Arleuf between Gallo-Roman heritage and nature

Discover Arleuf through its many facets: Gallo-Roman history, local landmarks, nature and cycling routes. As you plan your trip, consider whether you would like to focus on historical sites, the trail around the Étang de Préperny or a longer gravel ride. The area’s attractions range from a theater dating back to Gallo-Roman antiquity to a former railway line and a nature area in the forests of the mountainous Haut Morvan.

Cultural history and local sights

The Gallo-Roman rural theater of Les Bardiaux is located in the Champ de Bois and Les Bardiaux area of Arleuf. It shows that Arleuf was already inhabited in Gallo-Roman antiquity. The theater has been classified as a Monument historique since December 8, 1975. Its documented construction phases date to the 2nd and 4th centuries. These centuries refer to the theater’s construction phases; the statement about settlement places Arleuf in Gallo-Roman antiquity. The site therefore offers both a tangible connection to early settlement history and a timeframe for the building itself.

Another historic site is the Fontaine St Pierre, a masonry fountain with two basins. One of the basins is fitted out as a washhouse. The Fontaine can be reached and visited by car via a municipal road; at the same time, its ruins are under threat. The Château de La Tournelle tells a different story: after the fire of 1474, it was rebuilt at a different location using its stones. Only about a third of the château remains. A visit to the Château de La Tournelle is not confirmed.

The former Tacot railway line also runs through Arleuf. Small stations and disused structures line the route, recalling its former use. It offers a distinct historical focus alongside the Gallo-Roman theater and older buildings. German prisoners of war were put to work in the Blandins quarry during the First World War. This site connects Arleuf’s history with a specific chapter of wartime history.

Nature at the Étang de Préperny and cycling routes

The small Étang de Préperny is considered a nature area in the forests of the mountainous Haut Morvan because of its exceptional biodiversity. A marked trail leads from the pond along the peat bog and over the dam, circling the water. Educational panels share information about the site’s natural heritage and invite visitors to explore it attentively. The trail and panels offer different ways to experience the area: you can enjoy the circular route outdoors while also learning more about the natural heritage. The information panels give the visit its own focus, rather than treating the pond simply as part of a route.

A 70-kilometer gravel route starts in Arleuf. It leads to Haut-Folin, the highest point in Burgundy, and Mont Beuvray, home to the archaeological site of Bibracte, the former Gallic capital. Another sporty option at Haut-Folin is the discovery route, with three mountain bike descents from the summit. The two options offer different experiences: the gravel route connects Arleuf with two named destinations, while the discovery route focuses on the descents from Haut-Folin. You can therefore plan according to whether you would prefer to consider the longer ride or the downhill routes from the summit.

Concert evenings and regional events

Le Cornemuse is a bar-restaurant that sells tobacco and hosts concert evenings. Tickets for evening events are available at Le Cornemuse and at the tourist offices in Château-Chinon and Autun. Check ticket availability before your trip. The concerts add a cultural activity to Arleuf’s historical and natural attractions.

Jambon-du-Morvan days were held in Arleuf on September 11, 2022, and September 8, 2024; both events were open to everyone. If you would like to combine your trip with an event, check the specific date in advance. These two dates refer to past events and do not establish a fixed date for a future trip.

These differences can help you choose a stay in Arleuf: the theater and local buildings offer a glimpse into history, the trail by the Étang combines nature and information, and the cycling routes lead to different destinations and activities. Le Cornemuse adds concert evenings to the mix.

Discover more destinations: Moulins-Engilbert, Thianges, Château-Chinon, La Collancelle, Nevers, Châtin, Saint-Léger-de-Fougeret, Rémilly.

For an overview of the wider region: Nièvre.