Apartment

Discover the Morvan a Hidden Secret of France, the wonders of Burgundy and Paris

Discover the Morvan a Hidden Secret of France, the wonders of Burgundy and Paris

Photo gallery for Discover the Morvan a Hidden Secret of France, the wonders of Burgundy and Paris

Our first floor apartment is to be seen with the pink render
This is a view of the lake we overlook. It is reserved for anglers and walkers
Our neighbours son caught this one, it didnot get away but is back in the mix
'The 2 Bridges, a favoured picnic area on the banks of the river nearby
The basilica at Vezelay, a world heritage site;To avoid the rush go early

Overview of Discover the Morvan a Hidden Secret of France, the wonders of Burgundy and Paris

10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bathroomSleeps 232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Gym
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Check out the area

Magny, Bourgogne-Franche-Comte
  • Popular LocationVezelay Abbey7 min drive
  • Popular LocationChateau de Chastellux13 min drive
  • Popular LocationChateau de Bazoches25 min drive

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Discover the Morvan a Hidden Secret of France, the wonders of Burgundy and Paris

This apartment with its balcony is ideal for a couple wanting a quiet base in the heart of Burgundy from which to explore the hidden treasures of the region.It was completed in 2010 being accessed by a shared atrium with the main property; it has its own front door from the first floor landing.Although essentially a modern construction ,it has been sypathetically built using traditional methods and materials with exposed beams in the main living area.
It comprises 30 M² of living space, providing dining facilities for up to 4 persons, comfortable easy chairs and a pull-down double bed which retracts into a storage unit in the daytime, should you so wish. The studio includes home entertainment centre, English /French TV, and Wi-Fi link. There is a Galley Kitchen equipped with multi-function oven, hotplates, and refrigerator with icebox. There is a contemporary shower room. All of which is heated by radiators and a wood burning fire (should that be necessary. Tables, chairs, and recliners are available with a BBQ for use in the 4,000M² of gardens which guests are welcome to wander through. We specialise in roses and have nearly 200 in flower from late June. our heather beds flower throughout the year and we have over a 1000 spring bulbs; the weather here is very agreeable for most of the year with autumn extending well into November and spring bringing the garden to life in march;
Our newly constructed swimming pool is available for the use of our guests, who might otherwise choose to swim in one of the larger lakes typical of the region.
We provide an extensive range of visitor guides and are usually available on site to assist with a program of activities. Ann was one of 3 to produce 2 visitor guides to the area written in French and English to link the watercolour paintings of a local artist.

The property is readily accessible from Paris and Lyon, both 2.5 hours’ drive away. Alternatively, you may choose to arrive by train via TGV to Montbard or local service to Avallon. A day trip to Paris can be easily accomplished using the TGV (65 minutes to Gare de Lyon), similarly Euro Disney.
Both Avallon and Montbard have sites for the major rental firms.
The markets in Avallon and Quarré- Les -Tombes on Saturday and Sunday respectively provide the opportunity to experience an important part of French life at first hand, just sitting and watching the world go by in a cafe or salon de thé is very rewarding. In rural France, everyone has and takes time. Lunch can take 2hours! Both places have the necessary shops and services and are only 7 kms away.
If you seek a gastronomic evening try one of the many fine restaurants nearby including 2 Michelin starred, where you can taste fine wines and enjoy the wonderful foods of this region.

One of our walking groups spends 2-3 hours following the well-defined footpaths just to end up at a local hostelry for a 3 course meal for less than €20, of course you can spend upwards of €40 for a menu de degustation (tasting many courses and accompanying wines) The famous Burgundy vineyards of Beaune and Chablis can be visited, needless to say one can spend a day in either region sampling the array of products. Organised walking tours are now increasingly popular where food and wine are included, our version of the triathlon, walk, eat and drink! we are trying the Côte de Nuit this summer.
Our house and apartment are to be found on the edge of Marrault, a small village known for its 2 lakes and its association with Louis Pasteur. Importantly NOT isolated like some, we are very much part of the community here. From all the windows, there are outstanding panoramic views. The house faces south so we have 180 degrees to watch the sun rising and setting. Both footpaths and Mountain bike routes pass the foot of the garden and we will happily give you maps and directions; Many would be best described as challenging, but canal footpaths provide a more leisurely alternative. A walk around the village will enable you to look over the chateau and its associated chapel and could take you down to the valley of the River Cousin and the Mill.

