In the surroundings

Welcome to Varzy: a town full of charm!

Varzy is a charming little commune nestling in the heart of the Nièvre department, in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, and a concentrate of history, nature and authenticity. Here, everything is on a human scale, so you can discover the area at your own pace. But just because it’s a small town doesn’t mean it’s a small town: Varzy has a lot to offer…

As far as history is concerned, we are dealing with a rich past, which can be seen at every street corner. Take a stroll through the historic centre and admire the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre, a real Gothic jewel dating from the 12th century and listed as a Historic Monument. Its sculpted façade and luminous choir will leave you breathless. All around, the ramparts and old gates are remnants of the time when Varzy was an important fortified town. The typical, charming timber-framed houses give the village a touch of yesteryear.

Don’t miss the Museum Auguste Grasset, often nicknamed the ‘little museum of treasures’. Inside you’ll find an astonishing collection of sacred art, everyday objects and Gallo-Roman artefacts. Bonus: admission is often free or at a low price.

Feeling peckish after all that walking? Don’t forget to stop off at one of the restaurants and try the local specialities!

Breathe in nature on the hiking trails around the campsite!

There’s no shortage of trails around Varzy! Right in the heart of a small corner of Burgundy that’s still unspoilt, with gentle, undulating landscapes, and always that feeling of being a bit alone in the world after all. Whether you’re a weekend rambler or a seasoned walker, there’s something for everyone! Here are the walks we suggest…

To start with, the Collines de Varzy loop, which leaves from the centre of Varzy (or directly from the campsite), easy level – 9kms, criss-crossing the woods and offering views over the valley and the roofs of the village. Perfect at the end of the day, when the sun lights up the fields and the light becomes worthy of a painting (get out your camera!). The Fountain of Saint-Lazare trail – easy level, 6kms – offers a leisurely stroll to discover the natural and religious heritage of the region, along a shady path to a legendary (and somewhat mysterious) ancient fountain. A bucolic outing for all the family! Finally, for the more motivated, the ‘Entre vignes et bocages’ (Between vineyards and hedgerows) walk – 13/15kms this loop takes you right to the heart of the Nivernais region: vineyards, wild hedgerows, meadows and farm tracks… The ideal way to discover the beautiful surrounding countryside and why not come across 2/3 wild animals…

A real nature break at the Etang du Moulin Naudin

Welcome to the Etang du Moulin Naudin: a simple, natural and, frankly, soothing place… Whether you’re a follower of idleness or a keen fisherman (carp and roach beware!), we’re sure that everyone will find their own little corner of paradise in these 3 hectares of wild nature. Directly on the edge of the campsite, it’s possible to dip your toes in during the summer (beware, swimming is not supervised). Fish and roach will be delighted! Feeling peckish? Picnic tables are available to share a convivial moment with a lovely view over the pond. So, ready for a breath of fresh air? If you’re lucky enough to come and stay in July, an unusual and magical event is taking place on the lake! ‘Le PianO du Lac’ invites you to enjoy a suspended, floating moment, where a jazz concert is played directly on the lake!

A charming village not to be missed: welcome to Vézelay!

Do you love narrow stone streets, pretty bell towers and villages where time seems to have stood still? Then you’re going to love wandering around these three unique Burgundy nuggets for a day out with the family. For the first stopover, it’s impossible to miss Vézelay, perched proudly on its hill and the starting point of one of the most famous routes to Santiago de Compostela. A UNESCO-listed site, Vézelay is steeped in history, faith and emotion… but it’s also home to fine craftsmen and a HQ for gourmets in search of local delicacies! Don’t miss the Romanesque basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, which towers elegantly over the hill. The surrounding area is full of pretty galleries, workshops (you’ll probably come away with a little souvenir…) and charming little restaurants. Bonus: the sunsets over the Morvan hills are well worth the diversions!

