- History of the town of Vezelay
- Discover the Surroundings of the town of Vezelay
- Private car service from Orly airport to Vezelay
Vezelay is a unique place in the world, full of charm that has a rich collection of works of art and history related to spirituality. The city was home to some famous writers such as Jules-Roy and Romain-Rolland. His story is related to religion: Request a car service at Paris airport to go to Vezelay.
History of the town of Vezelay
Since the Middle Ages, the existence of the abbey Sainte Marie-Madeleine was the source that formed this small village. Around 858, under the direction of Count Girard de Roussillon, Benedictine communities were established on the hill of Saint-Père. At the base, it was the women, that is to say the nuns who benefited from the monastery.
The arrival of the Normans
With the arrival of the Normans, this is over ten years later. And the monks settled on another hill. As a result, these Normans destroyed the village. Even if the case arose, the various reconstructions from the year 1037 have continued the development of the city. Hence the importance of the three crusades (in 1096, in 1146 and in 1190). They influenced the vision of things so that it remains one of the high places of Christendom. On the other hand, the quarrels opposing the abbots, plus the problems of the inhabitants due to taxes. Then the pilgrims break away and the abbey goes out. Vezelay witnessed the wars of religion between Protestantism and Catholicism. Despite the fact that it was a place of pilgrimage. Theodore Beze has known how to make the city among those who practice Protestant worship. January 1696, Vauban wrote a memoir on the geographical description of the election of Vezelay.
The constitution of a new door
On this, Vezelay is described as a “rough, dry and stony country, which yields only very mediocre wine and little wheat”. Unfortunately, the city is becoming weaker : lost municipal privileges, decreasing population. A key man in the restoration of Saint Madeleine’s relics was Viollet-le-Duc. After his effort, local authorities are moving towards the renaissance that has always distinguished Vezelay. In particular the restoration of the pilgrimage and the feast day of Saint Madeleine. In 1919, a cultural strategy of 25 years was launched by the priest Despiney to promote Vezelay. The security of the city is strengthened throughout history : first in 1150, the door of St. Croix is built with 2,000 meters curtain. Then, a strengthening of the wall with round towers with counterweights is realized in 1360. Finally, the constitution of a new door named the new door is made towards the end of XVe century. With our driver-guide, you will be able to make so many historical visits.