The area of the Morvan is heavily wooded with streams, rivers, and lakes, each of which is designated for a recreational activity. Attractions include canoe/kayaking, fishing, a tree climbing activity centre (try the black route!), and several horse trekking centres. The Morvan is noted for its wildlife and the garden which is regularly visited by a wide range of birds.

There are many fine chateau and fortified villages to be viewed, notably Montreal, Epoisses, Semur and Noyers; Art galleries abound and there are numerous concerts to be experienced; We have a medieval castle under construction at Guédelon, which must be one of the most exciting of archaeological projects in the world today. A walk through some of our small towns will take you into another age of history. You may choose to research the life and times (Louis X1V) of Marshall Vauban, whose birthplace is nearby as well as his home at Bazoches. On the southern edge of the Morvan lies Autun with its Roman amphitheatre, museums, and military history; a new interactive museum is to be found at Alécia which tells the story of the battle between the Gaul’s and Caesar; The areological site is to be found nearby; as is Flavigny-sur-ozerain, the village where the film " Chocolat" was made, another of the "plus beaux villages de France". President Mitterrand on his retirement helped establish the Musée de la Resistance locally at the National Park centre which also hosts a history of the local culture.

The World Heritage site of Vezelay can be reached in 20 minutes where you can ascend the main street to the Basilica, from where there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The start of a long-distance walk to the north of Spain, the village has true historical significance as well as being an art haven;

Our local town of Avallon, not to be outdone was recently voted into the top 100 towns to visit in France, perched as it is on a rocky outcrop overlooking the cousin valley. The river historically provided the power for over 20 mills treating everything from grain to leather. a walk around the old town reveals so much with its art galleries, museums and churches; The ramparts originally had over 20 towers but only 7 now remain.
Dijon is well worth a visit. The administrative capital of Burgundy, it can be reached within the hour by motorway or you can take another 15 minutes by the old route national; For its history, we would refer you to the website for Burgundy. Auxerre is closer and in our view, is a beautiful city with great churches standing above the Yonne river. you can take boat trips from here as well which follow the river and the broad canal. the river was once used for floating timber up to Paris in large rafts. the logs originated from the Morvan and were flooded down to Corbigny and Clamecy to be assembled.

Many of our guests have also chosen to progress onto a week or more on the canals travelling up/down the Rhone valley from Lyon, or as already referred to Nevers to Paris taking in the Loire valley;
So why is the region described as" the hidden secret of France" you may ask; We have come to think that it is because visitors rush by on their way to Paris, travelling North or to the Mediterranean travelling South, possibly stopping off overnight but never long enough to explore the area. those that do are truly surprised by what they find. one might add that the locals like it the way it is! We would be only too happy to enable you to become among the informed.
For further information, do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you.

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Gym
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Magny

Located in Magny, this apartment is in a rural area. Musee de l'Avallonnais and Maison Vauban are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at AB Loisirs and Domaine Maria Cluny. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and horse riding.

What's nearby

  • Vezelay Abbey - 7 min drive
  • Musee de l'Avallonnais - 12 min drive
  • Chateau de Chastellux - 13 min drive
  • Parc des Chaumes - 14 min drive
  • Chateau de Bazoches - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • Avallon Maison-Dieu Station - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • Le Vaudésir - 10 min drive
  • Le Relais des Gourmets - 10 min drive
  • Les Cordois Autrement - 9 min drive
  • Le Chapeau Rouge - 10 min drive
  • L'Horloge - 10 min drive

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews" "

8.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

dominique C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
calme, sérénité , confort
Construite au flanc d'une colline douce, la maison contemporaine offre un petit appartement confortable, avec des vues magnifiques sur le lac, et sur le jardin paysagé aux 180 sortes de roses créé par nos chaleureux hôtes anglo-écossais!Il faut faire 10 kms pour trouver un pain, mais dans un rayon de 40 kms, vous trouvez tout ce que la belle France offrir comme attrait culturel de haut niveau

10/10 Excellent

Kees v.

