After a 09h30 collection from your accommodation we head away from the tourist trail through the Morvan National Park, heart of Burgundy, for a private guided visit of Chateau Bazoches, a perfect example of a defensive chateau, home of Vauban the finest defence strategist in French history. This privately owned 12th century chateau has been lovingly restored and refurbished by his descendants and has many original pieces on display.
After a traditional lunch at the foot of the ‘Eternal Hill’ of Vezelay we spend the afternoon with a private tour of the ancient Basilica of Vezelay, famous throughout history as the starting off point for the Crusades. Today it is still a centre for pilgrimages to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims are blessed before their departure and continue the tradition of carrying the scallop shell, symbol of Saint James and the ancient pilgrims. The monastery was founded in the 9C and dedicated to Mary Magdalene who was said to be buried there. The building was saved in the 19C by the architect Viollet-le-Duc and some of the relics of Mary Magdalene are still kept in the crypt underneath the Basilica