The first men appear in Morvan during the Neolithic (of 5500 in - 2000 years). Towards 600 before J.C., the Celts, come from Central Europe, invade the country. Aeduans which constitute the most powerful of these levies control a territory which extends from “Saône et Loire” to “Loire“ and from “Auvergne” to “Auxois”. Their capital, Bibracte, is situated on the Mountain Beuvray in 800 metres in height. Its ramparts, the famous wall of Gauls described by Caesar, run on a 5 kilometres perimeter.

After the Roman conquest, a new town becomes established in the valley of Arroux in the meeting place of several ways. Baptized "Augustodunum" in honour of the Emperor Auguste, Autun is going to become "the sister and the emulator of Rome" with temples, circus, theater and amphitheatre. The Christianity begins to spread in the IIth century later Saint Martin will evangelize Morvan.

At about IVth century, settle down in the region of tribes come from Germania, among which Burgondes which will give their name in Burgundy. From 1032, Morvan is a part of the duchy of Burgundy. In 1146 St Bernard will come to preach to Vézelay the second crusade.

To fight against the poverty and avoid the divisions, the inhabitants grouped: for the XVth century, develop communities "taisibles" (that is tacit), or family associations, from which the agricultural economy survived.

In the XVIth century, Morvan knows a repopulation and a renewal of activities with the invention of the floating of the wood. It will continue to live on its forests and on its breeding until the First World War. During the Second World War, it will be one of the fortified towns of the Resistance, but will undergo numbers of exactions and devastations.

Since, Morvan knew a strong drift from the land to which contributed the rough climate, the lack of infrastructures and industries.