Nice and quiet space in a beautiful area
Ann and Trevor (and James) are fantastic hosts. We were welcomed with a nice lunch. Their apartment is great, spacious, clean and quiet and has all the necessary equipment. It is located close to the city of Avallon, at the border of the beautiful Morvan area. Ann and Trevor gave a lot of information about the area but because of the very warm weather during our 3 day visit we have unfortunately done hardly any sight seeing (except for one great ride with our road bikes through the Morvan, which Trevor mapped out for us). Instead of the sight seeing we have enjoyed their swimming pool a lot.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
Ann and Trevor Jefcoate, thats us above, are both retired teachers who have sought a quiet life in the country,in one of the least densely populated parts of France. Here we can enjoy our garden and its evolution from a field to its present state containing nearly 200 roses, the same number of heathers with alpine terraces, cascades and ponds.
We enjoy the local fine dining, wines and cheeses, driving on roads unencumbered with other vehicles and the many footpaths and fine walks.The challenges here are the same as in the Pennines, and peak district where we lived before, but we do prefer the weather, the hot summers and the extended autumn.We even enjoy cutting our own wood for our log fires, which is cheaper than the gas:electrical heating! we enjoy cooking and entertaining and the socialising that comes with being involved in our local community. in the past this has extended to leading on charitable works within the local parish;Our other activities include singing with a local choir and being members of 2 walking associations, stretching our legs uphills and down valleys. We are also fortunate in having many concerts to enjoy locally or in Dijon or indeed Paris.
We have 3 sons and there respective families extend to 6 grandchildren in total, all of whom visit us in France during the summer months.

Why they chose this property

Our apartment was designed by our son, developed by ourselves with our own and those of our visitors in mind; The apartment was added after we arrived in 2006 and therefore has been furnished and equipped within the last 10 years, we believe to the highest possible standards; when we sought the land to build on, location was all important, within a community and yet with outstanding views across the surrounding countryside; the lakes and hills of the Morvan National Park roll out from in front of the house, which is south facing.We had spent many years holidaying in France travelling across every quarter, but this region provide us with the variety in landscape and culture that we sought. we now would wish to share that with our guests.
This property lying within the community as it does is not remote and isolated. It is easily accessible within 2-3 hours from Paris and its airports or 5 hours drive from the Channel; for those from the North, Paris can be easily avoided with no addition to the best time of travel; The TGV trains stop at Montbard and take only 65 minutes to get there from Gare de Lyon. The small town of Avallon is only 15 minutes away by carand provides all necessary facilities and is an outstandingly attractive ancient fortified town with a host of good restaurants and musical events to chose from.
As can be seen this area also boasts world heritage sites ,Historical buildings and villages, museums and art galleries. for those of a more energetic persuasion there, are walks, cycling and canoeing ,all within 20minutes or you can just explore our garden and enjoy our pool.

What makes this property unique

Taken individually much of what we have to offer can doubtless be found elsewhere, it is the combination of all these alternatives in the one place that is difficult to match, which is why we moved here in the first place. if we were to take the landscape, based on the underlying rock. you move from a granitic massif which is the Morvan, through the clays of the Terre Pleine to the limestone scarp, all within 10 miles; consequently the vegetation changes from forests with steep valleys cutting through to arable farming and vineyards; where else can you taste such a variety of wines in such a short distance, ranging from Chablis to Nuits St George and the Beaune villages;
Our own property links on to the Apartment and so for most of the time, we are on hand to help whether it is with the language or with suggested itineraries(we collaborated in the writing and translation of two local guide books). you can also be assured of a warm welcome which usually extends to a drink and home made baking on arrival; Our fruit and vegetable gardens are available for fresh produce in season and we provide a welcome pack which we hope covers all your immediate needs. there is ample parking which will take a camper if required.If you have any questions please dio not hesitate to contact us.
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