Top 16 Lakes around Dun-Les-Places

The lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various water sports like sailing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, windsurfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing, especially at Settons Lake Dam. There are also opportunities for fishing, hiking, and cycling. For more detailed routes, you can explore options in the hiking guide or cycling guide for the area.

For a wide array of water sports and active recreation, Lac des Settons is considered the most active of the Morvan lakes. It features a supervised blue flag beach and a marina, offering activities such as sailing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, windsurfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing. Equipment rentals are available on-site.

Lac de Pannecière is known for its tranquility and magnificent scenery, often described as more wild than other lakes. It's ideal for nature enthusiasts, fishing, and hiking. Similarly, Lac de Chaumeçon offers a wild and natural setting, sometimes referred to as 'the little Canada,' perfect for peaceful exploration and enjoying nature.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent hiking and walking opportunities. For instance, a 13-kilometer well-marked track encircles Lac des Settons, complete with boardwalks. Lac de Pannecière is part of the GR® de Pays Grand Tour du Morvan hiking trail, and Lac de Chaumeçon has a 17 km trail around its perimeter. Chamboux Lake also features an 8 km trail. You can find more routes in the hiking guide around Dun-les-Places.

Absolutely! The region is great for cycling. For example, a 13-kilometer track around Lac des Settons is excellent for cycling. You can find various cycling routes, including those around Lac des Settons and Lac Saint-Agnan, in the cycling guide for Dun-les-Places.

Many lakes offer family-friendly options. Lac des Settons has a supervised blue flag beach and various water sports suitable for all ages. Lake Saint-Agnan and Chamboux Lake are also noted as family-friendly spots, offering pleasant walks and opportunities to observe nature.

The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming and water sports, with warmer temperatures and longer days. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Guided tours of Lac de Pannecière and its dam are typically offered in the summer.

Yes, swimming is permitted at several lakes. Lac des Settons has a supervised blue flag beach. At Lac de Pannecière, while unsupervised, swimming is allowed at various spots like Bonin beach and Chaumard beach. Lac de Chaumeçon also allows swimming away from the dam area.

Lac de Pannecière is a haven for fishing, especially known for pike, zander, carp, and perch. Lac de Chaumeçon is also popular for fishing, particularly for predatory fish.

Yes, Lac de Chaumeçon is renowned as a starting point for whitewater activities such as rafting, canoeing, and hydrospeed, thanks to regular water releases from its dam. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for rent to explore its waters.

The region features impressive dams. The Settons Lake Dam, completed in 1858, is notable for its unique pyramid shape designed to withstand water pressure by its own weight. The Lac de Pannecière dam, built between 1937 and 1949, is a significant structure regulating the Seine River. The Crescent Dam, built between 1929 and 1932, also played a role in flood prevention and electricity production.

Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the active water sports and lively atmosphere of Lac des Settons to the peaceful natural retreats of Lac de Pannecière and Lac de Chaumeçon. The scenic trails around lakes like Chamboux Lake and Lake Saint-Agnan are also highly enjoyed for their natural beauty and wildlife observation opportunities. The unique wooden boardwalk on Lake Saint-Agnan allows for a special experience of walking directly over the water.

Yes, Lac de Chaumeçon is an excellent spot for stargazing due to its minimal light pollution, offering clear views of the night sky in its wild and natural setting.