Nestled in the heart of Burgundy, facing the Morvan mountains, this magnificent hilltop village, just 3 hours from Paris, is a feast for the eyes. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is also known as one of the starting points for the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. You’ll discover charming stone houses built into the hillside, as well as a listed basilica…
Vézelay: a hilltop village 3 hours from Paris
If you love charming getaways, you’ll love this hilltop village nestled in the heart of the Morvan nature reserve. Vézelay, nicknamed the “eternal hill”, is an absolutely magnificent village, where you’ll stroll along ancient streets, some dating back to the 15th century. Weather permitting, you can stretch out on the grass in the basilica gardens, the village’s green lung. These gardens offer spectacular views of the Morvan and its centuries-old vines, already cultivated in Gallo-Roman times.
But it’s above all for its monastic basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine that onlookers and pilgrims flock. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the basilica is decorated with remarkable sculptures and works of art of Romanesque architecture. Keen observers will recognize biblical scenes carved into the columns lining the nave and choir. Known as one of the key stages on the way to Santiago de Compostela, the basilica underwent a major restoration in the XIXᵉ century. Its immaculate whiteness and unique panorama of the village will leave you breathless…
Serge Gainsbourg’s refuge
Renowned for its calm and particularly restful setting, this village attracts many artists from Paris in search of tranquility. Among them,Serge Gainsbourg. The singer-songwriter had decided to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Paris, and take refuge in chef Marc Meneau’s hotel-restaurant. He stayed there for six long months, taking advantage of the calm of the place every day to recharge his batteries, play the piano in the restaurant, take walks along the river… A well-deserved retirement before ending his days at home in Paris.
As you can see, Vézelay is an absolutely authentic and exotic village to discover on a sunny weekend.