Dun-les-Places is a stopover village for hikers. Wooded hilltops and the Cure Valley surround the village. This offers different options for a stay: a challenging loop hike and historic sites of architectural, archaeological and religious significance. Which of these shapes your itinerary depends mainly on whether you prefer a long day of hiking or the named cultural sites.
Hiking along the Cure
The Boucle de la vallée de la Cure is a difficult 25.5-kilometre loop hike that takes seven hours. It starts and ends at the church in Dun-les-Places. Distance, duration and difficulty provide three distinct points of reference for planning: the route is long, takes up a large part of the day and is rated difficult. It is worth considering these details together rather than choosing the hike based on distance alone.
The route follows the right bank of the Cure and passes the Rocher de la PĂ©rouse. From there, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views across the Morvan. The hike therefore combines a clearly defined time commitment with a specific scenic destination. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the trail conditions before setting out.
Église Sainte-Amélie: Building history and heritage protection
The Neo-Romanesque Église Sainte-Amélie was consecrated on 9 September 1851. Its history as a monument can be traced through two later dates: it was listed as a historic monument in 1988 and classified in 1991. The consecration and protected status belong to different periods of its history; together, they give a visit to the church an architectural and historical focus.
The church is open on the same days and during the same opening hours as the neighbouring MĂ©morial. Check the current opening hours before your visit so you can plan your tour around this shared schedule.
Mont Saint-Marc: Oppidum and chapel
At Mont Saint-Marc, archaeological and religious history meet. The first and second walls of the Gallic oppidum there are still clearly visible. These named sections of the walls give the site a specific archaeological connection, rather than leaving the oppidum as merely a historical term.
The medieval-origin Chapelle Saint-Marc stands on the summit of Mont Saint-Marc. It has now been restored, cleaned and made accessible; check the conditions on site if you intend to plan your visit in advance. The chapel was associated with a very ancient cult and a pilgrimage to the Fontaine Saint-Marc. In addition to its location and origins, it therefore offers a connection to the religious traditions of the area.
The difference between the options is clear when planning your day: the loop hike is clearly defined by its difficulty, distance and duration, while the historic sites focus on architecture, heritage protection, archaeology and tradition. This lets you plan your stay according to whether you mainly want to hike or explore the named cultural sites.
Discover more destinations: Raveau, Ouroux, Fours, Teigny, Tannay, Bouhy, Thianges, Fléty.
For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.
