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Vézelay
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Discover Vézelay, a village of art and pilgrimage in Burgundy
Perched on a hill facing the Morvan mountains, Vézelay embodies the spiritual soul of Burgundy. Towering above the winegrowers’ houses and Renaissance mansions, the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a masterpiece of Romanesque art listed by UNESCO, has attracted pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
As you climb the cobbled streets, follow in the footsteps of the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela and enjoy stunning views of the vineyards of Vézelay, the art galleries and the museums.
The Eternal Hill
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela for over a millennium: art, religious heritage and elegant architecture punctuate your stroll through the village. Ready to experience Vézelay?
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OT Grand Vézelay
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OT Grand Vézelay
Word of Mouth
In the 19th century, it was the writer Prosper Mérimée, then Inspector-General of Historic Monuments, who fell in love with Vézelay at first sight. He enlisted the services of the brilliant architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who restored the former abbey church between 1840 and 1860. Today, Vézelay remains a town of writers and artists…
Your experiences to live in Vézelay
©Grand Vézelay Tourist Office
Living the Path of Light
At the summer solstice, experience a unique moment in the Basilica of Vézelay. At solar noon, a beam of light traces a perfectly aligned path down the centre of the nave. A fascinating sight – something you simply must experience at least once!
©Grand Vézelay Tourist Office
Tasting Vézelay AOC wines
Since Gallo-Roman times, the slopes of Vézelay have been covered in vineyards. Take part in a tasting of AOC Vézelay Chardonnay (in moderation!) or visit a vineyard to learn more about the wine-growing history of this Burgundian village.
©Grand Vézelay Tourist Office
Take in the panoramic views of the Morvan
Take in the view from the viewpoint at the former abbey castle! At an altitude of 340 metres, admire the Morvan hills, bathed in golden light at sunset.
©Grand Vézelay Tourist Office
Browsing the craft stalls
Step inside the shops and workshops that line the narrow streets of Vézelay. Leather goods, earthenware, stained-glass and paintings… every discovery reveals the local craftsmanship. Why not take home a unique piece?
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026
Visite guidée insolite : Vézelay en 1821 - Visite privée sur réservation uniquement
An opportunity to reconstruct life in Vézelay during this forgotten period. Visits possible every day, subject to the guide's availability. RDV place du champs de Foire, at the bottom of the village, near the well.
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026
Le Grand Tympan de la Basilique de Vézelay
Projection of the film "The Dance of the New Adam", a symbolic, poetic and musical journey full of meaning, emotion and wonder in the heart of the Great Tympanum of the Basilica, this masterpiece of Romanesque art.
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
Open every day - From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
Open every day
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Nov. 10, 2026
La Basilique de Vézelay dévoilée
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 04/01/2027
Open every day - From 09/01/2026 to 11/10/2026
Open every day
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026 from 9 a.m.
Visite - dégustation à Vézelay
Want to combine heritage discovery with wine tasting? Follow the guide! Amandine will tell you all about the history of the village of Vézelay, perched on the eternal hill, with or without a visit to the basilica, depending on your wishes. You'll discover the incredible history of this spiritual Mecca, the beauty of its Romanesque houses and the charm of its narrow streets. Amandine will then introduce you to the world of Vézelay wines with a guided tasting at a local winery.
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
Open every day
From April 4, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Halte gourmande au caveau de Vézelay de La Chablisienne
Fancy a gourmet break with a local speciality accompanied by a tasting of Petit Chablis and Chablis? Enjoy a private tasting of 2 wines accompanied by a gourmet terrine on our panoramic terrace: - a Petit Chablis, - a Chablis, - a gourmet terrine (meat or fish)
Next dates:
- From 04/04/2026 to 10/31/2026
From June 10, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Atelier gin
The famous Gin de la Sauvage workshops are moving to the brand new boutique in Vézelay! Come and create your own artisan gin from fresh and dried plants and macerates. You'll be guided throughout the workshop as you discover the world of gin: - The history of gin - Creating your own recipe - Distillation - Finalising the product - Labelling You will leave with a bottle of your choice of gin or vodka. Price: 70 euros
Next dates:
- From 06/10/2026 to 10/31/2026
From June 22, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026
Yoga
Chloé offers yoga classes in Vézelay, in the garden when the weather is fine and in a cosy studio during the winter. A practice open to everyone. Hatha Yoga: breathing, movement, meditation and deep relaxation. Each session invites you to slow down, reconnect with your body and your breath in a caring atmosphere surrounded by nature. Why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating moment of wellbeing?
