© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
One of the most beautiful villages in France and fabulous wines
Vineyards were planted around this old town in Roman times and whilst most people associate the name with the wine, the town itself is worth a visit for its ramparted old centre with interesting Romanesque churches and an incredible underground monolithic church.
The town and its surrounding vineyards sit on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
When you enter the town itself you're immediately transported to a different world - one with lavish gated wineries, sumptuous chocolate shops and private bistros for tasting and selling wines.
The streets are narrow and invite you into a labyrinth that takes you down steep alleyways towards to the central Place du Marche. The town offers an abundance of wine shops, châteaux caves, restaurants and boutiques selling jewellery, art, fashion and every type of wine accessory you can imagine.
This is certainly a popular tourist destination, but you can always find a quiet corner to admire the views over to the Tour du Château du Roi or over the sprawling fields of vines that surround the town.
The main events in Saint Emilion revolve around wine, the beginning of the spring harvest during the Fête de Printemps and then the Ban des Vendanges in September. Then in the middle of the summer you can enjoy the Jazz Festival.
Read our guide to Bordeaux markets page to find out which market to visit when. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a typical French market is an absolute must for anyone exploring everything French.
A mass is held where prayers are said for those who have perished at sea, followed by a procession to the Cross of the Sailors. Afterwards, the sea is blessed by the "Sailors of the Women's Committee Fishermen Basin" who throw a crown into the ocean from aboard a lifeboat.
With around 80 winegrowers from the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux opening their doors and their bottles for visitors to come and taste their wines in a wonderful atmosphere.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Bordeaux, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Going back to prehistoric times this town's history is a patchwork of Romanesque churches and ruins, narrow cobbled streets and vineyards. The vines were planted as far back as the 2nd century by the Romans, who were well known for their love of wine.
The town itself is named after the monk Saint Emilion; a Breton monk who fled south to escape persecution by the Benedictine order during the 8th century. He settled in the area and acquired numerous followers who came to bear witness to the miracles he performed. With the growth in population and the strategic position of the town, it quickly acquired wealth, mainly through wine production. Various religious monuments were erected in the area, including the Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church.
Constructed in the early 12th century, the church is partly subterranean; its three naves, with a small catacomb beneath, were dug into a rocky hillside. The bell tower stands 53m high and is a very obvious sight on the horizon. By the late 20th century, however, the 3,000 ton weight of this tower had shifted far off its supports and was thus susceptible to collapse.
The most obvious and most spectacular of things to see in Saint Emilion is the church, the Eglise Monolithe.
Carved out of the rocky hillside in the 11th and 12th centuries, the church is now one of the biggest of its kind in Europe with underground chambers and catacombs to explore, plus a lot of stairs to climb to the top of the bell tower.
Another obvious landmark on the horizon is the Keep of the King's Castle - La Tour du Château du Roi. More steps to climb here but again the view is definitely worth it.
With the numerous vineyards and wineries having a presence both within and on the outskirts of the town, a visit to one or more of these is a must.
The monks originally lived just outside Saint-Emilion, but in 1338 they obtained permission from the Pope to establish a monastery within the walls. The cloister was built in the 14th-century.
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.
Sited to the west of Saint-Emilion, the impressive square stone keep of this grand King's castle is all that now remains. The views of the city from the tower are well worth the 118 steps.
A 'tertre' is a hillock or mound of earth and Saint Emilion has successfully adapted itself by shaping the town around its 'tertres'.
The great wall, or Grandes Murailles, is now all that remains of a once Dominican monastery that was built in the 12th-century.
Although the timber facade of this house in Saint Emilion dates from the 16th-century, the foundations were built even earlier than that.
A protected natural reserve with wild marshes, sand dunes and pine forests, this huge body of water is perfect for outdoor activities such as sailing, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, kite surfing, paddle boarding, or walking and biking along the trails and cycle paths that line the shores of the lake.
A small, peaceful and tranquil beach that is situated at the entrance to the marina and is the most sheltered of all the beaches around Arcachon due to its location within the basin.
Over time, the wind and ocean currents have gradually created a wall of sand dunes, behind which streams and rivers have allowed the formation of lakes and freshwater ponds.
Le Porge beach is also known for its large waves and strong undertow, even if the rescuers are not far away, you must remain cautious as you would for many of the ocean beaches.
An 800m strip of white sand situated between the Theirs and Eyrac piers this beach is very much in the Arcachon basin and sheltered from the strong Altlantic winds on the coast.
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
The choice of restaurants in Saint-Emilion is quite outstanding, let alone the choice when you include the châteaux and wineries that surround this pretty town. From fine dining, to a terrace lunch in the sunshine, you can be sure that each dish and course will be accompanied by the finest of Saint-Emilion wine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A diverse music programming that showcases some of the best local and national talent in jazz, music of the World, blues and many other expressions.
