Top 7 Lakes around Auxerre

While Auxerre itself is known for the River Yonne and its canals, the wider region offers several popular lakes. The Junction of the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne is a unique spot to experience the river up close. For lake activities, Lac du Bourdon Beach is a favorite for relaxation and swimming, while Lac des Settons and Lac de Pannecière in the Morvan Regional Natural Park are highly regarded for their diverse offerings.

Lac des Settons in the Morvan Regional Natural Park is a hub for water sports, offering sailing, windsurfing, pedal boats, paddleboarding, canoeing, and even jet skiing. Lac du Bourdon in the Puisaye-Forterre region is also excellent for rowing, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding, kayak polo, and canoeing, with a dedicated leisure base.

Yes, several lakes offer swimming. Lac du Bourdon Beach has a supervised sandy beach during summer (July to August). Lac des Settons is also popular for swimming, and Lac de Pannecière allows unsupervised swimming in its wilder setting. Lac du Crescent also permits swimming, though without a supervised beach.

The region offers excellent fishing opportunities. Lac de Pannecière is known as the Morvan lake most populated with fish, including perch, zander, carp, tench, and pike. Lac du Crescent is a prime destination for anglers seeking carnivorous fish. Closer to Auxerre, Lac de Beine and Moutiers Pond are appreciated for their tranquil fishing environments.

Absolutely. Lac des Settons features a well-marked 13 km (8 miles) track perfect for walking and cycling. Lac de Pannecière offers several well-marked hiking trails and a 48 km cycling route. Lac du Bourdon is suitable for hiking, cycling, and horse-riding, and Lac du Crescent has an 11 km hiking circuit. For more options, you can explore various MTB Trails around Auxerre, Gravel biking around Auxerre, and Road Cycling Routes around Auxerre.

Many lakes are family-friendly. Lac du Bourdon Beach is ideal for families with its sandy beach and supervised swimming. Lac des Settons offers a lively atmosphere with diverse activities and amenities like restaurants and shops. Lac de Toucy and Camping des Quatre Merlettes is another option with facilities. Lac du Crescent also has landscaped picnic areas and children's play areas near the dam.

The summer months (July and August) are ideal for water sports and swimming, especially at lakes with supervised beaches like Lac du Bourdon. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling around the lakes, with beautiful natural scenery. Some lakes, like Lac des Settons, also host small markets with local produce in July and August.

Amenities vary by lake. Lac des Settons offers restaurants, bars, shops, and a tea room, along with a leisure base for water sports. Lac du Bourdon also has a leisure base, a restaurant, and a campsite. Lac du Crescent provides landscaped picnic areas and children's play areas. Many areas around the lakes are suitable for picnicking and enjoying nature.

The lakes in the Morvan Regional Natural Park, such as Lac des Settons, Lac de Pannecière, and Lac du Crescent, are known for their natural beauty and diverse character. Lac des Settons is lively and active, Lac de Pannecière is the largest and wildest, ideal for anglers and nature lovers, and Lac du Crescent is noted for its crescent shape and excellent carnivorous fishing. All are surrounded by wooded hills and offer a tranquil escape.

Yes, Lac de Pannecière is known for its wilder character, abundant fish, and rich flora and fauna, offering an unspoiled natural setting. Lac du Crescent is often referred to as 'the wildest' of the Morvan lakes, providing a peaceful environment for relaxation, scenic walks, and observing diverse wildlife.

You can expect diverse natural features, from the meandering Yonne River and its canals to large man-made lakes surrounded by fir and larch woods. Many lakes feature impressive dams, like the stone dam at Lac des Settons or the 49-meter high dam at Lac de Pannecière. The landscapes often include wooded hills, rich flora and fauna, and opportunities for bird-watching.