The Morvan Regional Park is an area of forests, rivers and lakes in central Burgundy. If Burgundy is the heart of France, then the Morvan is its green lungs and the Lac des Settons its aquatic nucleus.
One of the Morvan Lakes
Until the arrival of coal, the Morvan was solely responsible for supplying wood to Paris by floating it along their rivers and this commercial activity employed at least someone in every Morvan family. The lake was made to facilitate this industry and also to help regulate the navigation of the river Yonne. Consequently, the rivers and lakes remain close to the heart of all Morvan people. Several buildings were flooded during the dam's construction including several mills and remnants can still be seen when the lake is emptied..
The Dam at Lac des Settons
The dam at the south end of the lake, with a height of 20 metres, length of 267 metres and comprised of local granite, was a marvel of its day and the only structure of its kind in the western world. Built between 1854 and 1858, it became a historic monument in 1937. The dam now also serves as a walkway between the left and right banks linking the cafés, shops and restaurants on both banks of the lake.
Maison du Gard at the Lac des Settons
Facing the dam, in an imposing elevated position, stands the ‘Maison du Gard’. It is the house in which the engineers were housed and where the lake’s guardian could keep watch over the dam ensuring its smooth functioning. It became a historic monument in 1944 and it is presently being renovated.
Leisure Activities and Geography of the Lac des Settons
With an area of 367 hectares, an average depth of 6 metres and a perimeter longer than 13 kilometres, the lake is edged by larch and conifers with little inlets and beaches forming the perfect place to spend the day.
As well as swimming, walking, cycling, fishing or just lazing with a picnic and a good book there are many water sports available including, sailing, swimming, rowing, water skiing and wind surfing. There is also a sightseeing river boat and pedal boats, canoes and small boats intended for fishing for hire.
Fishing at the Lac des Settons
Fishing is a major activity on all of the Morvan lakes and the Lac des Settons provides the opportunity to catch trout, pike, carp and perch. Night fishing is permitted on the right bank of the lake between 1st April and June 30th and between 1st September and 31st October. About every ten years the lake is completely emptied and local fishermen help with the safe transfer of the fish and its restocking. This last took place in 2008 and twenty tons of fish were transferred.
Walking and Parking around the Lac des Settons
The walking distance around the lake is 15km and the Lac des Settons is also on the GR13 route for intrepid walkers. This is one of the networks of long-distance footpaths that crisscross Europe.
The road that encircles the lake is, for much of its length, close to lakeside enabling parking right next to the water and underneath the shade of the trees. There are also car parks on both sides of the lake.
Montsauche-les-Settons
The village of Montsauche-les-Settons is seven kilometres from the lake. It is one of the six Morvan martyr villages destroyed in 1944 but which was completely rebuilt within two years. It is the highest point of the Morvan at 650 metres above sea level.
Montsauche is a ‘Station Verte’ which is a nationally recognised quality mark for tourism as well as being awarded the internationally recognised Blue Flag award given to beaches and marinas across the world. There is a market every Thursday morning in the town centre and a Thursday market in July and August at lakeside near the dam.
The clear air, bright stars, clean water, woods and wildlife make this one of the loveliest locations in Burgundy.
Frances Williams - Frances is an Autism specialist with post graduate qualifications but has had to take a career break. She is now a freelance writer. ...
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