Friday, July 2, 2010

Vezelay: Mary Magdalene's Favorite Crepes

The town and abbey of Vezelay is a Unesco World Heritage site.


For such a small commune, Vezelay had several charming shops. The first had a surprisingly large selection of homeware collections. Each more colorful than the next.

I found artful printed frocks, sculted shawls and unique necklaces at a boutique halfway up the main street. The mature woman running the shop had an obvious love for her work. She meticulously packaged my purchase in turquoise tissue, fanning out a second sheet across the top of the back. She curled brown ribbons off the handles of the chartreuse shopping bag, finishing her creation with a spritz of perfume.


Lunch was at a lovely local eatery. Delicious crepes for all. Mine was a crispy savory dish with bechamel, mushrooms and ham.


The focal point of Vezelay is the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene. A pilgrimage church, the Benedictine and Cluniac monastery reportedly holds the remains of Mary Magdalene in the lower crypt. The afternoon we visited, Hubby, our Host and I were treated to a beautiful service; sung and chanted by the monks and nuns of the abbey.

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