Saint-Martin-du-Puy is a commune of Nièvre, in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, on the borders of the department of Yonne, 30 km south of Avallon.
The territory of the vast village of 30 km² belongs to the Morvan massif and rises to nearly 600 m. Wooded, hilly, crossed by the river Chalaux known for its impetuous course, this prosperous former lordship had up to 1400 inhabitants in the nineteenth century, against less than 300 now.
Agricultural activity is complemented by tourism, which has developed thanks to Lake Chaumeçon, south of the territory created after the completion of a dam on the Chalaux.
Its heritage and recreation "nature" that can be practiced at will in an environment preserved environment make Saint-Martin-du-Puy a pleasant stopover for those who stay in Burgundy.
The renovated Romanesque church, the charm of the village and its hamlets with typical dwellings of the Morvan are all invitations to the walk and the discovery of a preserved rural heritage.
But it is the castle of Vésigneux which is the architectural jewel of the commune. Seat of a stronghold in the county of Nevers, it was built in the fourteenth century but was devastated during the Hundred Years War. It remained an imposing square dungeon when the field was rebuilt in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, consisting of a home, common good bill (stable, dovecote), a park punctuated with ponds. Defensive elements are also always visible (moat). Inside, tapestries from Aubusson and Gobelins as well as woodwork from the seventeenth and eighteenth century were the subject of a classification, like the castle itself. If he does not visit, unfortunately, the site remained famous for having been the setting for the meeting between Grand Conde and Vauban, born in the region, can be the subject of a hike. Many courses are possible including woods, ponds, banks of the Chalaux or other streams as well as climbing or descending paths of the "Puy" (summit) which gave its name to the village. Some circuits will include protected areas for their ecosystem. Maps and information on +33 3 86 06 39 80.
A hike can also lead to the hamlet of Plainefas where a monument is reminiscent of the courage of the resistance Camille maquis, one of the most important Morvan during the Second World War.
In terms of sports and recreation, again, Lake Chaumeçon and its 135 hectares, south of the town, built after the construction of a dam on the Chalaux, can also be part of hiking, and also of course water activities. In addition to swimming, canoeing is practiced on the lake as well as on the river known for its flow and its course marked by difficulties... The course of Chalaux is also appreciated by rafting enthusiasts.
Several clubs offer introductory sessions or outings for experienced practitioners, canoeing or rafting. Information on +33 6 95 65 59 89 or +33 6 82 16 02 99.
Rivers, ponds, lake... Sites of course to delight fishing enthusiasts. All information on the developed sites and the regulations to be respected at +33 3 86 61 18 98.
Finally, for outings, conferences, workshops on the themes of nature and heritage, join the Regional Natural Park at +33 3 86 78 79 57 or +33 3 86 78 79 00.
