Day trip from Paris to Vezelay, Fontenay Abbey and Noyers sur Sereins

Details

• Duration: 24 hours
• Rating: 4.2
• Price: €374.00

Description

Top-Rated Tours in Paris

Traveling from the bustling cityscape of Paris to the serene landscapes of Burgundy offers a perfect escape into the heart of French history and culture. A day trip to the charming villages of Vézelay, Fontenay Abbey, and Noyers-sur-Serein offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore some of France’s most impressive medieval sites. The area is rich with historical significance—housing UNESCO World Heritage sites—and offers a glimpse into the pastoral beauty and gastronomic heritage that defines Burgundy.

Vézelay is renowned for its Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a significant pilgrimage site. At the same time, the Cistercian Fontenay Abbey is a testament to the tranquil spirituality of the past. Nearby, Noyers-sur-Serein captivates visitors with its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque cobblestone streets, embodying the quintessential Burgundian village. These destinations collectively provide an enriching experience that contrasts the metropolitan energy of Paris with the contemplative pace of rural France.

Planning Your Day Trip

Embarking on a day trip from Paris provides travelers the perfect opportunity to uncover the historical and cultural tapestries of Vezelay, the serenity of Fontenay Abbey, and the timeless allure of Noyers sur Sereins. Precise planning ensures a seamless and enriching experience.

Choosing the Date

When selecting a date for the journey, it’s important to consider the season and opening hours of each destination. Vezelay and Fontenay Abbey are open year-round, but spring to autumn offers pleasant weather ideal for the travel to the Burgundy region.

Transportation Options

Travelers have various transportation options at their disposal:

• Train: The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), France’s high-speed train, provides a swift and comfortable route from Paris to Burgundy.
• Car: For a more private excursion, one can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive.
• Private Tours: Several companies offer day tours that include transportation, often with a knowledgeable guide.

Booking Your Tickets

Advance booking is crucial, especially for train travel, to secure your preferred departure times. Tickets for the TGV can be purchased online or at any major train station in Paris.

• TGV Booking: It’s advisable to book at least a few weeks ahead of your intended travel date.
• Tour Companies: Payment policies vary, and some may allow payment upon arrival, but booking in advance confirms your spot.

Morning Itinerary: Vézelay

Starting your day in the serene atmosphere of Vézelay, you are about to trace the steps of pilgrims from ages past. The town is not only a beacon of history but also a bastion of spiritual and cultural importance.

Exploring Vézelay Abbey

Enthroned atop the quaint village, Vézelay Abbey, also known as the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, stands as an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval monastery boasts both spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. Visitors begin their exploration of the abbey with its sculptured tympanums and portals that recount biblical tales and act as silent narrators to the church’s history.

The interior of the basilica is adorned with remarkable art that spans various periods, reflecting the evolution of religious and artistic thought. The nave’s elongated form draws eyes upward, symbolizing the path to enlightenment—a design feature key to both the architecture and spiritual function of the space. As sunlight filters through the windows, the play of light and shadow upon the stone adds a contemplative mood to the visitation experience.

Here in Vézelay Abbey, history is etched into every corner. The monastery has been an influential spiritual center since its founding, with its hilltop position serving as a place of pilgrimage on the route to Santiago de Compostela. As the morning unfolds, one can appreciate why the abbey is a jewel in the crown of France’s cultural heritage.

Stepping outside, views over the Burgundy countryside offer a perfect moment of reflection before proceeding with the day. Vézelay sets the tone for a tour rich in beauty and steeped in the narrative of European history.

Afternoon Adventure: Fontenay Abbey

Embarking on an afternoon excursion to Fontenay Abbey offers an intimate encounter with medieval monastic life. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the era, inviting visitors to explore its serene church and expansive monastery grounds.

Touring the Monastery Grounds

Fontenay Abbey’s grounds are a depiction of monastic life preserved in stone and greenery. Visitors can admire the simple yet elegant Cistercian architecture, which represents the order’s ideals of poverty and austerity. The abbey’s church, with its vaulted ceilings and unadorned pillars, evokes a sense of spiritual gravity, remaining a highlight of the tour. The cloister, lined with its arched galleries, offers a tranquil walk, encouraging reflection and reverence for the meticulous design that has withstood the passage of time.

Culinary Experiences

The culinary journey in Burgundy offers the ultimate gastronomic exploration, with its regional delicacies harmoniously tied to its rich history and culture.

