Walking around Lac de Chaumecon

In the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, Lac de Chaumecon reveals itself as somewhere not to miss. Often compared to Canadian landscapes, this reservoir has a singular atmosphere where forests of fir and broadleaf meet granite shores. Whether you walk seriously or only on Sundays, the circuit of Lac de Chaumecon promises a genuine immersion, a long way from urban noise.

Lac de Chaumecon, a natural setting made for walking

Set in the Nievre, Lac de Chaumecon is one of the six great lakes of the Morvan. Filled in 1935, it covers 135 hectares and holds 19 million cubic metres of water. Fed by the Chalaux, this majestic reservoir stands out for its wildness and its barely developed banks, a rare authenticity that pleases walkers looking for country left alone.

The immediate surroundings form a genuine sanctuary of biodiversity. At an average altitude of 370 metres, the forest ecosystem mixes oak, beech and conifer, opening striking views at every turn of the path. The water level varies with the season: high in winter, it reflects the Burgundian sky like a mirror. By late summer it drops gradually, revealing islets and beaches that change the look of the place completely.

Walking routes around Lac de Chaumecon

Walking around Lac de Chaumecon remains the best way to appreciate the variety of Morvan landscape. Waymarked paths wind between shaded undergrowth and bright clearings, for a complete immersion in this forest world. Unlike high mountain routes, the itineraries here are accessible, though they do ask for a certain endurance.

The main route follows the full circuit of the lake, crossing forest tracks and wooden footbridges. It is an invitation to watch the local wildlife, grey herons and birds of prey among them, and to take in the silence, broken only by water lapping against rock.

The full loop: distance, time and climb

Allow half a day for the complete circuit. This waymarked route is a moderate but rewarding challenge.

Feature	Technical data
Total distance	13.5 kilometres (loop)
Estimated time	3h30 to 4h30
Total climb	Around 180 metres
Highest point	420 metres
Difficulty	Moderate

You can start from the dam or from the left bank. The path works around the arms of the lake and opens changing perspectives as the kilometres pass. The succession of short climbs and the nature of the ground, with exposed roots and muddy sections, calls for constant attention. Picnic areas near Brassy make a welcome stop.

Preparing your day out

A good walk in the Morvan is not improvised. To do this without logistical trouble, we would suggest picking a strategic base. Maison Constant, in Autun, makes an ideal starting point for the paths of the Morvan. After a restful night in one of our character apartments, you will be in exactly the right condition for open country, combining the comfort of a historic house with an adventure outdoors.

Kit, safety and the best seasons

Proper equipment is essential to cover the 13.5 kilometres comfortably.

• Walking shoes: choose waterproof models with good grip, since wet roots and rocks can be slippery.

• Water: there is no drinking water on the circuit. Allow 1.5 to 2 litres per person.

• Protection: a compact waterproof and sun protection are both recommended, as Morvan weather can turn quickly.

Spring, from April to June, is beautiful for the flora waking up. Autumn turns the forests to blazing colour, from gold to deep red. Summer allows swimming in the permitted areas, though weekends are noticeably busier.

Access, parking and starting points

Getting to Lac de Chaumecon takes a little organisation. From Autun, the D980 makes access straightforward, and Maison Constant works well as a base for ranging out across the region. Allow around fifty minutes for the 45 kilometres through the rolling landscapes of the Morvan.

Several parking options are available:

• The dam car park: the busiest starting point, to the north, with a view down the valley.

• The left-bank area: reached through the state forest, and more shaded.

• Le Vaudois: ideal if you want to walk one specific section of the path.

In high season, arriving before ten in the morning is the safest way to find a space.

Other things to do nearby

Walking is the headline activity, but the surroundings are full of ways to extend a stay. The river Chalaux is a centre for whitewater sport: rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed during the water releases draw anyone after a thrill. Nearby, do not miss the basilica at Vezelay, the pleasant small town of Lormes, or the Rocher du Chien, a geological curiosity worth the detour.

After the effort, the park at Maison Constant offers the right kind of recovery. Wander under our century-old sequoia or rest in the gardens, extending the connection with nature in a setting of preserved elegance.

A restorative pause in the middle of the country

Lac de Chaumecon is an invitation to travel without going far. Between shimmering water and the deep forests of the Morvan, this escape offers a complete reset, away from screens and everyday noise. Whether you come for the physical challenge or simply to look, you will leave with the image of a wild and authentic Burgundy. We will be glad to hear how it went when you get back to Autun.

Frequently asked questions about Lac de Chaumecon

What can you do at Lac de Chaumecon?

Besides walking, the lake suits fishing, canoeing and paddleboarding. Downstream, rafting and hydrospeed on the Chalaux are popular during the water releases, generally scheduled for spring and summer weekends.

How hard is the walk around Lac de Chaumecon?

The 13.5-kilometre circuit is of moderate difficulty. Regular walkers will manage it comfortably, though it can feel long for young children despite the modest climb of around 180 metres. Plan regular stops if you are walking as a family.

What kit do you need for Lac de Chaumecon?

Closed, waterproof walking shoes are essential. Take a rucksack with at least a litre and a half of water, sun protection and a proper map. Mobile coverage is intermittent on some sections of the path.

How do you get to Lac de Chaumecon, and where do you park?

Access is by car, for example from Autun on the D980 towards Brassy. The main car park at the Chaumecon dam is free, with other options on the left bank and at the hamlet of Le Vaudois.