Swimming at Lac des Settons

In the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, Lac des Settons is an essential destination for anyone who likes open country and cold, clear water. This jewel of Burgundy offers a long list of options for swimming and water sports. From Maison Constant, the historic house in Autun, it is an hour's drive through the rolling landscapes of the Morvan.

Lac des Settons, a natural setting made for swimming

Set at 586 metres in the Nievre department, Lac des Settons is a man-made lake of 367 hectares, held back by a distinctive stone dam built between 1854 and 1858. Originally designed for floating timber downstream, the site has become the centre of tourism in the Morvan. With an average depth of six metres and a shoreline of fourteen kilometres, it makes a rich setting for time spent outdoors.

The surrounding forest gives natural shade, much appreciated in summer. Maison Constant makes an ideal starting point for these days by the water, combining the comfort of a Palladian house with the charm of the Burgundian countryside.

Beaches, permitted areas and water quality

The lake has several laid-out areas that keep visitors comfortable and safe while protecting the biodiversity around them.

The supervised beaches

There are two official swimming areas. The beach at the Branlasses watersports centre, on the left bank, carries a Blue Flag, is the busier of the two and has toilets and a first-aid post. The Plage du Midi, near the dam, is also supervised and rather quieter.

Feature	Branlasses watersports beach	Plage du Midi
Supervision	Yes (July and August)	Yes (July and August)
Ground	Sand and grass	Grass and sand
Facilities	Showers, toilets, beach wheelchair	Toilets nearby
Activities	Pedalo, sailing and canoe hire	Swimming and lying about
Aspect	Sun all day	Shaded in the afternoon

Rules, and monitoring of the water

The regional health authority monitors water quality closely from mid-June to September. Historically rated excellent, the water sits between 22 and 25 degrees in season, which is what keeps the lake's Blue Flag.

Stay inside the swimming areas marked by yellow buoys. Local orders formally prohibit swimming near the dam and the jetties. Outside the supervised zones, sharing the water with motorised craft carries real risk.

Practical advice for a good day at the lake

A day at the lake needs a little preparation, both for safety and for the logistics of the day.

Safety, and what to bring

Supervised swimming runs from 1.30pm to 7pm in July and August. Watch the flags: green means swimming is allowed, orange that it is dangerous, red that it is forbidden.

For families, put children in armbands or buoyancy vests. Sun exposure calls for sunscreen and regular drinking, especially after a pedalo or the water jump. Get into the water gradually to avoid cold shock.

Access, parking and services nearby

Access is via Montsauche-les-Settons. Free car parks are laid out near the beaches, but they fill quickly in high season. Arriving before eleven in the morning is the safest plan.

On site, the food runs from snack bars to traditional restaurants. Autun is close by, and reachable from Maison Constant for these day trips, crossing the fine landscapes of the Morvan on the way. Charging points for electric vehicles are available around the lake.

Making the most of a day at Lac des Settons

Lac des Settons is a multi-sport hub. Anyone after a thrill can try water-skiing or wakeboarding, or head for the inflatable aquapark. Canoe and stand-up paddleboard hire opens up the wilder inlets and the islands. The fourteen-kilometre circuit of the lake offers a dry alternative, on foot or by mountain bike.

After a day in the water, Maison Constant offers the right setting to recover. Far from the bustle of the campsites, the refinement of a private apartment inside a wooded park extends the calm and rounds off a good day in Burgundy.

Frequently asked questions about swimming at Lac des Settons

Here are answers to the usual questions before a trip into the Morvan.

Can you swim in Lac des Settons?

Yes. Swimming is permitted and supervised within the marked areas through the summer season. Outside those limits it is at your own risk, provided you do not obstruct navigation. Swimming remains strictly forbidden near the dam and the water-intake zones. Dogs can generally cool off in the unmanaged areas if they are kept on a lead.

How clean is the water at Lac des Settons?

Water quality is rated excellent, which earns the lake its Blue Flag. The regional health authority runs frequent checks on bacteriology and turbidity. Fed by the river Cure and set in preserved country, the lake keeps clean water that reaches 23 to 25 degrees in summer, which suits families and anyone more sensitive to cold.

Which are the best beaches at Lac des Settons?

The beach at the Branlasses watersports centre is the obvious choice for full comfort with children, with sand and organised activities. The Plage du Midi is supervised and quieter. The right bank, less developed, hides small inlets reachable from the footpath, with privacy and a view of the islands for a peaceful picnic.

Is swimming supervised at Lac des Settons?

Yes. Qualified lifeguards are on duty in July and August, from 1.30pm to 7pm, mainly at the Branlasses and Midi beaches. Outside those hours and areas there is no supervision. We would strongly suggest sticking to those times, so that help is close at hand if anything goes wrong.