Building with light
The aim of our visit is to appreciate the work of the builders in relation to light.
She is his construction partner.
Very early in our history, mankind erected stones towards the light and welcomed it into their buildings in remarkable ways.
In the Middle Ages, churches were veritable receptacles of light, either through direct sunlight or indirect lighting on overcast days, creating an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
The Bible - which the builders endeavoured to translate into sculpted stone and volumes - mentions light more than sixty times. The light that our eyes see symbolises, in the Biblical writings, another light, that of the divine; this shows the extent to which it must be manifested in the building, particularly at certain times of the year.
As you walk through the abbey church with our guide, and then to the Visitors' Centre, you'll discover that these lighting effects are no accident. They were designed by a community of builders - monks, master builders and craftsmen - in osmosis with the path of the sun, with the aim of magnifying the great Christian festivals.
Visit the Basilica of Vézelay in two stages
We invite you to join us in the Basilica of Vézelay at the solstices to experience a unique experience. unforgettable experience.
This extraordinary discovery takes place in two stages.
The first stage is a excursion to the basilica so you can observe the play of light in situ.
The second part of the tour takes place in the Visitor Centre, with maps, an animated 3D model and a film.
The guide explains the skills of the craftsmen and the symbolism of the play of light intended by the builders.
Visit at the summer solstice
At Midsummer's Day, in the glory of summer, the sun draws a sumptuous path of light through the nave's central aisle, with its impeccable geometry.
The sight of this path leading from the Romanesque nave to the Gothic choir is striking and awe-inspiring.
The path of light is visible throughout June.
Visit at the winter solstice
Around Christmas, the Basilica becomes a sumptuous receptacle for the sun's raking light. Its beams illuminate the pillars, flagstones and capitals with the precision of a theatre spotlight.
Even on an overcast day, the stones seem to radiate from within with their shades of ochre and opal.
The light shows can be seen throughout December..
Practical information
For both solstices, visits take place every day except Sunday. Please note that there is no tour organised by the Maison du Visiteur on 21 June due to the large number of visitors.
- Meet at La Maison du Visiteur at 1.30pm - Place Guillon, 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.
Opinion on the visit to the Basilica of Vézelay at the summer and winter solstices with the Maison du Visiteur (Visitor's Centre)
They came to visit us
There were 4 of us for the winter solstice tour. The weather was miserable, but the visit was magnificent, tailored to our needs and circumstances. Thorough and precise explanations. Lots of discussion and interaction. All our questions were answered.
A warm welcome and a wonderful, passionate guide.
Marie-Hélène P.
A splendid "solstice visit" with a passionate and very friendly tour guide! The Basilica of St Mary Magdalene invites us to experience the transformation of man as he passes from darkness to light. I was dreaming of this visit, wasn't disappointed, and will be back to discover even more. Thank you to the Maison du Visitor!
M.C.
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