Take this rich and rewarding walk to experience authentic France, close up. Set off on a journey of exploration of the land, its people and history. Walk deep into the heart of France. Begin in Vézelay, spectacular, perched, and unforgettable, with its immense basilica of stunning interior lightness and stone carvings of such liveliness that they speak to us today. Your ultimate destination is Auxerre. This ancient Roman city crowds cathedrals among half-timbered houses. In between, contemplate gentle kilometres of walking, and a stellar line-up of accommodations.
Vézelay, France
Day 1+2
Vault-de-Lugny, France
Day 3+4
Auxerre, France
Day 5+6
| Start any date between May 1 and October 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelEasy-going
9 to 18 km daily (6 to 11 mi), averaging 12 km (7.5 mi)
Opportunities to shorten the walking distance through taxi transfers
TerrainSome moderate hills on some of the days
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,140
Single Supplement: US $535
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,420
Single Supplement: US $600
Getting There
Vézelay: Travel to Vézelay requires both train and bus or taxi connections.
The fastest and easiest but most expensive routing is to take the TGV (high speed train) from Paris Gare de Lyon to Montbard, then take a taxi. In the evenings, a bus connects Montbard with Vézelay (except on Sundays and holidays).This train and bus journey totals 2.5 hours.
There are many trains each day between Paris-Gare de Lyon and Sermizelles-Vézelay. A change of train is required plus a short taxi ride from the station to the town centre. This journey takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.
Morvan
Standing watch over the Cure Valley, Vézelay is easily recognizable from a distance with the Basilique Ste-Madeleine dominating the town’s landscape. The town has been a refuge for pilgrims throughout history, from Richard the Lionheart to modern-day Santiago de Compostela pilgrims. It’s an enchanting town filled with enticing alleyways, ramparts, relaxed cafes and a fascinating history. It’s a perfect springboard for your enchanting, relaxed and fascinating walking tour.
Morvan
On a day walk from Vézelay, you’ll explore the clean, green hills of the Parc Régional du Morvan. Walk through the small but fascinating vineyards originally planted in the Middle Ages, devastated by phylloxera, then replanted beginning in 1975. Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay has a small but lovely church, and an interesting maker of wooden clogs!
Distance: 8 km
Vault-de-Lugny
Head off on a Grande Randonnée route to the village of Vault-de-Lugny. It’s a charming site on the lovely Cousin River, but the real attraction is the château where you will be staying for two nights.
Distance: 14 km
Vault-de-Lugny
Meander along the curves of the Cousin River to the confluence with the Cure. This is classic Burgundian scenery. Pastures dotted with white cows rise up gentle hills crowned with oak trees. The villages are built of a lovely brown stone, adorned with burgundy shutters and roofs. Today’s highlight is the beautiful town of Avallon, high above two ravines. Walk back or hop in a taxi to return to Vault-de-Lugny.
Distance: 16 km
Auxerre
Start with a taxi ride to Vincellotes, from where you follow the Canal du Nivernais and the Yonne River as you head to Auxerre. Choose to walk past Les Caves de Bailly to taste crémant, sparkling like champagne. The caves are deep in the hillside, in an ancient quarry. Auxerre is a wonderful destination. Originally Roman, the town boasts many churches, particularly the Cathédrale de St-Étienne rising high above the waterfront. Half-timbered houses crowd narrow streets which open into squares lined with smart shops.
Distance: 15 km
Depart
Linger in Auxerre before departing for other destinations.
This 18th century mansion offers fully renovated rooms with views of the gardens, terraces, heaven of Vézelay or the impressive Sainte Marie Madeleine Basilica. Its exceptional decorative elements, makes it a real machine to travel through time!
With 100 acres on the banks of the Cousin River, this historic 16th century luxurious chateau even has a moat and medieval tower dating from the 13th century. Rooms are decorated with tapestry, fine antiques and beamed ceilings and some open to the 100 acre parkland surrounding the chateau. You’ll appreciate the charm and elegance of this Bouguignon domaine.
*Luxe Accommodation
Very close to the centre of Auxerre, this historic hotel, private park and pool offer the secluded charm of 19th century residences surrounded by hundred year old trees. Guest rooms are beautifully decorated and each is named after a Marshal of France. Relax in one of the comfortable, secluded lounges graced with Victorian style.
This former post-house located in the heart of Burgundy has been renovated into a charming hotel. The 37 rooms and suites have great views, including some overlooking the magnificent countryside, and the hotel restaurant has an excellent reputation as offering the best food in town.
With 100 acres on the banks of the Cousin River, this historic 16th century luxurious chateau even has a moat and medieval tower dating from the 13th century. Rooms are decorated with tapestry, fine antiques and beamed ceilings and some open to the 100 acre parkland surrounding the chateau. You’ll appreciate the charm and elegance of this Bouguignon domaine.
Very close to the centre of Auxerre, this historic hotel, private park and pool offer the secluded charm of 19th century residences surrounded by hundred year old trees. Guest rooms are beautifully decorated and each is named after a Marshal of France. Relax in one of the comfortable, secluded lounges graced with Victorian style.
*Classic Accommodation
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