February 2026 events

Vézelay becomes a "Grand Site de France"

Vézelay, with its 12th-century Basilica dedicated to Sainte-Marie-Madeleine (UNESCO World Heritage), is located in the Yonne department of Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté). 

The town has been awarded the prestigious "Grand Site de France" label; there are only two other places in Burgundy with the same label: Roche de Solutré near Macon and Mont Beuvray near Autun. The award will protect the natural site, the environment, the village, the buildings and the local culture.

The small town with a population of less than 500 inhabitants has a long and fascinating history, enough for a multi-volume book. With traces of early man dating back to before 2000 BC, the vineyards were developed in the 1st century by the Romans, and Benedictine monks arrived in the 9th century to build a monastery and give home to the relics of Saint Marie-Magdalene. Famous historical figures, such as King Richard the Lionheart, stayed in or passed through Vézelay, as it became a starting point for pilgrimages to "Santiago de Compostela" and a centre of preaching for the Crusades.

After the ancient abbey fell into ruin, construction of the Basilica began in 1120, and fortifications, including walls and gates, were also built. The town remained prosperous, with streets, merchants and craftsmen. Even today, the walk from the bottom of the hill along the steep, narrow street towards the Basilica is both humbling and inspiring. Do not be surprised to see people barefoot.

You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.  Visitors can explore a myriad of shops, restaurants, handicraft boutiques, art galleries and of course the magnificent Basilica.

How to visit Vézelay? The town overlooks the Cure Valley in the northeast of the Morvan Regional Park, in the department of the Yonne.

• If you're cruising on the Canal de Nivernais and close to the village of Clamcey, it is a 23-kilometre trip on a delightful country road.
• If you're cruising on the Canal de Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal), consider travelling from Montbard (61 kilometres) 
• When you're in Auxerre, it is a 51-kilometre trip.

Just a footnote, there are no entrance fees to Vézelay, if you arrive by car, the parking at the bottom of the hill is payable but minimal.

Hotels Afloat offers both self-drive boats and nearby hotel barge cruises. Contact us for more information.

References: Wikipedia, Grand Site de France