Would you like to visit the Basilica of Vézelay with your family?
But how can you ensure that the beauty of this 12th-century church speaks to your children and teenagers as much as it does to you, and that the visit is exciting for all ages?
We're offering you a morning of discovery that's as much fun as it is educational!
Vézelay as a family
A fascinating visit for all ages
This great stone ship will raise questions for young and old alike: why is it so big and so bright? Who was Mary Magdalene, whose name the basilica bears? What are the relics? Why did the sculptors depict the Christ of the great tympanum in this position? What about the spirals on his garment? Why are the signs of the zodiac in a church? Why is Vézelay called the "Eternal Hill"?
These are just some of the questions that our guide will be answering during the tour. visit the Visitors' Centre and the Basilica.
Weather permitting, the tour will end outside in the park behind the basilica. Here you will discover the connections between the avenues of trees and the columns of the church, between the play of light and shadow in the foliage and the play of light and shadow in the architecture of the building.
After the tour, you can picnic under the ancient trees.
From the top of the hill, you can see breathtaking views of the Morvan and all the space you need to run and play.
Practical information
By reservation only.
- In summer, every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Centre.
- 2 hours
-
Adults : 16 €
13 - 24 years old : 13 €
7-12 years : 12 €
Further information
- + 33 (0)3 86 33 81 04
- maisonduvisiteur@orange.fr
Opinions on the family visit to the basilica with the Maison du Visiteur
They came to visit us
We went as a family to the visitor's house. A very warm welcome. We joined other people for a total of 14. Our guide Gaspard commented on a very interesting video about the basilica. His fluent speech, pleasant tone and attitude won over our small, very attentive group, who asked lots of questions, creating a lively dialogue. We then walked up to the basilica. Our guide detailed all the elements of the tympanum in the nartex before entering the basilica and explaining the Romanesque architecture, the forest of pillars, the contrast between the choir and the central nave, the changes produced by the sun's rays, the sculpted figures on the capitals...
Our visit ended after 2 and a half hours of very rewarding discussions. We can't recommend this unique experience highly enough.
Visitor, September 2025.
Our 2 boys, aged 11 and 13, were walking to the Basilica when we stumbled across La Maison du Visiteur (on the right as you go up the hill).
We really appreciated Christopher's explanations (of the architecture, the symbolism, the builders' tools, the golden ratio, a detailed explanation of a capital, etc.), which enabled us to make the most of our visit to the basilica. It is accessible to everyone.
I warmly recommend this visit, which is also open to school groups!
Odile G.
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