Activities
A visit to the Basilica of Vézelay
An immersive and memorable experience of the Basilica of Vézelay
Visit the Basilica of Vézelay in two stages
First stage
"The Basilica Unveiled at the Visitors' Centre
The Visitors' Centre has been designed to welcome visitors and prepare them for their discovery of the basilica.
La showing a film on the big screen and an informative and educational session led by a guide will allow you to marvel at the skills and art of the builders who worked here over 900 years ago. You will receive keys to reading the Romanesque world before visiting the basilica.
In the "projection room", you can watch the famous the play of light at the winter and summer solstices for which the basilica is famous. Thanks to the film " In the shadow of light "You'll be able to see them on the day of your visit, whatever the season!
You'll discover the precision of luminous phenomena designed by the builders These include the "path of light", which is projected onto the central aisle at the summer solstice, and the equally striking spectacle of the play of light that illuminates the sculptures on the capitals at the winter solstice.
In the "model room", accompanied by a guide who will answer all your questions, you can take a real look at the craftsmanship with a demonstration of their measuring instruments The pigeon and the 13-knot rope.
Explanation of the layout of the basilica and the staging of lighting effects thanks to a 3D animated model You'll be able to appreciate the perfect harmony between the course of the sun, the major Christian festivals and the choices of orientation made when the building was constructed.
A memorable experience at the Basilica of Vézelay
"You'll never look at a church in the same way again!
- Han, 15 August 2025
Second stage
"A visit to the Basilica of Vézelay
So prepared, our guide will accompany you on the visit to the basilica. You will read with him the incomparable large medieval tympanum and you can decipher the meaning of some of the carved capitals. There are around 120 of them!
Under its guidance, a surprise awaits you! An exercise in contemplation will give you a sensitive experience of the two architectural styles, Romanesque and Gothic, brought together here in a unique way. You take the time to feel in situ silence, space, light...
Practical information
In practice for both stages
- Meet at La Maison du Visiteur - Place Guillon in Vézelay
- 2 hours
-
Adults : 16 €
Groups : 15 €
13 - 24 years, pilgrims* and jobseekers : 13€
7-12 years : 12 €
*On presentation of their credentials, "pilgrims" are people who are walking the Camino de Compostela.
Further information
- + 33 (0)3 86 33 81 04
- maisonduvisiteur@orange.fr
For groups and schools: dates and times on request.
In practice for the first stage the "Basilica Unveiled
You can register for the first stage only, "The Basilica Unveiled". If you choose this option, the Visitor Centre will give you a route map which we have specially designed to enable you to visit the Basilica of Vézelay on your own, at your own pace.
- Meet at La Maison du Visiteur - Place Guillon in Vézelay
- 1 hour
-
Adults : 10 €
Groups : 9€
13 - 24 years, pilgrims* and jobseekers : 7€
7-12 years : 6 €
*On presentation of their credentials, "pilgrims" are people who are walking the Camino de Compostela.
Further information
- + 33 (0)3 86 33 81 04
- maisonduvisiteur@orange.fr
For groups and schools: dates and times on request.
Reviews of the visit to the Basilica of Vézelay with the Maison du Visiteur
They came to visit us
We followed the animation entitled "The Basilica Revealed". A 20-minute film was shown showing the play of light in the basilica at different times of the year. This was followed by a fascinating oral presentation on the architectural principles behind the construction of a Romanesque basilica in which light is used to mark the various Christian festivals and religious symbols. The presentation was very didactic and very concrete, and absolutely fascinating. An excellent prelude to an "enlightened" visit to the basilica. I highly recommend this high-quality presentation.
Jack
An unforgettable experience. Not only is the basilica remarkable, but the tour is also skilfully orchestrated. Before or after your visit, don't miss the presentation of the model at the Visitor Centre, or the magical film on the great tympanum. You'll enjoy your visit to the basilica all the more, and your memories will be richer for it. What's more, you'll receive a very warm welcome from the team, who are both passionate and fascinating. Thank you all so much!
Jean-Phillipe
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