Top 3 Lakes around Corbigny

Several lakes near Corbigny are ideal for families. Baye Pond is classified as a "Sensitive natural area" with an interpretation trail around its perimeter, suitable for easy walks. Étang du Moulin du Bois offers a pretty setting at the edge of the forest. Étang Chaumail features hiking trails, a children's playground, and an arboretum. Lac des Settons is also very family-friendly, with a "Pavillon Bleu" label beach for swimming and numerous water sports. Lac de Saint-Agnan has a discovery trail with a section on stilts, accessible to pushchairs and people with reduced mobility.

The lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, swimming, sailing, windsurfing, fishing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, and even white water activities like rafting and canoeing. For specific trails, you can explore various routes, including those for hiking, mountain biking, and running around Corbigny.

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails. Lac des Settons has a popular 13 km walk or bike ride around its perimeter. Lac de Pannecière offers marked trails like "Les rives de Pannecière" (8 km) and "Les rives du petit lac" (14 km). Lac de Chaumeçon features a 17 km hiking trail, and Lac du Crescent has an 11 km loop starting from Marigny-l'Église. Lac de Saint-Agnan offers a 10 km walk around the lake. Additionally, Étang Chaumail and Baye Pond also have surrounding trails.

For a wilder and more tranquil experience, consider Lac de Pannecière, the largest man-made lake in the Morvan. It's less commercialized and ideal for nature lovers and hikers. Lac du Crescent is also known for its serene environment, particularly appealing to anglers and those seeking quiet walks. Lac de Saint-Agnan offers a wild and picturesque landscape, often described as having "a little Irish air" or "little Canada," perfect for those who appreciate untouched scenery.

Fishing is a very popular activity in many of the lakes. Lac de Pannecière is particularly known for its abundance of fish, including perch, zander, carp, tench, and pike. Lac du Crescent is renowned for its carnivorous fish, with specific areas authorized for night carp fishing. Lac de Saint-Agnan also allows night fishing for carp during certain periods. Lac de Chaumeçon is another good spot for fishing.

The lakes are set within the beautiful Morvan Regional Natural Park, offering diverse natural features. Lac de Pannecière features an impressive 49-meter-high dam with panoramic views and wooded hills with rich bird species. Lac de Chaumeçon offers superb views from the D235 road and beautiful reflections of its forested surroundings. Lac de Saint-Agnan is characterized by a blend of forests and meadows. Étang Chaumail is enclosed by forest, often reflecting its surroundings like glass.

Lac des Settons is the most developed, boasting a wide range of amenities including restaurants, bars, shops, and a tea room around its shores. During July and August, a small market also operates by the lake. For other lakes, amenities might be more limited, but picnic tables and children's play areas are available at landscaped sites near the dam at Lac du Crescent.

The Morvan Regional Natural Park, where these lakes are located, is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Summer (July and August) is ideal for swimming and water sports, especially at Lac des Settons, which has a supervised beach. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage in autumn. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.

Lac des Settons is a hub for water sports, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, pedal boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, canoeing, and towed buoy rides. Lac de Pannecière allows unsupervised swimming and various water sports like sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boating. Lac de Chaumeçon is a popular starting point for white water activities like rafting, canoeing, and rowing, in addition to swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Lac du Crescent and Lac de Saint-Agnan also offer possibilities for kayaking and canoeing.

While specific regulations can vary, many natural trails in the Morvan Regional Natural Park are generally dog-friendly, especially if dogs are kept on a leash. It's always recommended to check local signage or specific park rules for each lake before visiting with your dog to ensure compliance and safety for wildlife and other visitors.

Baye Pond, created in the 19th century, is classified as a "Sensitive natural area." It features an interpretation trail that allows visitors to explore its perimeter, offering insights into its natural significance and history. It's a great spot for a gentle walk and appreciating local conservation efforts.

Étang Chaumail is notable for being enclosed by forest, giving it a secluded feel. Its surface is often calm, creating beautiful reflections of its surroundings. The pond is surrounded by hiking trails, and also features a children's playground and an arboretum, making it a pleasant spot for both active and relaxed visits.