Would you like to visit Vézelay? Then discover the 8 things to do in one of the most beautiful French villages!
Nestled in the heart of Morvan , the medieval village of Vézelay overlooks the green plains of the Cure valley. Like a few French villages , the beauty of the landscape enchants visitors who enter it. This charming perched village houses steep alleys where beautiful medieval houses follow with grace. Watching them, the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, masterpiece of Romanesque art classified in Unesco World Heritage , impresses by its unusual dimensions. High place of spirituality, Vézelay is the starting point of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Spiritual, literary, poetic or artistic, each finds his happiness. Visiting Vézelay is discovering the eclectic heritage of Burgundy that will charm you for sure!
Also: Where to eat in Vézelay?
1. Medieval town
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Claudio Giovanni Colombo
Authentic, inspiring, impressive, charming... Many are the adjectives that characterize the medieval town from Vézelay. Overlooking the Burgundian territory, the village spreads over a hillside. Decorating the cult film "La Grande Vadrouille" with Funès and Bourvil, its old stones testify to a prestigious past.
Visiting Vézelay will not fail to charm you. Walking through the narrow and turbulent streets of old houses built on cellars, visitors are delighted to discover small shops, art galleries and typical restaurants. In short, the medieval town of Vézelay is worth a small detour!
2. La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Traveller70
The Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, an undisputed masterpiece of Romanesque art, is a high place of medieval faith and Christian spirituality. Built in ruins, then restored by the architect Viollet-Le-Duc on the request of Prosper Mérimée, the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene now sits as a mistress on the heights of the village.
Uncontournable to visit Vézelay at best, the Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica is also and especially the starting point of the pilgrimage leading to Santiago de Compostela. In this way, pilgrims will be able to make a stopover in several towns and villages renowned for their sacred character like Lourdes, Mont Saint Michel or even Rocamadour .
3. The visitor's house
Photo credit: Facebook – Vézelay and Maison du Visitur
The visitor's home is a fascinating program. Indeed, you will discover Vézelay and the Basilica of the most beautiful ways. Several activities are on the programme, such as the historic march, which takes up the route that pilgrims used during their march to the Basilica.
Finally, at home, discover more about the Basilica, its art and its builders. Before watching a documentary film dedicated to the Grand Tympan, the most beautiful sculpture of the place of worship.
4. The Jules Roy House
Photo credit: Facebook – Maison Jules-Roy
Visiting Vézelay is also passing through the Jules Roy House. As a child of the village, the novelist who never left Vézelay now rests in peace. A true witness to his story, the Jules Roy House pays tribute to him, bringing visitors to discover the work of a lifetime. Among other things, the House houses the office of Jules, located in front of a large bay window overlooking the Basilica of Sainte-Marie de Madeleine.
5. Museums
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Havana
Zervos Museum
The Zervos Museum, located in the house of the writer Romain Rolland, houses all the most beautiful pieces of collection by Christian Zervos, founder of the magazine “Les Cahiers d’art”. Visiting Vézelay allows you to discover among others The beautiful Sauterelle from Max Ernst, Musical instruments de Laurens and The Painter and the Child de Picasso .
The Musée de l’Œuvre Viollet-le-Duc
Formerly known as the Lapidary Museum, the Musée de l’Œuvre Viollet-le-Duc is a must for visiting Vézelay at best. In her bosom, many original sculptures of the basilica, but also watercolors made by the architect.
The visit of the Musée de l’Œuvre Viollet-le-Duc is perfect for the ferus of Art and History that will be carried away in the rich medieval imaginary.
6. The vineyard of Vézelay
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alain PITAULT
How to pass next to the Vezelink vineyard? Visiting Vézelay without walking in the vineyards or enjoying a glass of wine is unthinkable! Atypical, the vines of Vézelay are sprinkled with stone walls and small vinegar huts. Ceinting the village, the different grape varieties make the pride of the region!
7. The balloon overflight of the region of Vézelay
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Michal Szymanski
Would you like to visit Vézelay in an original way? Fly in a balloon for a real journey in time and nature! In addition to watching wildlife and amazing yourself at the landscapes at your feet, you will discover what a balloon experience is.
After the swelling of the ball, then the takeoff smoothly, you will see the Salt Fountains of Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay, the Basilica of Sainte-Marie de Madeleine de Vézelay and the vineyard plains of Burgundy. This walk rich in emotions promises a few hours of incredible and unforgettable adventure!
8. Surroundings of Vézelay
Photo credit: Shutterstock -Traveller70
The Morvan Regional Natural Park
In the heart of Burgundy, the Morvan Regional Natural Park is one of the many natural riches to make near Vézelay. This preserved heritage houses a diversity of landscapes: hills, lakes, green plains, forests... Morvan is therefore a privileged space for sportsmen and nature lovers.
You can't visit Vézelay without going for a tour! In addition, this large bowl of fresh air will delight both small and large!
Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay
Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay is closely linked to Vézelay by his History. Indeed, the Abbé de Vézelay was in particular seigneur of the two communes, hence the common past.
If you stop in the village, don’t miss the incredible archaeological site of the Fontaines-salées and the old parish church of Saint-Pierre. These two monuments will appeal to the ferus of History and Architecture.
How to get to Vézelay?
To access Vézelay, we recommend you as a way of locomotion the car . Indeed, the train does not serve the commune but the train stations of Sermizelles-Givry (10 km) and Avallon (17 km). So you'll have to find a way to reach the village, why not opt for a taxi? To discover the surroundings independently, we recommend the car or bike that can be another option for alternative tourism.
From Paris , you will have to take the A6 motorway (exit Avallon), while since then Lyon , we recommend the D606 department. From these two cities, the journey is about 3h .
Where to stay in Vézelay?
If you plan to visit Vézelay, you will necessarily ask where to stay. Fortunately, you will not miss options in this unique village. The offer is quite eclectic in Vézelay: small hotels campsites or campsites Airbnb , there are for all tastes and holidays.
So, what are you waiting for to visit Vézelay?
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