Surroundings
Enjoying life à la campagne
The Morvan is a beautiful, hilly and green region, great for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Lots of forest, alternating with meadows for Charolais cows. There is no industry, and the air is the cleanest in Europe!
From the gate
Step off the property and you're immediately in the forest. Five walks start right at our gate, 6 to 15 km through forest and valleys, and there are waymarked circuits nearby. You get a map with all of them once you have booked.
This is a dream spot for trail runners, mountain bikers and horse riders; there is a riding school in Sommant. The quiet lanes around here are as good for road cycling as the forest tracks are for mountain biking.
Lakes and water
Lac des Settons is just over half an hour away, Lac de Pannecière 50 minutes. Perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, or a lazy afternoon on the shore. Closer by is the Étang de Valogne, and the river Ternin runs through the valley.
The Gorges de la Canche are half an hour's drive away and make for a beautiful walk. A real adventure: scrambling and climbing in the cool of the forest along the river Canche.
Autun
Autun is 25 minutes away and worth half a day: Roman gates and a theatre, a big cathedral and narrow old streets. It was once the capital of the Aedui, a Gaulish tribe allied with Rome.
You will find pleasant terraces, restaurants, large supermarkets and a market on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The old town around the cathedral is the nicest spot for an evening drink.
Stargazing
The Morvan is one of only seven places in France with an official Dark Sky designation. On a clear night the Milky Way is right above you, and the fire pit is where you end the day watching the stars.
Wildlife and livestock
Cows, sheep and horses graze around the property. Deer and wild boar come out of the forest, sometimes right into the garden.
Further afield
Wine lovers reach Beaune and the vineyards of Burgundy in just over an hour. Dijon is almost an hour and a half away.