Visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene of Vézelay

Testimony to a rich history and a spiritual heritage of extraordinary significance, the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, perched on the top of Burgundy’s “eternal hill”, dominates a picturesque village that has kept its ramparts, its gates and its parapets. With the relics of Mary Magdalene, in the 11th century Vézelay became one of the most important holy places of the Christian world and a departure point for the St James’ Way pilgrimage. The basilica, with its perfect proportions, is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. As you enter the church, you are immediately struck by the astonishing light which gives the building its unfathomable depth. The beauty and the meaning of the sculptured capitals and three tympanums are quite unique. Vézelay, classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a living shrine and attracts pilgrims, artists and visitors from all over the world.

Getting there

Air: Paris (245 km)

Train:

• Paris (Gare de Bercy) – Sermizelles (10 km from Vézelay) - Taxi or shuttle bus (2 connections a day)
• Paris (Gare de Lyon - TGV high-speed train) – Montbard Shuttle bus to Vézelay Friday evenings only and Monday morning to Montbard from Vézelay

By car:

• Paris: A6 motorway – Sens – Auxerre – Auxerre sud exit or Nitry exit
• Nitry: D11, N6 then N151
• Lyon: A6 motorway – Mâcon – Beaune – Avallon exit then D957

Services

Restaurants:

• 10 restaurants
• 1 lounge

Accommodation:

• 5 hotels (180 beds) + 3 group lodgings (100 beds)
• 15 bed and breakfast

Visiting

Visiting the city:

• Maison Jules Roy (writer’s house)
• Maison du Visiteur (conference visit)
• Musée de l’oeuvre Viollet-le-Duc (Romanesque sculptures)
• Musée Zervos (collection of modern art)

Visiting the shrine:

• Open every day from sunrise to sunset – admission free
• Guided tours all year round for groups – every day in summer

Special Events

• Concerts, exhibitions, lectures, events, etc. (April to October)
• Pilgrimage of Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22)
• “Vézelay s’enflamme” (sound and lights show) (August 1-4)
• “Les Rencontres Musicales de Vézelay” music festival (August 22-25)

• Vezelay Tourist Office
  • Basilica of Vezelay