Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
The perfect way to tour the hilly wine region of St Emilion
After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.
An on board commentary in available in several languages including French, English and Spanish. You have the option to buy a ticket for the train only or one that includes stopping off at a Chateau for a wine-tasting and to find out more about the wine making business.
Le Train des Grands Vignobles runs regularly throughout the day from the first weekend of April to mid-November. Each tour lasts around 35 minutes, or 1hr20 if you stop off at Chateau Rochebelle.
What to see
You will pass by 18 of the most well-known vineyards of the Saint Emilion area, learning about their classifications and histories. You will also travel through the rolling countryside outside of Saint Emilion, that is covered by vines and chateau style buildings.
Sights in Bordeaux
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Cardinal Palace ruins, Saint Emilion
Gifted to Gaillard de la Mothe by his uncle Bertrand de Goth, Archbishop of Bordeaux, who later became Pope Clement V, the Cardinal Palace sits at the entrance to the city of Saint Emilion.
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Les Grandes Murailles (The Great Wall), Saint Emilion
The great wall, or Grandes Murailles, is now all that remains of a once Dominican monastery that was built in the 12th-century.
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La Maison de la Cadene House, Saint Emilion
Although the timber facade of this house in Saint Emilion dates from the 16th-century, the foundations were built even earlier than that.
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Eglise Collegiale et le Cloitre, Saint Emilion
Built between the 12th & 15th centuries, this church is one of the largest in Gironde. It's design is both Romanesque and Gothic, showing how it has been remodelled and renovated throughout history.
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Les Tertres (steep streets), Saint Emilion
A 'tertre' is a hillock or mound of earth and Saint Emilion has successfully adapted itself by shaping the town around its 'tertres'.
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Place du Marche, Saint Emilion
This square sits in the heart of saint Emilion and is home to the old market hall as well as the entrance to the Eglise Monolithe.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Saint-Emilion
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Hostellerie de Plaisance Restaurant, Saint Emilion
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
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Le Tertre Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Offering a generous choice of traditional French dishes and a large wine selection, this restaurant is located in the heart of the picturesque town of Saint-Émilion. Diners can be accommodated in its intimate dining room, its small terrace, or a special table in its wine cellar carved out of the rock.
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Logis de la Cadene Restaurant, Saint Emilion
Founded in 1848, this restaurant is one of the oldest in the town of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site. French creative cuisine is served in its terrace and three dining rooms, accompanied by wines from the region.
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Les Belles Perdrix de Troplong Mondot Restaurant, Saint Emilion
This restaurant is located in the Château Troplong Mondot, a large estate on the top of a hill with a winery that produces a 1er Grand Cru Classé. They serve traditional French cuisine with creative contemporary touches.
What to do
Things To Do in Saint-Emilion
See all Activities & Trips-
Le Train des Grands Vignobles (Vineyard Train) Tour, Saint Emilion
After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
100% electric and 100% silent, the infamous tuk-tuk comes to Saint Emilion to take you on a tour or the town and the vineyards that surround it.
How to book
You can make a booking in advance online on their website. Or alternatively you can buy your tickets directly at the ticket hut which is situated at the train departure point at Espace Villemaurine.
How to get passes
There are two types of ticket that you can buy. A ticket for the train only, or a ticket for the train, plus a wine tasting. You should stipulate which one you want at time of purchase.