History Tours
Medieval Burgundy Tour
Our popular historian and guide, Julian Humphrys, leads tours across the UK and Europe, including France and this superb tour that looks at the abbeys and fortifications of the fabled Burgundy region.
A highlight is a day at the amazing Guédelon Castle project – an experimental archaeology initiative where builders have been constructing a 13th-century-style castle entirely by hand since 1997. Using only medieval tools, techniques, and locally sourced materials, the project is overseen by historians and architects and gives a unique insight into historical craftsmanship, which has been used in the restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Also on our tour are in-depth visits to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Vezelay and Fontenay and the lovely village of Noyers-sur-Serein, one of the “plus beaux villages de France.”
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Journey by Rail to Vézelay
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and onwards to Montbard. Transfer by coach to Vèzelay for check-in to the hotel. This evening we meet for a welcome drink and a lecture from Julian: ‘How to get to Heaven in the Middle Ages’, followed by dinner with wine in the hotel restaurant.
Day 2: Vézelay, the Romanesque Basilica and Medieval Ramparts
A full day is allowed to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vézelay, including the superb visitor centre and Romanesque Basilica, with time to stroll around the town and ramparts.
Legend tells of a monk bringing relics of Mary Magdalene to Vézelay in the 9th century, which made the hill town an important religious site and a starting point of the St James pilgrimage route.
Second lecture from Julian tonight: ‘How to capture a castle in the Middle Ages’, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Please note: On Day 2 there is an 800 yard uphill walk from hotel to Basilica, plus an optional 1 mile undulating walk round ramparts.
Day 3: Guédelon Castle Project
A full day at the extraordinary 25-year project at Guédelon to construct a 13th-century castle using traditional methods and materials from scratch. Located in the forest in a once disused quarry the castle project is ever-changing and ever-evolving.
We will have a guided tour of the site and you will also have free time to watch the castle-builders at work, talk to them about their crafts, visit the castle kitchen, storeroom and rib-vaulted guardrooms as well as being able to walk along the battlements.
Please note that the catering at the castle is sheltered but open-air so dress appropriately. This afternoon there is an optional stone carving workshop where you can try your hand at dressing soft limestone. We return to Vézelay late afternoon.
Day 4: Fontenay Abbey, Noyers-sur-Serein and Wine Tasting
First of all to Fontenay Abbey, which was founded by St Bernard in 1118. Built in a Romanesque style, it is remarkably well preserved, particularly the church, dormitory and cloister, offering a fascinating glimpse into the serenity and austerity of medieval monastic life.
Afternoon visit to Noyers-sur-Serein, classified as one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France.
En route back to the hotel, we will enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. This evening is free for you to get dinner independently in Vezelay.
Day 5: Return by TGV and Eurostar
Transfer from the hotel to Montbard train station for return TGV to Paris and then onwards by Eurostar to St Pancras.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or, Vézelay
This charming and traditional four-star hotel is located in the very heart of Vézelay a few minutes’ walk from the Basilica. With just 39 rooms, it offers personal service and exudes old-world atmosphere. Hotel facilities include a bar, restaurant, breakfast room and wi-fi. Bedrooms all have a private bathroom with bath/shower, TV, telephone air-conditioning, free wi-fi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.
Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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