If you haven’t made any plans for your summer vacation, we’ve found a truly magnificent village just 3 hours from Paris. Located in the heart of Burgundy, Vézelay is a magnificent hilltop village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A charming place, with stone houses and steep paths, it served as Serge Gainsbourg’s retreat for many years.
Vézelay: a magnificent hilltop village 3 hours from Paris
Nicknamed the “eternal hill,” this hilltop village, tucked away in the heart of the Morvan nature reserve, seems straight out of a fairy tale. During your stay, you’ll stroll through ancient streets, some dating back to the 15th century and part of the Way of St. James.
In fact, you won’t want to miss its magnificent monastic basilica, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the symbol of the village. Restored in the 19th century, its immaculate whiteness and the multitude of details referencing biblical stories will leave you in awe… Thesegardens, a true green oasis, offer a spectacular view of the Morvan and its centuries-old vineyards.
As you can see, Vézelay is a village brimming with serenity, where time seems to have almost stood still. A preserved gem, renowned for its tranquility, that captivated Serge Gainsbourg. The artist actually stayed there for six long months to recuperate far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Walks along the river, intimate concerts at the village hotel-restaurant… a break in the countryside, where he lived almost like an ordinary person!
A truly exotic and authentic village to discover during a sunny weekend.
Getting to Vézelay from Paris:
- By train from Paris Bercy station to the Sermizelles-Vézelay stop, then shuttle or bus to Vézelay
- By car via the A6 highway
