Several cultural and historical themes come together in Ouroux-en-Morvan: the history of the Maquis Bernard, two religious buildings with different connections to place and time, the Morvandiau technique of pléchie, and the Musée de la Tonnellerie. There is also the geographical connection with Lac de Pannecière. For planning purposes, one distinction is particularly useful: the “Mois de la pléchie” offers an event held annually in March; the church, chapel, museum and Maquis represent different stories of construction, pilgrimage, family and war.

The Maquis Bernard and its visitor site

The Maquis Bernard was founded in 1943 and, with around 30 Maquisards, was one of the first Maquis in the Morvan. The visitor site is in Coeuzon, in Ouroux-en-Morvan. A visit to the site includes the Franco-British cemetery and an account of life in the Maquis. From Ouroux, the site can be reached via a signposted walking trail or by road. As seasonal availability for visits may vary, check visiting options in advance. Route conditions may also change; check them before setting out.

Church and chapel: different connections to place and time

The Eglise Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre stands in the centre of Ouroux and is dedicated to Saint Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre. Its building history spans a medieval predecessor, alterations in the 15th century and construction in the 19th century; the origins of the older church remain unclear.

The Chapelle de Savault has a different connection to place: it stands on an isolated hill overlooking the hamlet of Savault. Until 1895, it was a destination for pilgrimages from neighbouring parishes. The processions made their way to the chapel on the Tuesday after Easter. Its elevated setting distinguishes it geographically from the church in the village centre, while the pilgrimage provides a more precisely dated historical connection. The building phases are the main focus at the Eglise Saint-Germain-d'Auxerre; at the Chapelle de Savault, its location and the pilgrimage offer a different perspective. The two religious buildings therefore differ both in their connection to place and in their history.

Pléchie: a technique and its transmission

Pléchie, also called “pléchie” in Morvandiau, is a technique in which shrubs are woven together to create a hedge that is almost impenetrable to animals. The “Mois de la pléchie,” held annually in March, includes a day in Ouroux-en-Morvan when the technique is introduced and passed on. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the current programme locally.

The museum and lake in the local picture

The Musée de la Tonnellerie tells a long family history and is recognised by the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan. Its focus on family history sets it apart from the war and religious themes of the other sites. Ouroux-en-Morvan is also one of the four municipalities bordering Lac de Pannecière. This brings a specific museum subject and a geographical connection to the lake together.

Discover more destinations: Saincaize-Meaucé, Dampierre-sous-Bouhy, Dornes, Savigny-Poil-Fol, Maux, Saint-Malo-En-Donziois, Mhere, Saint-Benin-D'azy

For the broader travel overview: Nièvre.