Attractions and Places To See around Lormes - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Lormes offer a blend of natural landscapes and historical sites within the Morvan massif in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, France. The region features rugged terrain, panoramic viewpoints, and a rich past. Visitors can explore natural features like gorges and ponds, alongside historical landmarks and cultural experiences. Lormes is recognized as a "City of Character" for its preserved heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Lormes
- The most popular attractions is Narvau Waterfall, a waterfall that…
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Crescent Dam
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Bazoches Castle
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Narvau Waterfall
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Canal de Nivernais Towpath
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Canal du Nivernais
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During the cold winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. It became necessary to transport wood from other forests, those of Bazois.
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The Nivernais Canal During the cold winter of 1782-1783, the Morvan forest was no longer sufficient to supply the capital with wood. It became necessary to transport wood from other forests, those of Bazois. Work was then considered to build a small channel between the Loire and the Yonne. In 1784, construction began with the drilling of "La Montagne" from La Collancelle, and in 1786, the construction of a navigation canal was planned. In 1840, the construction of the three tunnels was completed, then on March 15, 1841, the official commissioning of the Nivernais Canal took place. In the first 40 years, traffic on the canal increased, and it was also used as a means of transport for heavy loads (especially stone, but also wood and coal). With the decline in demand for wood in the capital and the development of the railway, navigation on the canal began to decline. In the 1970s, political will and funding were needed to develop river tourism, ecotourism, and cycle tourism. To this day, the Canal du Nivernais is one of the busiest canals in France due to its philosophy of gentle roaming.
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Very nice cycle route along the canal with many sights.
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A must see ! It would be a shame to be in the area and miss it :)
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The Crescent Dam was built between 1929 and 1932. A gravity dam, it is 330 meters long and 37 meters high. Its width at the base is 24 meters and at the crest 3.5 meters. It was built on the initiative of SA Compagnie HydroElectrique de la Cure and was owned by the City of Paris until 1946. The dam was built to regulate the waters of the Yonne and Seine rivers and thus prevent flooding in Paris, while also producing electricity. More than 165 hectares of cultivated land, hamlets, mills, and paths were flooded to allow the creation of the reservoir (maximum depth of 40 meters). It occupies four municipalities and two departments, and is fed by the Cure and Chalaux rivers. The structure was partly financed by war reparations owed by Germany to France after the First World War. This is why much of the dam's mechanisms are German-made. The road across it is narrow and only allows passage for one vehicle. Fortunately, there is very little traffic.
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This waterfall is a great place to complete your trail. It is fed by the nearby Etang de Goulot and is an ideal place to take a break and bathe in the sound of the waterfall.
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This waterfall is a great place to complete your trail. It is fed by the nearby Goulot pond and is an ideal place to take a break and bathe in the sound of the waterfall.
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A route vert runs along the entire Canal du Nivernais. Good to cycle. Check in advance whether there are places for breaks or bring your own food. The eckluses (locks) give a little bump but easy to cycle for people who are used to the flat Netherlands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Lormes?
Lormes offers a variety of natural sites. You can discover the Narvau Waterfall and the Gorges de Narvau, a classified natural site with a 1.5 km pedestrian circuit, waterfalls, cliffs, and the 'Grotte aux Fées'. The Étang du Goulot is popular for swimming and fishing, while Mont 'la Justice' provides panoramic views of the Morvan peaks. Lormes is also part of the Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor activities.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Lormes?
Yes, Lormes is rich in history and culture. You can visit the Church at the top of Mont Saint-Alban, explore the old castle district with its 12th-century chapel, or take a historical town walk through the labyrinth of granite streets to see its medieval past, including charming shops and hidden wash houses. The town also features a circuit of art galleries with permanent and seasonal exhibitions, and the Corot Discovery Trail highlights landscapes that inspired the painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Lormes?
The area around Lormes is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trail running within the Morvan Regional Natural Park. For specific routes, consider exploring the hiking trails around Lormes, which include paths like the 'Cascade de Narvau — loop' or 'Les étangs de Lormes — loop'. Cyclists can also enjoy the Canal de Nivernais Towpath, offering varied scenery along the canal.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Lormes?
Absolutely. The Canal de Nivernais Towpath is great for cycling with children, featuring varied scenery with locks and bridges. The Étang du Goulot is a popular spot for swimming and leisure activities, and Étang Chaumail offers a children's playground and an arboretum, surrounded by hiking trails. The Gorges de Narvau also provides an accessible pedestrian circuit suitable for families.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Lormes?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility. For instance, the Narvau Waterfall is noted as a great place to take a break and enjoy the sound of the water. The Étang Chaumail is loved for its serene setting, enclosed in the forest, often with a glass-like surface. The Canal de Nivernais Towpath is praised for its beautiful, varied scenery, suitable for cycling.
Are there any notable landmarks or points of interest slightly outside Lormes?
Yes, within a short driving distance, you can visit the impressive Crescent Dam, a gravity dam built between 1929 and 1932 that regulates the Yonne and Seine rivers. Another significant site is Bazoches Castle, which served as the base camp for Vauban, the renowned military engineer of Louis XIV.
Where can I find easy walking trails near Lormes?
Lormes offers several easy walking trails, particularly around its natural features. The Gorges de Narvau has a 1.5 km pedestrian circuit. You can also find easy routes around the local ponds. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Lormes, which lists trails like 'Cascade de Narvau — loop' and 'Les étangs de Lormes — loop' as easy difficulty.
What is the best time of year to visit Lormes for outdoor activities?
The Morvan Regional Natural Park, where Lormes is located, is known for its quiet, unspoiled countryside. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural sites, with vibrant foliage or blooming landscapes. Summer is also popular, especially for activities like swimming at Étang du Goulot. Winter can be beautiful but may limit access to some trails or activities due to snow or colder conditions.
Can I go swimming in Lormes?
Yes, the Étang du Goulot is a popular spot for swimming and other leisure activities. It's a significant feature of the town and a great place to cool off during warmer months.
Are there opportunities for rock climbing in Lormes?
Yes, the cliffs within the Gorges de Narvau provide opportunities for rock climbing. The Moulins District, overlooking the Narvau Gorges, also features climbing rocks that integrate well with the natural surroundings.
What is the 'Corot Discovery Trail' and where is it located?
The Corot Discovery Trail (Sentier-découverte Corot) is a route that highlights the landscapes around Lormes that inspired the famous French landscape painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Corot, a precursor to Impressionism, stayed in Lormes multiple times. The trail allows visitors to experience the scenery through the artist's eyes, and you can find information about it at the local Tourist Office.
Where can I find art exhibitions in Lormes?
Lormes boasts a circuit of art galleries throughout the town. These galleries feature both permanent and seasonal exhibitions, showcasing various forms of art. A free booklet is available from the Tourist Office to guide visitors through the circuit.
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