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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Château-Chinon (Ville)

Barrage Des Settons

Attractions and Places To See around Barrage Des Settons - Top 7

Best attractions and places to see around Barrage Des Settons include the historic dam and various lakeside features. The region, centered around Lac des Settons, is characterized by its large artificial lake, surrounded by forests and accessible pathways. This area offers a mix of natural beauty and man-made structures, providing opportunities for exploration and scenic views.

Best attractions and places to see around Barrage Des Settons

  • The most popular attractions is Wooden Footbridge on the Lake, a bridge that takes you inside the lake and not just around it. It offers a unique perspective of the water.
  • Another must-see spot is Settons Lake Dam, an other man-made structure built in a pyramid shape, designed to withstand water pressure by its own weight. Completed in 1858, it is one of the oldest dams in Morvan and was historically used for log transport.
  • Visitors also love Lakeside boardwalk, a trail that features beautiful wooden walkways around the lake. This accessible path allows for walking on dry ground near the water's edge.
  • Barrage Des Settons is known for its historical dams, scenic footbridges, and accessible lakeside trails. The area provides a variety of attractions for those interested in engineering, natural landscapes, and outdoor walks.
  • The attractions around Barrage Des Settons are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 280 upvotes and 70 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Settons Lake Dam

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While other dams have a very specific shape, designed to withstand enormous water pressures, this dam was built in a pyramid shape. The water pressure exerted on this dam is restrained by the weight of the structure itself. It has a twin dam nearby. This dam was completed in 1858 and was one of the most formidable dams of its day.

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Wooden Footbridge on the Lake

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Want to visit the lake and experience it from the inside? This is the perfect opportunity. The footbridge takes you inside the lake and not just around it.

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Footbridge with lake view

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This is the Settons lake 🤩

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Crossing the Settons Dam

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Built halfway the 19th century to facilitate wood transport by river to Paris. Declined in the 20th century, but revived as a recreation hotspot from the 1950's onwards.

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Lakeside boardwalk

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Good accessible path, watch out for the walkers

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Popular around Barrage Des Settons

The Grande traversée du Massif Central by gravel bike

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Vince
June 11, 2025, Passerelle avec vue sur le lac

These footbridges provide a unique view of the lake while crossing it in an aerial setting!

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Beautiful wooden walkways have been created around the lake so you can walk on dry ground. Be careful, however, of pedestrians using this same walkway! Sometimes you have to put your foot down.

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According to the sign there are supposed to be otters here

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You can cycle all the way around the lake on paths and wooden bridges, although it can get busy with bathers, walkers and other cyclists.

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yes

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Possibility of picnic on the footbridge: 2 benches and beautiful views.

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Old style dam. You can cycle well over it

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Bridge open again

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical or engineering marvels can I explore around Barrage Des Settons?

The primary historical and engineering marvel is the Settons Lake Dam. Completed in 1858, it's one of the oldest dams in Morvan, notable for its unique pyramid shape designed to withstand water pressure by its own weight. It was historically crucial for transporting logs to Paris. You can also experience Crossing the Settons Dam itself.

Are there any unique lakeside features or viewpoints to experience?

Yes, the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake offers a unique perspective, taking you inside the lake rather than just around it. Another popular spot is the Footbridge with lake view, which provides beautiful panoramic vistas of Lac des Settons.

What kind of walking trails are available around Lac des Settons?

You can enjoy the Lakeside boardwalk, which features beautiful wooden walkways allowing you to walk on dry ground close to the water's edge. This path is known for being accessible. For more extensive walks, there are various hiking routes available, including easy and moderate options.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Barrage Des Settons?

Many attractions around Barrage Des Settons are considered family-friendly. The Wooden Footbridge on the Lake and the Settons Lake Dam are both suitable for families. The Lakeside boardwalk is also a good option for an accessible walk with children.

What outdoor activities, besides walking, can I do near these attractions?

The area around Barrage Des Settons is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, with options like the 'Settons Lake – Boardwalk at Lac du Crescent loop' or the 'Lakeside boardwalk – Lac des Settons North loop'. For more details on cycling routes, visit the Gravel biking around Barrage Des Settons guide.

Are there easy or beginner-friendly hiking routes around Barrage Des Settons?

Yes, there are several easy hiking routes. For instance, the 'Settons Lake – Wooden Footbridge on the Lake loop from Lac des Settons' is an easy 3.8 km hike. Another easy option is the 'Lac des Settons North – Settons Lake Dam loop from Lac des Settons' which is about 7.1 km. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Barrage Des Settons guide.

Where can I find longer or more challenging hiking trails?

For more challenging hikes, consider routes like the 'Settons Lake Dam – Racine Bridge loop from Lac des Settons' (17.8 km, difficult) or the 'Settons Lake – Wooden Footbridge on the Lake loop from Lac des Settons' (19.4 km, difficult). These and other routes are detailed in the Hiking around Barrage Des Settons guide.

Are there any waterfall hikes in the vicinity?

Yes, you can find waterfall hikes near Barrage Des Settons. The 'Gouloux Waterfall – Racine Bridge loop from Gouloux' is an easy 5.4 km route that includes a waterfall. For more information on these trails, check out the Waterfall hikes around Barrage Des Settons guide.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Barrage Des Settons?

Visitors particularly appreciate the unique experience of the Wooden Footbridge on the Lake, which allows them to feel immersed in the lake. The scenic beauty and accessibility of the trails, especially the Lakeside boardwalk, are also highly praised. The historical significance and impressive structure of the Settons Lake Dam also draw significant interest.

Is the area around Barrage Des Settons suitable for circular walks?

Yes, many of the hiking and biking routes around Barrage Des Settons are designed as loops, making them ideal for circular walks. For example, the 'Settons Lake – Wooden Footbridge on the Lake loop' is a popular circular hiking option. You can find various circular routes for different difficulty levels in the Hiking around Barrage Des Settons guide.

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see?

The region is characterized by the large artificial Lac des Settons, surrounded by extensive forests. You'll encounter beautiful lake views, wooded pathways, and the interplay of natural beauty with man-made structures like the historic dam and footbridges.

Most popular routes around Barrage Des Settons

Waterfall hikes around Barrage Des Settons

Most popular attractions around Barrage Des Settons

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