Montigny-En-Morvan: Lac de Pannecière and history

Lac de Pannecière, waterside paths and historic sites give a trip to Montigny-en-Morvan a variety of highlights. You can focus your stay on the landscape around the reservoir, choose one of the described routes or explore the history of its architecture and religious heritage. Specific route details vary depending on the starting point and the views.

Lac de Pannecière: water and shoreline

The Pannecière-Chaumard reservoir is considered the largest lake in the Morvan. It covers 520 hectares and holds 80 million cubic metres of water. Its area and capacity show two different measures of the body of water: hectares indicate its extent, while cubic metres indicate its volume. Lac de Pannecière is about 7.5 kilometres long and 2.5 kilometres wide. Sailing and other water sports take place on the lake. Alongside the figures, activities on the water are another reason to visit.

The Base de loisirs de Bonin leisure area on Lac de Pannecière includes a beach, play facilities for children, picnic areas, a food truck and dry toilets. Facilities may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.

Routes with different starting points

The “Les rives du petit lac de Pannecière” route starts and ends at Place de l'Église in Montigny-en-Morvan. It lists the Chapelle castrale Saint-Bernard as a point of interest. The “Les rives de Pannecière” circular walking route has a different focus: it follows the lakeshore and offers a view of the dam. The two route descriptions therefore provide different points of reference: the first specifies its start and finish, while the second focuses on the lakeshore and the view of the dam.

A route along the Yonne leads to a purpose-built observation point. For travellers who want to include nature watching in their plans, this point is a specific destination along the route.

Waterbirds in winter

In severe winters, the reservoir provides refuge for many species of waterbirds, including great crested grebes, cormorants, grey herons, great egrets and various duck species. The seasonal context matters: the lake’s described importance for these groups of birds is particularly relevant in severe winters. This adds a seasonal nature-watching theme to the activities on the water, although no specific sighting is guaranteed.

Architectural history and religious sites

The Château de Chassy dates from 1649. It was preceded by a medieval fortified structure, parts of whose moats and substructures survive. The date of the present château and the older structural remains point to different phases in the site’s history. In 1952, the château belonged to the painter Balthus. He stayed there for about ten years, painting portraits and landscapes of the Morvan.

The Église Saint-Léger dates from the 15th century and has undergone extensive alterations since then. The church also contains a baptismal font from the 16th century. The dates therefore refer to different parts of its history: the church itself and a later furnishing. The Fontaine Saint-Léger lies below the church. According to tradition, it is said to cure eye diseases.

The Chapelle Saint-Bernard was restored in 1824 and 1994. It lies on the route from Vézelay to Santiago de Compostela and is listed as a point of interest on the “Les rives du petit lac de Pannecière” route. A mass is held every year in the Chapelle Saint-Bernard in Chassy around 20 August, the feast day of Saint Bernard. If you plan your trip around this occasion, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Honoré-Les-Bains, Dun-Sur-Grandry, Teigny, Saint-Hilaire-Fontaine, Jailly, Neuville Les Decize, Corancy, Savigny-Poil-Fol.

For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.