Main entrance to the Basilica, with unusal tympanum carvings depicting 1st crusade

Stone gargoyle carvings have been recently renovated

Gargoyle carvings on the outside south wall of the nave

The beautiful nave is aligned perfectly with the summer solstice

Carvings representing various ages of the Abbey from the crusades to the modern pilgrims

Fantastic views over the surrounding countryside

Convent in the grounds complete with nuns

Vézelay, Yonne

Oct 16–17, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

Vézelay is a defensible hill town famous for its 11th century Romanesque Basilica St. Mary Magdalene and is the starting point of the pilgrim route Via Lemovicensis (which we roughly followed in reverse).
The Basilica is beautiful and looks like it is undergoing ongoing restoration. It's extremely well preserved.
We stayed at the foot of the town overnight.Read more