Situated at the foot of the historical Porte Cailhau, this bar has a list of more than 100 wines. They are focused on international products as well as some lesser-known wines from Bordeaux.
This bar has an old-fashioned decoration that creates a very warm atmosphere. Their wine list includes many French references, as well as from other parts of the world. They can be enjoyed in their cosy interior or the patio, accompanied by selections of local delicatessen.
Centrally located, this bar offers a large selection of wines, especially French but also from other parts of the world. Customers can taste them through a self-service method, and they can be accompanied by regional delicatessen.
One of the best places to taste wines from the Bordeaux region. Located on the ground floor of the headquarters of the Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux, the bar's team is very knowledgeable and passionate. They give tasting advice, extensive information on the grapes and suggestions for matching food and wine.
The beautiful building of Chateau Deganne was converted in 1904 into a casino. In the early twentieth century Paris and Bordeaux bourgeoisie came to spend the summer in Arcachon. Thus the town had to create distractions - a casino.
As with all towns and villages around the Bordeaux area the many vineyards stretch out around you.
A walk through these on a warm summer day is a delight. And then head back to the town of Saint Emilion to enjoy a coffee in one of the pretty cobbled lanes.
A meander around the town itself will be a historical journey as you pass by the public baths and the King's spring, the old gate and ramparts of the town, the ruins and remains of the town walls, the ruins of the cardinals palace and various other buildings of note and examples of medieval architecture.
And if you are not sick of climbing stairs in Saint Emilion then you will certainly need to try climbing the four 'Tertre' of the town. The word tertre is specific to Saint Emilion and is the name used for the steep pedestrian cobblestone streets: Tertre de la Tente, Tertre des Vaillants, Tertre de la Cadène and Tertre de la Porte Saint-Martin.
Having said that, this is wine country and you can't really visit St Emilion without doing a wine tour...
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.
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.
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
Whether it's your first time on a board or you've been surfing for years, So Nice Surf School will give you the guidance you need to get started or to improve your tricks in a cool, laid-back atmosphere.
You will be able to hire and learn how to drive a jet ski, with the assistance of qualified instructors, you can be on the water within 15 minutes.
A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
A fine example of the French ‘Maison de Maitre’, La Brugère is an impressive and elegant property, surrounded by a spacious, attractive garden with an eye catching pool area, and only a 5 minute drive from the charming town of Duras, home to cafes, restaurants, and shops. In short, La Brugère is a superb haven for groups of any size to reunite and enjoy a memorable holiday.
Excellent wines and delicious food are synonymous with South West France and so it is with great pleasure that they include Villa Marie in their portfolio, where gastronomic delights are to be found on the doorstep: the vineyards of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte are just 1.3km away (a 20 minute walk), with the restaurants of the renowned spa hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, a few 100 metres further along. Equally enticing is the proximity of the region’s capital, Bordeaux. Easily accessible by both car and public transport, visits to this wonderful city will become an integral part of the holiday.
Nestled in the picturesque countryside not far from the pretty bastide of Lalinde on the banks of the River Dordogne, Le Clos des Chênes is one of the most beautifully restored farmhouses and its setting one of the most restful we have come across.
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
Large and pleasant independent villa of 160m2 situated in the pine forest(enclosed garden) 800 metres from the beach, 1 km from shopping, 2.5 km from the golf and 5 km from the lake.
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
There are some wonderful hotels in saint-Emilion, each one offering charm, history and some sort of link to the vineyards and wineries of the region. If you're looking for luxury then try one of the central hotels, or for something a little more 'French', why not try a château on the outskirts of the town.
The Hostellerie de Plaisance is an unusual and unique place, offering surprising perspectives on the village’s architecture and the edges of the vineyard landscapes.
Maison de la Commanderie is a 12th century house located in the heart of the village of Saint Emilion with remarkable view over the city and the vineyards.
This charming boutique hotel is located in a vineyard, just a short drive from Saint-Emilion. The hotel offers a natural pool with fresh water and a nice garden overlooking the property's 7 acres of vineyards.
Elegant Bordeaux-style mansion nestled in natural manicured gardens where privacy and serenity abound. The Clos de la Barbanne is surrounded by its own exclusive vineyard, located in the heart of the prestigious Saint-Emilion wine region.
The Franc Grace Dieu estate house has 4 rooms (Le Parc, Le Jardin, La Pergola and La Cour) each able to sleep 2 people in the heart of the Saint-Emilion wine area, a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One-of-a kind property, the 4-star, 19th-century Château is located in the right-bank area of Bordeaux, next to a medieval town. With Saint-Emilion’s most famous wine-producing châteaux at its doorstep, it is less than an hour drive to Bordeaux.
Located in the Gironde, close to the border of the Dordogne, Saint Emilion is just 35km north-east of Bordeaux, between the towns of Libourne and Castillon-la-Bataille.
Rarely does such a remarkable opportunity come to market with the combination of a large elegant Maison de Maitre and highly improved accommodations in such a prime location.
