A Guide to the Best Things to do in Vézelay 

Last Updated on 26th June 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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Vézelay is a small hilltop village full of history, culture, spirituality, and scenic charm. Perfect to visit over the course of a long and lazy afternoon, this is one of the four starting points of the Camino de Santiago and is known as the Way of Vézelay or Via Lemovicensis. Here’s your ultimate guide on the best things to do in Vézelay!

It’s one of my favourite towns in Burgundy, thanks to the fact that it’s a little off the beaten tourist track and yet still offers up the authentic ambience and plenty of medieval architecture to admire.

What is Vézelay known for?

Vézelay is probably best-known for the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, which is where the relics of Mary Magdalene are believed to lie. Since 1979, the medieval town and the surrounding hill have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As such, Vézelay itself is often referred to as the “Eternal Hill”, small yet mighty, the town is celebrated for its stunning Romanesque architecture, historic role in the Crusades, and serves as a major pilgrimage site. Indeed, it’s one of the four starting points of the Camino de Santiago.

Things to see and do in Vézelay

Sample the local wine

The sun-baked vineyards on the hills surrounding Vézelay produce a crisp white wine made mostly from Chardonnay grapes which even has its own appellation, Vézelay AOC. Just 25 estates produce Vézelay AOC and the entire wine growing area consists of roughly 500 acres, 80% of which are Chardonnay.

In true French fashion, the best way to sample local wine is to go to a wine tasting. Vézelay Wine Club is a cellar filled with wine and other drinks, all with a heavy focus on local produce. I recommend stopping here, even if just to look. The people here are experts in their craft and can let you know all about winemaking and its importance in the region.

Musée Zervos – Maison Romain-Rolland

This museum of modern art is nestled within the home where writer Romain Rolland lived and died. The Zervos collection includes works by Picasso, Calder, Laurens, and others. The museum has seasonal opening times, so be sure to check in advance if you wish to visit.

Maison Jules Roy

Located near the top of the hill, this small museum is the final place where the writer Jules Roy lived before his death. The writer’s former office and the surrounding park are open to visitors. There’s also the terraced gardens of the Maison Jules-Roy, which provide a magnificent view over the Basilica of Vézelay and the Cure Valley.

Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

At the very top of the hill of Vézelay, you’ll find the most important church in town: Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. The basilica dates back to the 12th century and is one of the greatest masterpieces of Romanesque sculpture in Europe.

It’s most famous for its light-filled nave and intricately carved capitals and tympanum. Head downstairs into the crypt, and you’ll find a serene space with frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages and an altar housing the relics of Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene is remembered as one of Jesus’ closest followers and, according to the Christian Gospels, the first person to see him after the Resurrection. Today, she’s widely honoured across many Christian traditions, and her story continues to draw pilgrims and visitors to places linked with her legacy, hence why Vézelay draws in so many.

Due to a law in France meaning that all places of worship are free, the basilica is open on a daily basis and is completely free of charge to visit, though donations are always appreciated. It is part of the UNESCO “Church and Hill of Vézelay” designation.

Museum of the work of Viollet-le-Duc

The Musée de l’Œuvre Viollet-le-Duc (Museum of Viollet-le-Duc’s Work) is a small museum dedicated to the restoration work carried out by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc on the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay.

Though he is best known for his work on projects such as Notre Dame de Paris, it’s less well-known that Le Duc’s first large project was actually the restoration of the Abbey at Vézelay.

Today the museum is housed in the former dormitory of the monks, part of the clerical and monastic buildings just above the basilica. Inside you’ll find all kinds of treasures, including original stone sculptures from the ecclesiastical building, drawings, pencil sketches, and watercolours.

Wander the town

The entirety of the old town is fortified and pedestrianised (only local traffic is allowed), meaning that you can explore on foot. As you wander around, you’ll find lots of symbols of the scallop shell, the universal symbol for the Way of St James. As it’s a little off the beaten track, Vézelay makes for a charming and more authentic escape into France’s hilltops.

Porte Neuve

One of the most special parts of visiting Vézelay today is that you actually get to see the historic ramparts. One of the most impressive features of this is the Porte Neuve, which dates back to between the 12th and 15th centuries, which is when the whole of the town would have been fortified.

Take a day trip to Semur-en-Auxois

Another town close by, and certainly worth visiting, is Semur-en-Auxois, a beautifully preserved medieval hill town in northern Burgundy, perfect for a day trip from Vézelay, as it’s around 45 minutes to an hour by car.

Its pink-granite ramparts, towers, and cobbled lanes overlook the Armançon River, making it feel as if the town has been plucked straight out of a storybook.

The main sights include the Collégiale Notre-Dame, a Gothic church filled with stained glass; the Tour de l’Orle d’Or, one of the great medieval towers; and the Musée Municipal, which displays archaeology and art.

Practical tips for visiting Vézelay

Climbing the hill is part of the charm of visiting Vézelay. But be sure to pace yourself and bring plenty of water if it’s a hot day. Check mass and service times at the basilica before your visit, as some sections of the church can be closed during these times (particularly the crypt).

Where to stay in Vézelay

If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful retreat, then Vézelay makes for a perfect place to base yourself while exploring the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Even in the height of summer and the peak of pilgrimage, the town remains pleasantly tranquil. That being said, it is a small town, so there are fewer spots to pick from. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web reviews):

Les Glycines Vézelay – Set in an 18th-century building, this gorgeous boutique hotel is just a few minutes’ stroll from the central square and basilica. (It’s especially stunning if you visit mid-April to early May, when wisteria paints the full front of the house) Check prices and availability here.

Le Compostelle – A little further out (and by that, I mean 10 minutes’ walk from the basilica), this traditional hotel is best suited if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. Rooms are simple, and some offer balconies with sweeping views. Check prices and availability here.

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