Saint-Prix (Saône-et-Loire) walks

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.

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.

This hike offers an escape to the time of the Eduens in the Morvan Forest. There are many explanatory panels and beautiful views. As it is not very long, it can be complemented by a visit to the Bibracte Museum, known as the "Museum of Celtic Civilisation", in the car park.

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.

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".

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.

A unique historical site, Bibracte was a fortified town or oppidum, built on the summit of Mont Beuvray at the end of the 2nd century. In addition to its protected natural area (labelled "Grand Site de France" within the Morvan Regional Nature Park), it offers an exceptional archaeological site. The Chemin de Maraude is a 3 km route combining viewpoints, excavation sites and walks through forests and clearings.

At a height of 821 metres, Mont Beuvray offers a wide range of activities, including a visit to the archaeological site of the Bibracte oppidum, the Bibracte Museum dedicated to Gallic civilisation, and numerous walking opportunities such as the ramparts tour or long-distance hiking trails such as theGR®13orGR®131. And if, by chance, mist descends on the area at the end of your hike, the atmosphere it creates is sure to give you goose bumps.

A predominantly forest walk through the Bois du Roi, leading to the summit of Haut Folin, the peak of the Morvan and thus of Burgundy.

The source of the Yonne (and its archaeological site) and Mont Preneley (the highest point in the Nièvre department) lie at the geographical centre of this circular route. It passes through beautiful forests and some farmland, offering numerous panoramic views of the Morvan. It skirts the elegant Rangère pond, passes through several hamlets and the pretty village of Glux-en-Glenne, and ends at the small yet photogenic waterfalls on the young Yonne.

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 Canche Gorges are one of Morvan's most outstanding natural sites.

A beautiful hike through the woods. Beautiful scenery and colours. Many thanks to Dédé and Doudou for making the path passable again by clearing it and building this footbridge over the Dragne.

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.

Deep in the forest, discover the Camp des Fraichots, a key site of the Morvan Resistance during the Second World War.

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.