Nestled in the northwestern part of the Burgundy region, the charming, rural town of Vézelay provides impeccable views and quaint cafés that make for a very pleasant daytime séjour. Waiting atop the hill to make all of your French vacation dreams come true, this cobblestone-riddled "mise-en-scène" looks like it leaped straight out of a European romance film or period drama. The tranquility of the town offers moments of stillness to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape: opportunities that seem far too elusive amongst the hustle-and-bustle of other major tourist towns. Be sure to step into one of the cozy cafés for a pastry and tea, and to say "bonjour" the shop owner, who is one of only about 400 people who call Vézelay home. There are also several walking and hiking paths near the village, where you can take the time to admire the natural beauty of the French countryside.
The "pièce de résistance" of this tiny village is of course the basilica- la Basilique Sainte Marie-Madeleine- and its neighboring abbey (still in operation today). Built between 1120 and 1150, the church is an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture. The basilica is also unique in that it is one of the stops along the pilgrimage route to the famed Spanish Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. See if you can spot the unique shell designs indicative of the Camino route hidden on the walls of the church. If you choose to go down to the crypt, you will find on display the supposed relics of Saint Mary Magdalene, the close friend of Jesus himself; there are slips of paper and pens available for you to write your prayers and set them at the foot of her altar. The visit doesn't stop there though; take the time to explore the church in its entirety, and discover all of its architectural and spiritual nuances, as they are seemingly endless. Should you forget, don't fret, the bell of this massive masterpiece rings every hour, on the hour, serving as a reminder of its presence and as a joyous interruption to the otherwise peaceful aura of the town.
The jaw-dropping interior of the basilique Sainte Marie-
Madeleine, revealing its round arches with alternating colored stone that are very typical of Romanesque architecture.
Vézelay was one of the most memorable trips for me, as it was the place where crazy college life and the overwhelming task of adjusting to life abroad gave way to stillness, and thoughtfulness. I remember leaving a prayer at the base of Mary Magdalene's relics, asking for a memorable and meaningful experience abroad. Whether you believe in the divine or not, I cannot deny that, over the next four months, I received exactly what I had asked for.
So, on your next trip to France, make sure to visit this beautiful village. You certainly won't regret it!
Image sources (in order of appearance):
Corret, Gérard. "Vézelay et la basilique Sainte Marie-Madeleine." Office de Tourisme de Vézelay. 2011. Web. https://www.tourisme.fr/1377/office-de-tourisme-vezelay.htm
The Jerusalem Community. "The Vézelay basilica." The Vézelay basilica. Web. http://thevezelaybasilica.e-monsite.com/pages/historical-background.html
To learn more, visit: https://www.tourisme.fr/1377/office-de-tourisme-vezelay.htm
© 2021 Charlotte Warren. All rights reserved.