Lakes, waterfalls and gorges in the Morvan: our best spots

Around Lac des Settons, a 14km trail takes you all the way around the oldest lake in the Morvan, between undergrowth, beaches and dykes. The itinerary is accessible, with little difference in altitude, making it an ideal half-day walk for families or friends, with plenty of viewpoints over the lake.

When the weather's fine, it's holiday time again: swimming, relaxing on the beach, canoe, paddle, pedalo or boat hire, and even a cruise on a tourist boat to discover the history of the lake and the area. Whether you feel like walking, swimming or simply enjoying a sunset on the water, Lac des Settons is a must.

Saut de Gouloux is a pretty waterfall of around 10 m nestling in the heart of the forest, easily accessible from a car park beside the D 977 bis. There are two short loops: a very easy one of around 800 m and a slightly steeper one of 1 km, perfect for a short nature walk.

While you're there, you'll enjoy the atmosphere: the sound of the water, the coolness of the valley, the rocks and the play of light between the trees. It's an ideal break to combine with a day out around Lac des Settons, for a change of scenery without doing too many kilometres or climbing too much.

A few minutes from Lormes, the Narvau gorges offer a wilder setting, classified as a nature site, where you follow a small path through damp woods, granite boulders and streams. In spring, the site is adorned with blue hyacinths, making it a highly photogenic spot for nature lovers.

A circuit of around 1.5 km takes in waterfalls and rocky passages, but access is quite steep in places, with forest paths requiring good footwear. It's a short walk, but with a real «adventure» feel that will appeal to those who enjoy a slightly wilder atmosphere without going on a long hike.

The largest lake in the Morvan, Pannecière first impresses with its grandiose appearance: a huge expanse of water held back by a dam almost 49 m high, surrounded by wooded hills and panoramic viewpoints. Created to regulate the course of the Seine, today it offers an ideal playground for lovers of wide open spaces and landscapes.

The route des crêtes is a great way to discover the Lac de Pannecière by bike, with a series of climbs, descents and viewpoints over the water and surrounding countryside. The route requires a good level of fitness, but the rewards are well worth the effort, with spectacular views all along the way and the option of completing the outing with loops of walking around the lake.