He
was a leader of the crusades (the third was his trip to the
Holy Land!) and the starting
point for these vast armies was not one of the major capitals
of Europe but, here in deepest Burgundy and the hilltop
village of Vézelay.
Abbey in Vezelay
The village is dominated by the Abbey and
is still a place of pilgrimage though nothing like its
mediaeval hay day when the relics of Mary Magdalene attracted
visitors from all over Europe.
That was until one day a Pope
declared the relics were not real and that was that for Vézelay’s importance. But, time has changed things a Vézelay
little and this perfect mediaeval village now attracts many
visitors who climb its narrow streets to the stunning abbey.
Tympan and entry, abbey-church Vézelay
The crusading lion tamer...
The crusading knight ‘Régnier Pot’ was
captured by the Sultan of Arabia and, when he
refused to marry the ruler’s daughter, was
thrown to the lions.
Chateau of La Rochepot
This proved to be a bad day
for lions because the knight won and was, as a
result, set free. He travelled to Burgundy and
bought a castle that now bears his name.... credits
: Burgundy
Tourist Board
France Regions Burgundy
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