Vézelay, Medieval commune in Burgundy, France
Description
Vézelay is a commune in Burgundy rising on a hill roughly 302 meters above sea level, surrounded by forests and vineyards. The settlement consists of an old upper town with cobbled paths and a newer lower town where shops and houses spread at the foot of the slope.
History
An abbey arose here in the 9th century and attracted pilgrims in the following centuries who set out on the route to Santiago de Compostela. The church expanded during the 11th and 12th centuries and remained a religious center until the French Revolution.
Culture
The name comes from Latin roots pointing to an ancient settlement, while narrow lanes still show medieval living patterns today. Artisans and winemakers maintain their traditions in stone houses along the main street, and small workshops open their doors to visitors.
Practical
A walk through the upper town follows steep streets and steps that can become slippery when wet, so comfortable footwear is advisable. Parking areas are mostly below the old town, and a short uphill walk brings visitors to the center.
Did you know?
The basilica facade displays over 200 carved figures and scenes from the Old and New Testament distributed across arches and columns. Many visitors overlook the capitals inside, even though they tell stories of saints, animals and biblical episodes.
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Vézelay Abbey
198 mHouse Zervos
904 m
Musée Zervos
294 m
La Cordelle chapel
545 m
Église Saint-Étienne de Vézelay
353 m
Enceinte de Vézelay
203 m
Château abbatial de Vézelay
294 m
Croix de Vézelay
554 m
Maison natale de Théodore de Bèze
174 mManoir Desfourneaux
86 mMusée de l'Oeuvre Viollet-le-Duc
242 m
Vézelay, Church and Hill
198 m
Ancienne église Saint-Pierre
27 m
Hill of Vézelay
198 m
Town Hall of Vézelay
39 m
Orthodox church of Vézelay
110 m
Maison, rue de l'Hôpital, rue du Couvent
110 mMaison Jules Roy
105 mCorbigny
1.4 km
Chapelle des Ursulines de Vézelay
121 mScenic viewpoint
343 mScenic viewpoint
361 mVue sur Vézelay
1.5 km
Maison Jules-Roy
123 mStèle du maquis du Loup
611 mCroix d'Asquins
1.3 kmCatholic church building, wayside cross, Christianity
796 mWayside cross, Christianity, Catholic church building
818 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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