Morvan encourages visitors to walk on well-marked trails
Morvan in
Celtic literally means ‘Black Mountain’ and though it could
hardly be called mountainous, the highest point being
around 3000 feet, these dark hills are outstanding and,
perhaps, just a little forbidding. There are many traces of Morvan’s Celtic past with the city
of Bibracte quite outstanding. Here the resistance to the
Roman occupation was forged and, in much later times,
resistance to another occupation was equally active.
There’s
even a museum dedicated to the resistance fighters of the
last war at Maison du Parc, St. Brisson.
But, it is the overpowering size of Morvan that encourages
visitors to ‘lose themselves’ each year. Here you can walk on
well-marked trails, ride horse or mountain bike through
the countryside stopping at small village ‘fermes auberges’
along the way. You can just do nothing and enjoy being
‘lost’ or maybe fish or, even take part in more action
packed water sports.
Saut du Gouloux
Morvan
While Morvan is the dominating area in ‘natural
Burgundy’, it must be said that throughout the region
there are wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoors.
The walking opportunities are impressive whether through
forest, vineyards or rural farmland. Or, enjoy these
opportunities more leisurely and just drive along small back
roads where the stress of daily life seems light years away. Bodies can even be ‘toned-up’ by spending a day or two
‘taking the natural waters’ at the spa towns of Bourbon-Lancy and Saint-Honoré-les-Bains where fine mineral
waters and treatments can be enjoyed.
The interesting point of holidaying in Burgundy is,
probably, variety. Culturally, historically, gastronomically
the region is so rich. But, it is also rich in natural
pursuits
so that you can choose specific holiday interests or, should
you wish, take a little of each.
Bourbon-Lancy Modern timber industry...
Earlier, we recalled
the importance of the timber from Morvan in keeping Paris warm.
Today, the timber industry continues
to flourish under strict controls and
one use of the fine oak is barrels for the winemakers.
The call of the Cerf...
In September the ‘Cerf ’ (the stag) begin to search for
partners.
In the forests the night time wailing and moaning call of the Cerf echoes for miles and miles. It is a great attraction for
humans too and each night forest car parks are full of
visitors and locals alike waiting for the ‘call’.
credits
: Burgundy
Tourist Board
France Regions Burgundy
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