Bibracte

A lovely cycle ride on a standard or electric bike, taking you on a journey of discovery through the forests of Haut-Folin along quiet country lanes. A 1,000-metre climb for a lovely ride lasting just under 3 hours.

South of Le Beuvray, the landscape changes dramatically: you emerge from the forests and the view stretches further afield; the colour shifts from pine green to the spring green of the hills, and the small pastures bordered by low stone walls are a delight for the white cows. From ponds to mills, following the streams, water is an integral part of the southern Morvan.

The official name of the hike is: "Towards the Méchet Valley, from Bibracte to La Grande Verrière".From the Bibracte car park, leave the forest and set off to explore the Méchet Valley, with its pretty villages and small heritage sites, a beautiful discovery in the South Morvan. Breathe in the fresh air, you are in the Grand Site de France "Bibracte Morvan des Sommets".

The second stage of this circular Beuvray will take you on a journey of discovery through pretty villages and beautiful landscapes. Little by little, you climb through the forest towards Beuvray, the summit where the majestic Bibracte of the Aedui stood inthe 1st century BC.

The ancient oppidum of Bibracte was the largest city of the Aedui, a very powerful Gallic people one hundred years before our era. The largest rampart dates from the2nd century BCE, is 7 km long and was built before the smaller one, which is 5 km long, thus reducing the space. It was built on the principle of the murus gallicus, a construction made of earth solidified by interlocking layers of horizontal beams with a dry stone facing, an architectural technique admired by Caesar. This beautiful walk gives a glimpse of the grandeur of this ancient city as you follow in the footsteps of the Gauls through the majestic forest of Mont Beuvray.

First part of a three-day hike exploring the landscapes of the Southern Morvan. This first stage is long and difficult; it is possible to split it into two by staying overnight at “La Rivière” near Crot Morin. The Gorges de la Canche are a sensitive site classified as a Natura 2000 area; it is essential to preserve it and to be discreet. This magnificent site can only be accessed in good weather, never after a storm, snow or ice. A track allows you to bypass it if necessary.

The second stage of this three-day hike, which is shorter and less steep. It leads from Athez to the Étang du Châtelet via the old Voie du Tacot railway line. The hike passes through Arleuf and the Théâtre des Bardiaux. From pond to pond, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the timber rafters.

Third stage of the hike Towards the sources of the timber-floating trade, this fairly challenging section takes you upstream along the rivers, to where the timber was stored at the ‘ports’ of the timber-floating trade, so far from the sea... While waiting for the great flood (caused by the release of water from the ponds), the timber was then set adrift and continued its journey, not without difficulties, to Clamecy where it was tied together into rafts. It then continued its journey unhurriedly towards Paris where it was sold.

A three-day hike starting from Bibracte, with no major difficulties apart from the length of the first stage. By observing the landscape and the place names, you’ll be transported back to the days of the timber raftsmen who used streams and then rivers to transport timber to Paris, via the Yonne and the Seine. A thriving industry that provided work for thousands of people in the Morvan fromthe 16th century until 1926.