Saint-Jean de Beauregard castle & Dampierre estate
An elegant day out between nature and history at the gateway to Paris In the immediate vicinity of the capital, this getaway…
Fontenay Abbey and Vézelay Basilica
Unesco World Heritage Site
1 day
Fill up on discoveries
Transport
We organize your transport by coach, train or plane
Visite culturelle
Musées, Châteaux, grottes, parcs, jardins, villages, monuments historiques... Découvrez les plus beaux sites à visiter en France
Price upon request
Groups
All-inclusive prices for small and large groups
With guide
You won't miss a single detail - they know their subject inside out.
French
English
Other languages on request
English
Other languages on request
An exceptional journey to the heart of Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed sacred heritage, combining spirituality, architecture and landscapes.
This Burgundy getaway offers a rare immersion in two of France’s greatest monastic sites: theAbbey of Fontenay and the Basilica of Vézelay. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these emblematic sites offer a journey through religious history, architecture and medieval spirituality.
Designed for groups, this day combines cultural discovery, emotion and contemplation in exceptional sites.
Fontenay Abbey: a perfectly preserved Cistercian masterpiece
Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard de Clairvaux,Fontenay Abbey is considered one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in the world.
Nestled in a lush green valley, it perfectly embodies the Cistercian ideal of simplicity, sobriety and harmony with nature.
The tour includes :
- TheRomanesque abbey church, of great architectural purity
- The cloister, the heart of monastic life
- The chapter house and monks’ dormitory
- The forge and hydraulic installations
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, the abbey is an exceptional testimony to monastic life in the Middle Ages.
An architecture of light and silence
Fontenay Abbey is distinguished by its deliberately uncluttered architecture, faithful to the Cistercian rule.
Visitors discover :
- Simple, balanced volumes
- Natural light everywhere
- No superfluous decor
This sobriety creates a unique atmosphere, conducive to contemplation and meditation, far removed from the ornamentation of great cathedrals.
A living site in the heart of nature
The Domaine de Fontenay is set in unspoilt natural surroundings, enhancing the immersive experience.
The site offers :
- Gardens and landscaped areas
- A peaceful environment
- Harmony between architecture and nature
This close relationship between man and his environment is the very essence of the Cistercian order.
Vézelay: the eternal hill and a major pilgrimage site
After Fontenay, the discovery continues with Vézelay, one of Burgundy’s most emblematic villages.
Perched on its famous eternal hill, Vézelay has been a major place of spirituality and pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. It became particularly famous when it was claimed to house the relics of Mary Magdalene, attracting thousands of pilgrims as early as the 11th century.
The village offers :
- A perfectly preserved medieval setting
- Panoramic views of the Burgundian countryside
- A unique spiritual atmosphere
The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: a masterpiece of Romanesque art
Overlooking the village, the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay is a major Romanesque monument, built between the 12th and 12th centuries.
It is distinguished by :
- Its sculpted tympanum in the narthex, depicting Christ in glory
- A luminous nave bathed in natural light
- The choir’s evolution towards a Gothic style
The architectural progression from shadow to light symbolizes a veritable spiritual path for visitors.
A medieval landmark
Vézelay occupies a central place in the religious and political history of the Middle Ages.
The site has been :
- A starting point for pilgrimages to Compostela
- A place of appeal for the Crusades
- A major spiritual center in Europe
Saint Bernard preached the Second Crusade here in 1146, reinforcing the site’s influence.
An exceptional world heritage
Vézelay has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, as has Fontenay.
This recognition underlines :
- The universal value of the site
- Its historical and artistic importance
- Its role in the history of Christianity
The combination of these two sites on the same day offers a remarkable heritage coherence.
An experience between spirituality and architecture
Combining Fontenay Abbey and the Basilica of Vézelay reveals two complementary visions of religious heritage:
- Cistercian sobriety at Fontenay
- The symbolic power of the novel at Vézelay
This course enables :
- Understand the evolution of religious architecture
- Discover two major UNESCO sites
- A complete cultural and spiritual experience
An ideal excursion for groups
This outing is perfectly suited to groups, thanks to a richly structured program.
It proposes :
- Immersive guided tours
- Accessible, complementary sites
- A high-level cultural experience
The diversity of our venues is sure to appeal to all audiences.
Why choose this Burgundy getaway?
Choosing this excursion means discovering two of France’s greatest heritage treasures.
It enables :
- Visit a unique Cistercian abbey
- Discover a major Romanesque basilica
- Visit UNESCO sites
- An immersive cultural experience
With its blend of silence, light and spirituality, this day offers unforgettable immersion.
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Questions fréquentes (FAQ)
Why visit Fontenay Abbey?
Fontenay Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in the world. Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard de Clairvaux, it is an exceptional testimony to medieval monastic life. Its sober architecture, perfectly preserved cloister and buildings offer a unique insight into the world of Cistercian monks.
Why is the Basilica of Vézelay so famous?
The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay is one of France's greatest masterpieces of Romanesque art. It is famous for its sculptures, its luminous architecture and its major role in pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. It was also a place of call for the Crusades, reinforcing its historical importance.
What's the link between Vézelay and pilgrimages?
Vézelay is a major departure point on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages, the supposed presence of Mary Magdalene's relics has attracted thousands of pilgrims, making the site one of Europe's most important spiritual centers.
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