Vézelay Basilica
Vézelay, France
A Romanesque basilica on a hilltop, a starting point of the Way of St James, with a carved tympanum and light-filled nave. Park at the bottom and walk up the single main street.
The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine crowns the hill of Vézelay and, together with the hill, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It was built between 1120 and 1150; the nave burned more than once, most recently in 1165, and was then rebuilt in its present form. The narthex, built for the crowds of pilgrims, was consecrated by Pope Innocent II in 1132, and the central tympanum was finished in 1130. From about 1050 the monks claimed to possess relics of Mary Magdalene. Vézelay is the starting point of one of the four great French pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela.
The restoration between 1840 and 1861, including the flying buttresses on the nave, was carried out by Viollet-le-Duc. Between 20 and 30 June, nine spots of light appear in the nave at midday. Guidebooks recommend the terrace to the right of the façade, with its view over vineyards and valleys, and a visit when the monks sing at the daily services; check times in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Vézelay, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.4665, 3.7485
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping municipalCampsite2 km from Vézelay Basilica · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Le Petit PortCampsite12 km from Vézelay BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping municipal Sous RocheCampsite12 km from Vézelay BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping de l'Isle Saint-JeanCampsite16 km from Vézelay Basilica · 49 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Les CoullemièresCampsite21 km from Vézelay BasilicaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping d'AccolayCampsite22 km from Vézelay BasilicaTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Vézelay Basilica?
Vézelay Basilica is in Vézelay, France, at GPS 47.4665, 3.7485. It is about 32 km from Noyers.
Can you camp near Vézelay Basilica?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is L'Ermitage, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Vézelay Basilica?
Vézelay Basilica is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chablis, Vézelay and the Morvan.
What is there to see near Vézelay Basilica?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lac des Settons (39 km), Guédelon castle (46 km), Fontenay Abbey (52 km) and Briare canal bridge (78 km).
When is the best time to visit Vézelay Basilica?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)