Recently Viewed
The Basilica of Vézelay Unveiled
4.7
22 Ratings
Vezelay
Discover the 12th-century Basilica of Vézelay. Unearth its secrets, marvel at its architecture, and connect with history on a profound level.
Discover the 12th-century Basilica of Vézelay. Unearth its secrets, marvel at its architecture, and connect with history on a profound level.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- La Maison du Visiteur - 1) In the symbol room, take part in the discovery workshop: enter concretely into the know-how and vision of the building monks: discover the race of the sun and the play of light thanks to a 3-D model, the link between the plan of the Basilica and the human body, between “the rod” (measuring tool) and the harmony of the…
-
La Maison du Visiteur - 1) In the symbol room, take part in the discovery workshop: enter concretely into the know-how and vision of the building monks: discover the race of the sun and the play of light thanks to a 3-D model, the link between the plan of the Basilica and the human body, between “the rod” (measuring tool) and the harmony of the volumes,
Learn to read a marquee: there are over 150 in the Basilica!
- In the projection room, with the film “In the shade of the Light”, attend the famous plays of light which are only visible on certain days in the Basilica and contemplate closely the wonders of sculpture
- either leave with our road map and visit the basilica otherwise, or - optional in the morning - do the accompanied journey in the basilica with our guide.
-
Basilique de Vezelay - At the top of a hill in Burgundy,
the old abbey of Vézelay erected in
Basilica in 1920 rises for 800 years between
earth and sky. Listed as World Heritage by
UNESCO, it now attracts a million
visitors per year. Lovers of art and history,
pilgrims, tourists, visitors from all over the world in
quest for renewal or meaning in their lives
climb the hill to discover this chef
of Romanesque art.
Accompanied by your guide from the Visitor’s House walk through the Basilica:
you will have the sensitive experience of the two architectures, Romanesque and Gothic, gathered here in a unique way, you will discover the news of the large tympanum and the carved capitals … you will take the time to see what you are looking at!
An invitation to observation, to a personal apprehension of space and sculpture, to move from a world before oneself to one that one carries within oneself.
What's Included
- Offering to the Basilica
- Offering to the Basilica
Additional Information
When the 12th century speaks to us in the 21st … This visit allows an architecture that is 900 years old to speak to our hearts today. Everyone receives essential keys to fully appreciate Vézelay and its Basilica. For our guides, it is about being smugglers from one bank to the other, from a world in front of us to the one we carry within. It invites…
When the 12th century speaks to us in the 21st … This visit allows an architecture that is 900 years old to speak to our hearts today. Everyone receives essential keys to fully appreciate Vézelay and its Basilica. For our guides, it is about being smugglers from one bank to the other, from a world in front of us to the one we carry within. It invites wonder and an understanding of the intentions and building laws that underlie architecture. By making the stones speak, it transmits living information and not only objective information or learned content reserved for initiates. In this perspective, he proposes to enter into knowledge in the primary sense of the verb to know, “to be born with”.
Location
La Maison du Visiteur
Place Adolphe Guillon,
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(22 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Roving35743959689
Sep 9, 2025
Discovery of the sanctuary of Vézelay - Yes, we went with family (pensioners) to the visitor's house on Monday, September 1st at 2pm. Very Good Welcoming. We have joined others for a total of 14. Our guide Gaspar commented on a very interesting video on the basilica. His fluid speech, his pleasant timbre, his attitude, won over our small group, very attentive, which asked many questions, thereby creating a very lively dialogue.
Then we walked up to the basilica. Our guide detailed all the elements of the eardrum in the nartex before entering the basilica and explain the Romanesque architecture, the forest of pillars, the contrast between the chancel and the central nave, the changes produced by the sun's rays, the sculpted figures of the capitals...
Our visit ended after two and a half hours of very rewarding exchanges.
We can only highly recommend this absolutely unique experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_f
Aug 16, 2025
Vezelay Basilica, a jewel - Visit with a guide of the house visitors, guide taking the time to tell us the history of this magnificent basilica, attentive and professional.
Review provided by Viator
Annemarieso8175fg
Aug 16, 2025
Second visit - Climbing the street leading to the basilica remains a highlight even in 35° in the sun, and being able to visit it for free remains something unique.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Discover566284
Aug 15, 2025
You never look at a church the same way again! - Great!
The guide turned it into a real experience story. You never look at a church the same way again!
The brilliant explanation about a number of medieval measuring instruments is also great.
It does require sufficient knowledge of the French language to get the most out of this.
Big compliments!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinebk9311ih
Jul 27, 2025
Visit of the basilica and walking - Exciting and rewarding visit, a remarkable (British) guide, who knew how to give meaning to everything we saw.. Unforgettable!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philippeandr_a2019
Jun 10, 2025
Captivating tour for young and old - An extraordinary, captivating, interesting visit. Elisabeth took us out of time, to meet architects who play with sunlight and sculptors who leave messages carved with stone... It deciphers some with divine proportion and causes visual sensations.
A very nice visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nathaliefh3673fm
Aug 12, 2024
An unusual visit strongly recommended - An unusual tour, with a very interesting approach to the history and architecture of the basilica, led by a captivating and passionate Guide. A moment out of time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside661020
Jul 30, 2024
Must do - We highly recommend this activity! The guided tour of the basilica is rich in discoveries and emotions. Christopher’s precise, rich and relevant explanations are indispensable to capture the magic of the place. We come out with an extra soul.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Doppie-go
Jun 7, 2025
Only view the basilica, not much else - Authentic village on a hill with a basilica at the top. Steep up. Beautiful sculptures in the porch. Church itself is large and austere. On a rainy day in May very quiet but fixed and definitely touristy on other days. Except for the church not much to experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Parisp473
Aug 22, 2024
Boring, childish, uninformative - Poetic but uninformative film, purely aesthetic and religious.
The guided tour was very well designed...for children. Forced participation of the group in multiple quizzes not interesting and not very informative. Very slow and boring pace by a Guide more suitable for kindergarten than for an adult ride. If you are between 6 and 10 years old, or if you are in the religious bliss of the place, you will feast.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