Next dates:
- From 06/22/2026 to 12/31/2026
From Sept. 1, 2026 to Nov. 8, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Exposition "Cahiers d'Art. Modernité et Archaïsme"
The team at the Musée Départemental d'Art Moderne-Collection Zervos (MDAM) is delighted to welcome you from 3 April to 8 November 2026, from 10am to 6pm except Tuesdays, and every day in July and August. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the magazine Cahiers d'Art created by Christian Zervos and the 20th anniversary of the museum. We will be presenting the temporary exhibition produced with the Musée national Picasso-Paris (MnPP) for its second year of partnership: "Cahiers d'Art: Modernity and Archaism". The exhibition looks at how the magazine Cahiers d'Art helped to redefine the boundaries between modernity and archaism, and explores the Zervos collection in dialogue with the MnPP's collections and a range of guest works from national and regional collections. Join us at the opening on 3 April after your visit for a friendly drink to launch the festivities for this promising season!
Next dates:
- From 09/01/2026 to 11/08/2026
Open every day
The Oct. 23, 2026
The Theater of Music - Les tribulations de Samuel Pepys
Immerse yourself in Samuel Pepys’s musical daily life, ranging from popular tunes to theatre and classical music, and discover 17th-century England.
Next dates:
- 10/23/2026
From Oct. 24, 2026 to Dec. 6, 2026
Le pouvoir transformateur des symboles
This two-day seminar is designed for those wishing to discover or deepen their understanding of the symbolic significance of the capitals in the Basilica of Vézelay. Half a dozen capitals will be observed and deciphered, leaving room for individual interpretation. Led by Hélène Ramin and Christopher Kelly, heritage guides from the Maison du Visiteur, the seminar will take place in sessions lasting between 1 h 30 and 2 h.
Next dates:
- From 10/24/2026 to 10/25/2026
Open every day - From 10/24/2026 to 10/25/2026
Open every day - From 12/05/2026 to 12/06/2026
Open every day
The Nov. 7, 2026 from 2 p.m.
A Vézelay, nous irons aux champignons !
La Petite Faune de Vézelay invites you on a nature walk to discover the hidden gems of autumn’s fungi in the woods around La Madeleine.
Next dates:
- 11/07/2026
Open every day
The Nov. 13, 2026
Alpha et Omega
From Shadow to Light: Exploring the Apocalypse of Saint John – Ensemble Hemiolia
Next dates:
- 11/13/2026
The Nov. 15, 2026
Concours de belote
Come and take part in the belote competition organised by the Parents’ Association of Vézelay Primary School, which will take place at Le Basilic restaurant in Vézelay. See you on Sunday 15 November at 2 pm (doors open at 1 pm). Entry fee: 20 euros per team (proceeds will go to Vézelay Primary School). Maximum of 60 teams; one prize per team. Register before 1 November 2026 by calling 06 62 54 00 91. Light refreshments and drinks will be on sale at the venue.
Next dates:
- 11/15/2026
The Nov. 19, 2026
Soave Libertate
A baritone duo and masterpieces by Monteverdi – Concerto Soave
Next dates:
- 11/19/2026
The Dec. 3, 2026
Chansons pour (re)découvrir les fabuleuses Fabulettes d'Anne Sylvestre
Trio Musica Humana – Cie La Femme et l’Homme Debout
Next dates:
- 12/03/2026
From Dec. 12, 2026 to Jan. 2, 2027 from 1:30 p.m.
Les Visites Solstice d'été et d'hiver
The Basilica of Vézelay was built in close relationship with the course of the sun. It is inhabited by light. Its dance with the stones, unique in the world, culminates at the winter and summer solstices. On these days we take you to the Basilica for an unforgettable experience.
Next dates:
- From 12/12/2026 to 01/02/2027
Open every day
The Dec. 18, 2026
A Christmas Eve
A festive and magical Christmas
Next dates:
- 12/18/2026
A fun tour for budding explorers
What if the children could become explorers for the duration of a tour? Thanks to the activity booklets available at the Tourist Office, young and old alike can discover Vézelay whilst having fun. Follow Léo, the clever guide, and uncover the village’s secrets together!
Escape game
Head to Vézelay Escape Game to put your teamwork, intuition and composure to the test in the heart of the medieval town! Whether it’s a Cluedo-style mystery or an undercover mission, you have 60 minutes to succeed: puzzle-solving, laughter and adrenaline guaranteed!
Hot-air balloon ride
For an unforgettable experience, take to the skies on a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset. From up there, the hills of Vézelay are bathed in a magical light, offering a timeless escape to share as a couple.
"La Boucle du Vignoble" walk
As the warmer weather returns, set off on an 11 km walk through the vineyards around the ‘Eternal Hill’. Following the first stages of the Way of St James, chapels, picturesque villages and panoramic views accompany you along the way.
Our recommendations
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Maison du Visiteur
The Maison du Visiteur reveals all the secrets of the 12th-century builders through an immersive tour.
Map of Vézelay
Extend the visit to near Vézelay
Montréal en Bourgogne
(24 km)
Noyers
(32 km)
Prepare your stay at Vézelay
Office de Tourisme du Grand Vézelay
Accessibility
Vézelay
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Parvis basilique accessible avec places PMR réservées
# Parking : Stationnement payant ou partiellement payant en fonction de la situation et de la période
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : à moins de 15 mn à pieds
# Navette vers activités annexes : L'été, navette depuis parking du bas vers parvis Basilique
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