting the Palais de Ducs is a must and the next door Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy wandering through the Renaissance backstreets, peppered with museums, galleries and boutiques. Dijon is also considered a centre of Haute Cuisine.
- Vezeley: Fabulous hillside village which climbs to the Basilica of Ste. Madeleine at its summit – a fascinating UNESCO site. Besides the Basilica, Vezeley boasts several high quality shops, galleries and restaurants. Has its own wine label from the vines that grow on its hillside.
- Availlon: This old town is built on a granite promontory, dominating the Cousin valley. Probably founded by the Celts, Availlon became an important Roman town. Today the town is divided into two parts. The calm of the older part, within the ramparts, contrasts with the bustling ‘new town’ with its treelined squares, wide roads and XVII-XVIII Century buildings.
- Nevers: With its attractive ancient quarter is situated where the Nievre flows into the Loire. In the Middle Ages Nevers fell into Italian hands and artists and craftsmen introduced the knowledge of porcelain manufacture to the town. The exquisite Bleu de Nevers became famous throughout Europe. The Jardin et Musee Blandin has a superb collection of antique porcelain and glass ware. The immense Cathedral of St-Cry et St. Julliette boasts sections from every style of architecture from X to XX Century. Of course, many bars, restaurants and shops can be found here.
- Bibracte: Mount Beuvray is the site of Bibracte, the most important walled settlement of the Aedui tribe of Gauls. Mount Beuvray is a striking spot allowing a tremendous view of the wild woodlands and peaks of the southern Morvan from its summit 821 metres high. At the foot of the hill there is the Museum devoted to the site which brings researchers from all over Europe.
- Châteaux: Such as, the Château de Bazoches-du-Morvan, (on the road to Vezeley) Xll Century home of the Marechal de Vauban, the tri-centenary of whose death is being much celebrated this year. Vauban, the founder of civil engineering, bought the Château with the reward granted to him by King Louis XlV, after the seige of Maastricht. The present owners are the direct descendents of Vauban. The Chateau is open every day from 25th March to 5th November.
- Wine Regions: Burgundy is famous for it’s wonderful wines, you can go to one of the region’s many vineyards, such as, Santenay, Mersault, Beaune, Nuit-St-Georges, Gevrey Chambertin, Beaujolais, Chablis. Have a guided tour and then take part in the wine tasting.
- Gastronomy: If you have a special celebration or have won the lottery there are two Michelin Star restaurants in the Morvan. One in St. Pere sous Vezeley and the other in Saulieu. Do not forget to arrange your mortgage in advance!
- Maison du Park: is found in the heart of theMorvan in Saint Brisson. Everything that happens in the Morvan is administered from here. There you have the Musee de la Resistance, which tells the story of the resistance movement in the Morvan. L’ecomusee illustrates the history of the Morvan and its evolution of the relationship between men and the country.
- Weekly markets in Château Chinon, Corbigny, Autun, Moulins-Engilbert, the bath town of St. Honore-les-Bains and surrounding villages.