Ouroux: History and Culture in the Morvan

The cultural and historical heritage of Ouroux-en-Morvan ranges from the church’s medieval origins to the history of Maquis Bernard and the Morvan tradition of pléchie. It also includes Chapelle de Savault, the Musée de la Tonnellerie with its long family history, and the town’s relationship with Lac de Pannecière.

Eglise Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre and its building history

Eglise Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre stands in the town centre and is dedicated to Saint Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre. The present church was built in the 19th century on the site of a medieval church. Its original origins are unclear; it was remodelled in the 15th century.

Maquis Bernard: History and Visiting

Maquis Bernard was founded in 1943 and was one of the Morvan’s first maquis, with around 30 maquisards.

The Maquis Bernard site is in Coeuzon, in Ouroux-en-Morvan. From Ouroux, it can be reached via a waymarked walking trail or by road. A visit includes the French-British cemetery and an account of life in the maquis. As seasonal availability may vary, it is advisable to check whether visits are possible before travelling. The dates refer to different things: for Eglise Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre, the Middle Ages, the 15th century and the 19th century mark successive building phases; pilgrimages to Chapelle de Savault ended in 1895, while Maquis Bernard was founded in 1943. By contrast, the “Mois de la pléchie” is an annual March event during which the technique is introduced and passed on. When planning your trip, this is the distinction between historical dates and a recurring event.

Pléchie: Morvan Craft and Passing on the Tradition

Pléchie, also called “pléchie” in Morvandiau, is a technique in which shrubs are woven together. This creates a hedge that is almost impenetrable to animals.

The annual “Mois de la pléchie,” held in March, includes a day in Ouroux-en-Morvan when the technique is introduced and passed on. If you would like to include this date in your travel plans, check the current programme locally. This will help you plan around the seasonal event.

Chapelle de Savault, Museum and Lac de Pannecière

Chapelle de Savault stands on an isolated hill overlooking the hamlet of Savault. Until 1895, it was a pilgrimage destination for the neighbouring parishes. They would process to the chapel on the Tuesday after Easter.

The Musée de la Tonnellerie in Ouroux-en-Morvan tells a long family story and is recognised by the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan.

Lac de Pannecière is also part of the area’s geographical context: Ouroux-en-Morvan is one of the lake’s four bordering municipalities.

Discover more destinations: Arbourse, Tazilly, Saint-Benin-D'azy, Montambert, Fléty, Narcy, Montaron, Arleuf

For the regional travel overview: Nièvre.