About Vézelay, France:
Vézelay, France, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and major pilgrimage destination known for its Romanesque architecture and connection to the relics of Mary Magdalene.
Catholic places of interest in Vézelay, France:
Basilique de Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: A historical pilgrimage site, the starting point for many pilgrims on the Way of St. James. Contains a relic (a rib) of Saint Mary Magdalene in its crypt. Its large tympanum is famous for its depiction of the mission of the Crusades.
Note, there is another Basilica in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, believed to house relics of Mary Magdalene. Both are major historical and religious sites, with the Vézelay basilica notable for its history with the Crusades and the Vézelay basilica being built on the site of Mary Magdalene’s tomb.
Couvent des Ursulines: A former Ursuline convent situated opposite the Basilica.
Église Saint-Étienne de Vézelay which still retains its Romanesque features.
The abbey of Vézelay
When you arrive in Vézelay, known as the “eternal hill”, it will become obvious that you will need to climb to the top! Along your way, you will be amazed by your surroundings, where pilgrims from all over Europe have been coming for the past 1,000 years.
The destination owes its reputation and wealth to this spiritual history: for centuries, thousands of pilgrims came here to worship the relics of Saint Madeleine before carrying on along the Way of St. James.
As you wander around the village, you might recognise scenes from French film La Grande Vadrouille. Winegrowers and Renaissance houses and cobbled streets have all been perfectly preserved. You’ll arrive at the foot of the basilica without even realising you’ve reached the top.
When faced with the view, you’ll realise that it was well worth the effort! It comes as no surprise that this monument of Christianity, a masterpiece of Romanesque art, magnificently restored by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, is listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. And we haven’t even mentioned the unforgettable view
Traveling to Vézelay, France:
Vézelay is roughly 140 miles (220 km) south of Paris.
By train: There frequent train service is from Paris Gare de Bercy Station to Sermizelles, taking 2 hr., 30 min, making it an easy day trip from Paris. From Sermizelles station, take a taxi or shuttle bus.
By car from Paris: take the A6 autoroute.
The visitors center, La Maison du Visiteur, provides an introduction to the Basilica and the village, with documentaries and light shows, and can arrange guided tour.