Saint-Emilion, Gironde
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.
History & Culture in Saint-Emilion
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.
Sights & Attractions in Saint-Emilion
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.
Sights in Saint-Emilion
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Les Cordeliers Cloister, Saint Emilion
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.
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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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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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La Tour du Chateau du Roi Tower, Saint Emilion
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.
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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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Eglise Monolithe Church, Saint-Emilion
This church, sited in the higher part of Saint-Emilion town, is incredible underground feat, carved out of the rock over three centuries.
Dining in Saint-Emilion
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.
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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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.
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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.
Events in Saint-Emilion
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.
Events in Saint-Emilion
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
Things to do in Saint-Emilion
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...
Things To Do in Saint-Emilion
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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.
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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.
Hotels in Saint-Emilion
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.
Hotels in Saint-Emilion
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Hostellerie de Plaisance, Saint Emilion
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.
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Maison de la Commanderie, Saint Emilion
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.
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Clos de la Barbanne, Puisseguin
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.
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Le Relais de Franc Mayne, Saint Emilion
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.
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Chateau Franc Grace-Dieu, Saint Emilion
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.
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Chateau Grand Barrail, Saint Emilion
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.
How to get to Saint-Emilion
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.
Property For Sale in Saint-Emilion
Property for Sale in Saint-Emilion
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Grand Maison de Maitre For Sale - REF 3515516, Saint Emilion
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.
Price: €2,500,000