Tasting Regional Delicacies

One of the hallmarks of Burgundy’s cuisine is its robust connection to regional products, stemming from both the land and the vineyards. Visitors on this day trip have the opportunity to savor dishes featuring escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails), an iconic delicacy, and beef bourguignon, a hearty stew that is deeply inflected with the flavors of locally produced red wine. The cheeses of Burgundy, such as the pungent Époisses, offer a bold taste experience, perfectly paired with the region’s world-renowned wines.

Vineyards

Burgundy’s vineyards are the birthplace of some of the world’s most celebrated wines, and they contribute significantly to the flavor profiles of the local cuisine. A visit to the area isn’t complete without a wine tasting, where travelers can directly associate the terroir with the food on their plates.

Recommendations for Dining

For those seeking an authentic dining experience, the village of Noyers sur Serein, known for its picturesque charm, hosts a variety of restaurants that specialize in traditional Burgundian fare.

Diners will find that restaurants in Burgundy proudly serve dishes that have been perfected over centuries, and chefs are eager to introduce patrons to the synchrony between the food and the exceptional local wines. Whether it’s a rustic country inn or a sophisticated eatery, each establishment is a gateway to understanding Burgundy’s rich culinary heritage.

Important Travel Tips

When embarking on a day trip from Paris to Vezelay, Fontenay Abbey, and Noyers sur Sereins, it’s critical to be well-prepared. These travel tips will ensure that visitors have a seamless and enjoyable experience while navigating cultural norms and practical necessities.

Weather and Packing

Vezelay and the Burgundy region have a temperate climate. For most of the year, it is wise to come prepared with:

• A lightweight waterproof jacket for unexpected showers.
• Comfortable walking shoes as there will be plenty of exploring on foot.
• Sunscreen and a hat for protection during the sunnier days, especially in the summer months.

Seasonal packing list:

Local Etiquette and Customs

Understanding and respecting local customs is important for any traveler:

• When entering religious sites like Vezelay or Fontenay Abbey, dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor.
• In France, a simple bonjour (hello) goes a long way as a courtesy when entering shops.
• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; a 5-10% tip at restaurants can express gratitude for good service.

Cultural Notes:

• Burgundy is known for its culinary excellence; try local specialties.
• Historical context: Vezelay Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site, significant for being a starting point of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage.

Emergency Information

Travelers should always have access to emergency contacts:

• European emergency number: Dial 112 for any type of emergency.
• Local police station: Have the address and phone number on hand.
• Embassy contact: Keep the contact information of your country’s embassy.

Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unexpected incidents. It’s also good practice to have a physical map and a list of emergency numbers printed out, despite the convenience of smartphones.

Additional Activities and Sightseeing Options

While a day trip from Paris to Vezelay, Fontenay Abbey, and Noyers sur Serein offers a rich delve into history and culture, extend your stay to further explore the wonders of Burgundy.

Extending Your Trip in Burgundy

Burgundy captivates its visitors with a blend of historical richness and gastronomic excellence. If you decide to prolong your stay:

• Wine Tasting Tours: Burgundy’s globally acclaimed vineyards invite connoisseurs for tastings. The region is home to renowned wine-producing areas, including Chablis and the Côte de Beaune, which is celebrated for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
• Sightseeing in Dijon and Beaune: These cities are essential for those keen to understand Burgundy’s past. Dijon, the historic capital, boasts a wealth of Roman and medieval architecture. Beaune is famous for its annual wine auction at the Hospices de Beaune.
• Culinary Excursions: The gastronomy of Burgundy goes beyond the vineyard. Visitors can savor dishes rich in history, like coq au vin and beef bourguignon, and discover why the region is a cornerstone of French cuisine.

Visiting additional Romanesque sites in the region can deepen appreciation for Burgundy’s contributions to architecture and art. The historic context of Burgundy’s attractions is inseparable from its charm, making it a comprehensive cultural excursion for travelers.

Getting Back to Paris

After a day steeped in the rich history of Vezelay and the serene beauty of Fontenay Abbey, travelers will embark on their evening return journey to Paris from Burgundy.

Evening Return Travel

Participants in the day trip can expect to leave for Paris in the latter part of the afternoon. The return trip is typically scheduled to depart from a nearby train station.

Trains from Burgundy arrive at the Gare de Lyon in the evening. This allows travelers to take in views of the sunset or the beginning twilight, depending on the season. The train journey back is generally brief, offering travelers a moment of rest and reflection on the experiences of the day.

It’s essential to note that the train service operates on a schedule. Therefore, it’s advisable to arrive at the train station with sufficient time to ensure a stress-free boarding process. Transportation to and from Gare de Lyon is well-organized. It has easy connections to various modes of public transport, including metros and buses, for onward travel throughout Paris.