Saint-Brisson: History and Nature in the Morvan

Saint-Brisson brings together the history of the Morvan and insights into its landscape and nature. At the Maison du Parc, learn about the people and migrations that shaped the region, local knowledge, and the Resistance during the Second World War. Outside, trails wind through open meadows and hamlets or along boardwalks to the Étang Taureau. If you’re looking for a hotel, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

History and Knowledge at the Maison du Parc

The Maison des hommes et des paysages, at the heart of the Maison du Parc, presents the exhibition «Morvan, une histoire d’échanges et de migrations». It explores the Morvan’s landscapes through the history of the exchanges and migrations that shaped the area. The exhibition traces the history of the people of the Morvan from prehistoric times to the present day. It also covers migration and the people who found refuge in the Morvan.

The exhibition also presents local knowledge and skills: hedgerow maintenance, dry-stone wall construction and traditional grain varieties. This places long-term historical developments alongside practical knowledge of crafts and landscape management. These topics offer different ways to explore the history of the Morvan.

The Resistance in the Morvan

The Musée de la Résistance en Morvan is also located at the Maison du Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan in Saint-Brisson. Its three galleries display numerous objects, archival documents, equipment, photographs and weapons relating to the Occupation, the Resistance, liberation and remembrance. The museum explains the role and importance of the Resistance in the region during the Second World War. While the Maison des hommes et des paysages covers history from prehistoric times to the present day, this museum focuses on a particular chapter of the 20th century.

Meadows, Hamlets and the Étang Taureau

The Boucle du dolmen Chevresse trail passes through the open meadows and hamlets of Saint-Brisson. It starts and ends at the Maison du Parc visitor car park, beside the horse statue. The Étang Taureau is part of the Réserve naturelle régionale des tourbières du Morvan. The one-kilometre-long Sentier de découverte de l'étang Taureau follows boardwalks to the far end of the pond. Along the trail, 13 panels cover the history, wildlife and plant life of the Étang Taureau.

The two trails have different focuses: the Boucle takes in the meadows and hamlets of Saint-Brisson, while the discovery trail explores the pond, its history, wildlife and plant life. The information on the Boucle’s start and end points and the length of the discovery trail gives you practical details to consider if you’d like to include nature in your stay.

More Nature Experiences at the Parc

Near the Sentier de découverte de l'étang Taureau, the Maison du Parc has a sensory trail. Visitors can go barefoot and experience installations that engage all five senses. The Herbularium at the Maison du Parc helps visitors identify wild plants and learn about their properties. Panels by the pond, a sensory trail and the opportunity to learn about wild plants offer different ways to explore nature.

The Bistrot du Parc is also open to visitors. It serves food and drinks made with local and seasonal produce, mostly organically grown. Alongside the exhibitions and trails described above, Saint-Brisson offers several specific themes to help you choose your destination.

Discover more destinations: Lormes, Oulon, Jailly, Brassy, Corvol-D'embernard, Thianges, Montaron, Billy-Sur-Oisy

For the wider travel overview: Nièvre.