Lac de Pannecière offers several ways to experience Montigny-En-Morvan: the reservoir, shoreline trails and waterbirds sit alongside recreational activities on the water. Chapels, a church and Château de Chassy complement these natural attractions with architectural and religious history.
Lake, Recreation Area and Waterbirds
The Pannecière-Chaumard reservoir covers 520 hectares, holds 80 million cubic metres of water and is considered the largest lake in the Morvan. Lac de Pannecière is about 7.5 kilometres long and around 2.5 kilometres wide. Sailing and water sports are among the lake’s recreational attractions.
At the Base de loisirs de Bonin on Lac de Pannecière, the recreation area includes a beach, play facilities for children, picnic areas, a food truck and dry toilets. If you are planning to use specific facilities, check what is currently available in advance.
In severe winter weather, the reservoir provides a refuge for numerous waterbird species. These include great crested grebes, cormorants, grey herons, great egrets and various duck species. This seasonal ecological role adds another connection with nature to the lake’s recreational and shoreline appeal.
Shoreline Trails and Other Routes
Two named routes offer different points of reference: the “Les rives du petit lac de Pannecière” route starts and ends at Place de l'Église in Montigny-En-Morvan. The “Les rives de Pannecière” circular walking trail runs along the lakeshore and offers a view of the dam. One route is described by its start and end point in the village, the other by its lakeside course and view of the dam.
The “Tour équestre du Morvan” also passes through Montigny-En-Morvan. On the Yonne, a route provides access to a purpose-built observation point. Alongside the circular trail by the lake, visitors can therefore choose a riding route and another named nature spot.
Chapels, Château and Church
The Chapelle Saint-Bernard in Chassy was restored in 1824 and 1994. It lies on the route from Vézelay to Santiago de Compostela; the “Les rives du petit lac de Pannecière” route lists the Chapelle castrale Saint-Bernard as a point of interest. A mass is celebrated there every year around 20 August, the feast day of Saint Bernard.
Château de Chassy dates from 1649 and followed a medieval fortified site, whose ditches and substructures remain. In 1952, the château belonged to the painter Balthus, who stayed there for about ten years to paint portraits and landscapes of the Morvan. The building thus brings together an older history of fortification, a 17th-century château and a connection to painting in the Morvan.
Église Saint-Léger dates from the 15th century and has undergone extensive alterations since then. The church houses a 16th-century baptismal font. Fontaine Saint-Léger lies below Église Saint-Léger; according to local tradition, it is said to cure eye diseases.
Discover more destinations: Isenay, Lucenay-Lès-Aix, Saint-Seine, Sermoise, Dampierre-sous-Bouhy, Champvert, Fourchambault, Millay
For the main travel overview: Nièvre.
