Major city · France
Vézelay
Go for one night, or a half-day from Avallon: the basilica and the hilltop view take 2–3 hours, and the village empties after 18:00.Go for one night, or a half-day from Avallon: the basilica and the hilltop view take 2–3 hours, and the village empties after 6:00 PM.
Vézelay is a hill village of under 500 people in the Yonne, built around the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a UNESCO site since 1979 and a historic starting point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. There is no train station: you arrive by SNCF bus from Sermizelles or by car, then walk. The basilica is free and the village is small, so most travellers give it one night or a half-day between Avallon and Auxerre.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat), Nov–Mar (many places shut)
- Airports
- CDG · ORY
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Vézelay112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Vézelay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 15 ambulance (samu) · 17 police (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckCDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV or TER to Auxerre or Avallon, then bus or taxi; allow most of a day door to door (check)).
- Getting aroundOn foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€2–4 (≈ US$3–5) (check)
- Sit-down mealDinner, mid-range, per person€25–45 (≈ US$30–55) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry€3 (≈ US$4) (check)
- Budget bedFamily room or gîte (up to 4), a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- Mid-range bedHotel or chambre d'hôtes double, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedHotel or chambre d'hôtes double, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle (TGV or TER to Auxerre or Avallon, then bus or taxi; allow most of a day door to door (check)) · ORY Paris Orly (Cross Paris to a mainline station first; slower than CDG for this region)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best*
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Jan (11 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Vézelay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jul
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot. The village is one steep street from the car park up to the basilica; allow time for the climb. A car or taxi is needed for Saint-Père, the Château de Bazoches and the Morvan.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Avallon
goDoor to door: About 25 min (check)
Car or taxi, 17 km (11 mi) eastCar or taxi, 11 mi (17 km) east
Old fortress town with a station; useful as a base.
Château de Bazoches
goDoor to door: About 20 min (check)
Car, 10 km (6.2 mi) south on a wooded hillsideCar, 6.2 mi (10 km) south on a wooded hillside
Vauban's castle; open March–November (check days).
Saint-Père
goDoor to door: About 30 min on foot (check)
Walk down the GR654-II trail, or drive 2 km (1.2 mi)Walk down the GR654-II trail, or drive 1.2 mi (2 km)
Church of Notre-Dame and a two-star restaurant.
Auxerre
goDoor to door: About 1 h (check)
Car via the A6
Cathedral, old town and riverfront; a full day.
Chablis
goDoor to door: About 50 min (check)
Car, about 40 km (25 mi) northeastCar, about 25 mi (40 km) northeast
Vineyards and cellars; book a tasting.
Morvan Regional Natural Park
overnightDoor to door: 30 min to the edge (check)
Car; the park starts just south of the village
Forests and lakes; too big for a rushed return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Inside the walls (Rue Saint-Etienne, Place du Champ de Foire)
Steps from the basilica and the restaurants; book early, few rooms.
Saint-Père, 2 km below the hill
Cheaper and quieter; you walk or drive up to the basilica.
Avallon, 17 km east
More beds, shops and a station; use it as a base and day-trip in.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed (check)
- Mid
- €85–140 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed (check)
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed (check)
Trip budget
| Hotel or chambre d'hôtes double1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| SNCF bus Sermizelles → Vézelay, one way2 × €3 · check | €6 |
| Taxi Avallon → Vézelay, one way1 × €30 · check | €30 |
| Museum entries (Musée Zervos, Viollet-le-Duc)2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €39 |
| Trip total≈ €214 per person per day, bed included | €427≈ US$500 |
check
2026 estimate in euro; travel to Vézelay excluded. Amounts marked check are unconfirmed. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) (check) |
| Lunch menu in a village restaurant | €16–28 (≈ US$19–35) (check) |
| Dinner, mid-range, per person | €25–45 (≈ US$30–55) (check) |
| Glass of Vézelay wine | €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) (check) |
| Museum entry | €3 (≈ US$4) (check) |
| Basilica entry | Free; open 08:00–20:00 (check)Free; open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train station: the nearest is Sermizelles, then an SNCF bus; check the timetable before you commit, as services are few.
- The climb from the car park to the basilica is steep and cobbled; wear shoes with grip.
- Many restaurants and shops close on one or two weekdays outside July and August; check locally.
- Village parking is limited in high season; use the free lot outside the walls.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 15
- Police
- 17
- Fire
- 18
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
VézelayVézelay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Ambulance (SAMU)15
- Police17
- Fire18
Embassy
No embassy in the Yonne; the US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Irish and New Zealand embassies are in Paris.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SNCF bus Sermizelles → Vézelay: a few euro, about 20 min (check)
- Taxi Avallon → Vézelay: €25–35 (≈ US$30–45) (check)
- Car park outside the walls: free
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello / Good day (bon-zhoor)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- S'il vous plaît — Please (seel voo pleh)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-byen)
- Je peux payer par carte ? — Can I pay by card? (zhuh puh pay-yay par kart)
- Où est la basilique ? — Where is the basilica? (oo ay la bah-zee-leek)
Service is included by law in French restaurants; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Vézelay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat), Nov–Mar (many places shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CDG and ORY: last TER and SNCF bus departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: the basilica and its terrace, Rue Saint-Etienne and the museums, the walls and the car park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (basilica, Musée Zervos, Musée de l'Oeuvre Viollet-le-Duc, Château de Bazoches) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVézelay tourist office
- officialBasilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay
- officialMusée Zervos
- secondaryWikivoyage: Vézelay, revision 5268821 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Vézelay
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