Avallon walks

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park! Explore enchanting trails through mystical forests, green hills and crystal-clear rivers. Soak up the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty of these places. Marvel at breathtaking panoramas, observe a diverse range of flora and fauna, discover authentic villages such as Vézelay and finally relax by the Lac du Crescent. Whether you are a keen hiker or simply looking to get away from it all, this getaway to the Morvan is an invitation to wonder and serenity. Put on your walking shoes and set off on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature.

The title of the hike refers to the two main attractions: the Cousin valley and the old town of Avallon. The rest of the walk takes you along pleasant forest and country paths, offering different views of these two highlights of local tourism.

This walk is almost entirely through forest on the outskirts of Avallon, with a few sections on the road. The first part is mainly in forest, while the second part is more open, bordering meadows and pastures.

Start from the church in Vault-de-Lugny, where the paintings were restored in 2017, and head to the summit of Montmarte. Return via Château de Domecy.

From the hamlet of Usy, and after crossing the Bois des Rompées, you will reach theGR® 13. The appeal of this route is the crossing of this pretty wood and the views of the landscape. There are no difficulties except for the small slope leading up to Notre-Dame de la Lumière. From this statue, there is a view of the Cure valley and the village of Cure.

From the charming village of Cure, after crossing the Bois de l'Épenay, you arrive at the beautiful site of Pierre-Perthuis, with its 18th-century arched bridge overlooked by the more recent road bridge. You then climb up the River Cure through the undergrowth. A steep climb leads to a superb viewpoint over the valley. A diversion to the statue of Notre-Dame de la Lumière and another viewpoint precedes the descent to the starting village.

This hike can be combined with a sound and light show organised by the "Montréal en lumière" association. It can be reached on foot via the Fontenay-Vézelay path. By car, take the N6 and D957. From the A6 motorway, take the Avallon exit. Montréal is 7km from the exit.

This route allows you to discover part of the Vézelay vineyard. There are 120 hectares of vineyards in the communes of Asquins, Saint-Père, Tharoiseau and Vézelay. During this walk, you'll discover numerous viewpoints over the basilica and the town of Vézelay. Take the opportunity to visit the medieval village of Vézelay, its basilica and ramparts.

This route allows you to discover part of the Vézelay vineyard. It covers 120 hectares in the communes of Asquins, Saint-Père, Tharoiseau and Vézelay. During this hike, you can enjoy numerous views of Vézelay Basilica and the Morvan countryside.And don't leave Saint-Père without visiting the church and the Salt Springs site.

Hike starting from the small village of Saint-Père, with a visit to the stunning Notre-Dame church, a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture, passing by the two bridges of Pierre-Perthuis and the Pierre Percée site overlooking the Cure valley. On the way back, there is an alternative route along the Cure, then an ascent towards the vineyards with views of Vézelay.

Third and final stage of the Avallon-Vézelay-Lac du Crescent-Avallon loop. You will leave Lac du Crescent and head into the countryside and forests of the Morvan for the last time. This final stage of the loop takes us back to Avallon after a pleasant walk, where you will find the River Cousin.

A gentle hike starting from the town of Vézelay and heading west. The end of the hike offers a spectacular view of the historic centre and the basilica. The hike is mainly on forest paths. No difficulties to be expected.

A beautiful walk between Arcy-sur-Cure and Saint-Moré via Nailly and the old oak tree of Saint-Moré.

In the heart of the Cure valley, this route allows you to discover the typical Burgundian village of Arcy-sur-Cure, famous for its caves, which are classified as an archaeological site of national interest. You can visit them during your walk. The route offers beautiful views of the meandering Cure river. This hike is recommended by the municipality of Arcy-sur-Cure and Yonne Tourisme and has been certified by the Yonne departmental committee of the FFRP (French Federation of Hiking and Rambling).

Starting from the water source, this hike takes you to the highest point in the Yonne and the Rocher de la Pérouse, which offers a magnificent view of the Nièvre and the commune of Dun-les-Places.

A short walk from the Abbaye de la Pierre-qui-Vire, which first follows theGRP® Tour du Morvan, passes through the village of Trinquelin and then follows the Trinquelin valley. The abbey is located in the territory of Saint-Léger-Vauban, but can also be reached from Saint-Agnan.

Over 100 million years of history beneath your feet! This hike passes over the coral limestone plateau formed at the end of the Mesozoic era. The water that flows here is responsible for the decorations in many of the caves beneath your feet. This route overlooks the valleys and allows you to discover the built and natural heritage of this mountain range.