Hiking, nature and local history offer different focal points for planning a trip to Quarré-les-Tombes. Five free hiking routes are available for exploring the local area, along with specific nature topics ranging from wetland habitats to granite, as well as architectural and commemorative history. When choosing your stay, it is worth first deciding how much time you want to spend hiking, and then which topics interest you most.

Choose Hikes by Time Required

Two of the five routes can be compared by length and minimum duration. Le circuit famille is 5.4 kilometres long and takes at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. Sur les pas de Vauban measures 15.3 kilometres and is listed as taking at least 3 hours and 30 minutes. This route is also marked in yellow and red.

For a shorter time window, Le circuit famille is the more compact option in terms of length and minimum duration. Sur les pas de Vauban requires a larger block of time. This lets you choose a hike to suit the part of the day you want to set aside for it. The yellow-and-red markings provide another specific distinguishing feature of the longer route.

Cycling and Hiking as Different Focal Points

Cycling is also a distinct option for a trip: the Grande Traversée du Morvan (GTM) passes through Quarré-les-Tombes by bicycle. When choosing an activity for your stay, you can therefore weigh up hikes with specified distances against a cycling route as different focal points. First consider whether you want to spend more time on foot or by bicycle.

Nature: Habitats and Geology

The Vallon des Paluds natural area in Quarré-les-Tombes includes woodland, pond, stream and rocky habitats. The Étang du Griottier Blanc has peaty shoreline areas where waterbirds nest; rarer dragonfly species also live and reproduce there. The two places therefore offer different highlights: diverse habitats at one, and shoreline areas and wildlife at the other.

The Roche des Fées adds a geological perspective. It is a granite rock formation of geological interest. If you choose nature topics by subject, you can focus on nesting birds and dragonflies at the Étang, or on the rock at the Roche.

Church History, Remembrance and Local Activities

The Church of Saint-Georges was rebuilt in the 16th century; only the choir remains from that building phase. In the village square, a monument created by Vigoureux commemorates the Maquis Verneuil, which was based in Isles Ménéfrier. The historical highlights differ: the church offers an insight into a period of construction, while the monument preserves the memory of the Maquis.

Lace-making is also documented as a local activity: a July 2025 entry in the municipal bulletin describes Les Fuseaux de Quarré as a group that met every Thursday afternoon in Quarré-les-Tombes to make lace and invited interested people to join in. If you would like to include a meeting in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Events in Quarré-les-Tombes include Trail O Duc and Canicross. Check whether either event is taking place during your travel dates before making firm plans to attend.

Discover more destinations: Courgis, Malay-Le-Petit, Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux, Maillot, Marmeaux, Vallery, Champcevrais, Toucy

For the wider travel overview: Yonne.