Visit largest Romanesque church in France

Vézelay, Church and Hill: The Benedictine abbey of Vézelay has existed since the 9th century and has been an important pilgrimage site since that time. Bernard of Clairvaux preached the crowd into a frenzy to start the Second Crusade in 1146 at Vézelay. Leaders in the Third Crusade Richard the Lion-Hearted and Philip II of France assembled at the abbey before they left on the Crusade. Today reviewed on: Heritage Traveller

The largest Romanesque church in France and nearly the same size as the famed Notre Dame Cathedral, the Vezelay Church – officially Basilique Ste-Madeleine/Basilica Church of St. Mary Magdalene – sits on a hilltop on the highest point of the village of Vezelay in the department of Burgundy in north-central France. Once a major pilgrimage stop, this magnificent church still attracts visitors who come to admire its architecture and artworks.

There is no cost to visit the Vezelay Church and Hill. The basilica is open from sunrise to sunset from September through June and from 7 am until 9 pm during the summer months. Mass is held at 12:30 pm each day. A large gift shop and smaller kiosk are located on the premises. Metered parking is available nearby for those traveling by automobile.

Getting There:
To get to Vezelay from Paris, take the TGV train, change at Montbard, and then proceed to Avallon, Burgundy (about a 2-hour ride). Upon arrival in Avallon, travelers must secure other transportation to Vezelay (most likely a taxi) which is about 15 km (9 mi) from the train station.

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