Two other stages and local nuggets to discover: Clamecy and Arthel

Have you enjoyed the charming little streets, the typical local houses and the rich heritage on offer? We have two new excursions not to be missed. The first is to Clamecy (20 minutes from the campsite), an old river town full of character, once famous for floating timber. Today, the town is alive and kicking with history, the Nivernais Canal and tasteful artistic touches. Here you’ll discover the medieval centre, with its winding streets and colourful timber-framed houses. Then treat yourself to a bucolic cycle ride or even a canoe trip along the Canal du Nivernais and enjoy the serene atmosphere. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the talented craftspeople and chat!

The next stop is Arthel (20 minutes from the campsite), less popular but just as charming. Arthel is a tiny village perched on a hillside, listed as one of the most beautiful spots in the département. It’s the kind of place that you discover by chance… but that doesn’t go unnoticed! Here you’ll find a romantic castle, combining stone and vegetation, as well as a calm pond: perfect for an impromptu break or picnic. A lovely stroll through flower-filled lanes, mossy staircases and local history.

A peaceful cruise on the Canal du Nivernais

Want to see Burgundy from a different angle? Take a cruise on the Canal du Nivernais, one of the most beautiful canals in France (objectively speaking).

Just a few kilometres from Varzy, the canal winds its way through forests, charming villages and tranquil meadows. Here, you can cruise at a maximum speed of 8 km/h, which is a great way to savour each lock passage and admire the surrounding scenery. You don’t need to have a sea legs: on the Canal du Nivernais, you can hire a boat without a licence for half a day, a whole day or even several days. There are a number of water sports centres, including Chitry-les-Mines, Clamecy and Tannay (30 minutes from the campsite), where you can enjoy a day out with the whole family! On the menu: beautifully flower-decorated locks, charming little bridges, towpaths and typical, discreet villages where you’ll want to get curious, like Monceaux-le-Comte or Chevroches. And all in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere! So, are you ready to venture out?

Guédelon: a fortress... but in the process of being built!

What if we told you that in the middle of the Burgundy forest, a team of passionate people were building a medieval castle… using 13th century techniques, tools and materials? Yes, yes, it’s possible! Welcome to Guédelon (40mn from the campsite), a site as crazy as fascinating, about an hour’s drive from the campsite (in Treigny). The whole family will fall under its spell! At Guédelon, there’s no concrete, no cranes, no helmets… The stone is cut by hand, the carts are pulled by horse and the nails are forged on a real anvil (well, let’s avoid the ‘plague’ box). For more than 25 years, masons, stonemasons, carpenters, blacksmiths, potters and even tailors have been taking it in turns to build a veritable fortified castle, inspired by the year 1229. It’s a real leap in authenticity and a visit out of time. Even the youngest (and not so young) can try their hand at forging.

Between demonstrations and workshops, there’s no room for boredom. It’s all captivating! Take a stroll around the site and you’ll discover the stone quarry, the tilery, the forge, the goose pond, and all the techniques of the time explained in simple terms! Self-guided or guided tour. Period outfit is not required unless you want to play along!

A (very) underground journey through the caves of Arcy-sur-Cure

In need of a bit of fresh air and somewhat unusual scenery? Head for the caves of Arcy-sur-Cure, 50 minutes from the campsite, for an adventure that will take you… 200,000 years back in time! Nothing less! It’s like entering a secret world, with its majestic vaults, winding corridors, crystal-clear waters, and above all… its prehistoric paintings (over 30,000 years old, but still holding up).

The authenticity of the site is clear from the first few minutes: one gallery follows another in subdued light, revealing stalactites, draperies, mineral columns… It’s a feast for the eyes! And then there are the cave paintings, discovered here long before those of Lascaux. Animals, hands and symbols, all traced by our ancestors using charcoal and ochre. A timeless outing that will appeal to young and old alike! You don’t necessarily have to wear animal skin, but remember to bring a little wool for the coolness of the place…