A visit to the Romanesque basilica of Vézelay is a magnificent introduction to medieval history. But how to arouse the interest of adolescents for heritage, particularly when it is religious? Our visits for middle school students make a large part of the know-how of the builders: the reconstruction of the Basilica of Vézelay at the beginning of the XNUMXthrd century testifies to an intelligence, a knowledge and a know-how that will amaze teenagers. They will discover a way of working that does not separate design from execution, as well as the function of a church and its different spaces, the prodigious phenomenon of pilgrimages to Compostela, the role of the monks present on the hill since the IXrd century.
The discovery tour takes place in two stages
At the Visitor's House: 40 min
A time for see
After passing through the symbolic door, the guide introduces the students to the projection room. The film “In the shadow of light” awakens the gaze and the sensitivity to better appreciate the work of the builders.
A time to understanddre
In the Hall of Symbols the guide as a "master builder" presents the work of the builders thanks to:
. a large format plan of the basilica,
. a lighting game restoring the annual trajectory of the sun above a model of the basilica, which introduces the symbolic approach of light and makes people understand the importance that the builders gave it,
. historic capitals within easy reach.
In the Basilica: 55 min
Le(S) (S) of the House of the Visitor accompany the young people and their teachers in the Basilica to observe and appreciate the spaces, the play of light, the images carved in stone, in real size, encouraging their personal involvement and inviting them to express what they feel. Duration: approximately 45 minutes
La discovery of the Basilica in situ can be done without the guides of the Visitor's house if the teachers wish to take over from them. Lhe Visitor's House takes care of booking the group's visit to the Basilica. The discovery tour can start with the Basilica and end at the Visitor's House.
You can complete the discovery visit by:
- The Historical Walk – duration 1h45
From the village of Asquins, where the guide mentions the roads to Compostela, you can see the Basilica and the village of Vézelay at the top of the hill. Then begins the walk together in the footsteps of the pilgrims (2,5 km) by evoking the great figures of the history of Vézelay (Bernard of Clairvaux, François of Assisi…) and by sharing the bread (option to be requested). Recommended before the discovery visit. The historic march in the footsteps of pilgrims - L'Atelier du Regard - drawing in the Basilica - duration 1h15
After presenting to the young people the aim and the progress of this workshop, the guide accompanies them in the Basilica: it is a question of looking first, of being inspired by the beautiful work before drawing; this first step allows the pupils to choose such a perspective or such a detail… and to risk themselves, pencils in hand, to express what they see. The workshop ends with a joint conclusion. Recommended after the discovery tour. The Regard-Drawing Workshop in the Basilica - The Reading Workshop Sculptures in the Basilica - Duration 1h30.
The Basilica contains around 150 sculpted capitals that tell different stories! The guide proposes to the pupils to associate by two or three to draw the same capital. Secondly, each group presents to the others their drawings and the meaning of the capital they have drawn. The guide complements their explanations. Recommended after the discovery tour. Sculpture Reading Workshop in the Basilica
Contact us to organize your visit over one or two dayses
Prices – possibility of benefiting from Culture Pass
The visit to the Visitor's House: 7 € / pers.
The journey through the Basilica: € 5 / pers.
The historic walk: 7 € / pers.
The Regard workshop: € 8 / pers.
The marquee reading workshop: € 8 / pers.
Booking
Dates and times on request. Minimum package of 90 €
Contact: + 33 (0) 3 86 32 35 65 - maisonduvisiteur@orange.fr