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.
Saint-Emilion, Gironde
One of the most beautiful villages in France and fabulous wines
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.
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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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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
14th-century cloisters & home to a sparkling white wine
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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Les Tertres (steep streets), Saint Emilion 
Les Tertres (steep streets), Saint Emilion
Steep cobbled streets connecting upper & lower parts of the city
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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Cardinal Palace ruins, Saint Emilion 
Cardinal Palace ruins, Saint Emilion
Luxury home to Gaillard de la Mothe, Cardinal of Sainte Luce
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 Tour du Chateau du Roi Tower, Saint Emilion
Medieval keep in 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
12th-century Romanesque church & cloisters
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
Incredible underground church and catacombs
This church, sited in the higher part of Saint-Emilion town, is incredible underground feat, carved out of the rock over three centuries.
Beaches in Saint-Emilion
Beaches in Bordeaux
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Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin 
Hourtin Lakeside Beach, Hourtin
A calm lake beach on the largest fresh water lake in France
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.
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Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon 
Plage d'Eyrac Beach, Arcachon
East of the main Plage d'Arcachon close to the marina and port
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau 
Lacanau Ocean Beach, Lacanau
A 15km stretch of sand beach situated on the Atlantic Ocean
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.
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La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge 
La Plage Le Porge Oceane Beach, Le Porge
The closest beach to the city of Bordeaux, situated on the Atlantic Ocean
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.
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Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon 
Plage d'Arcachon Beach, Arcahon
The main beach along the seafront promenade of the town of Arcachon
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.
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Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans 
Carcans Plage Beach, Carcans
Central beach on the long stretch of west coast known as Côte d'Agent
Backed by the small town of Carcans Océan, this white sand beach on the western Atlantic coast is a popular surf spot.
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
Michelin starred gourmet restaurant overlooking 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
Charming small restaurant in the centre of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion
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
Contemporary French restaurant in the centre of a charming medieval town
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
Gourmet restaurant in a château among the vineyards
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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Nightlife in Saint-Emilion
Bars & Clubs in Saint-Emilion
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Le Caillou 
Le Caillou
Musical diversity in the heart of the city of Bordeaux
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.
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La Ligne Rouge Bar 
La Ligne Rouge Bar
Wine bar offering international references in the centre of Bordeaux
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.
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La Conserverie-Converserie Bar
Charming wine bar and delicatessen shop in the Quartier des Chartrons
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.
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Aux Quatre Coins du Vin Bar
Wine bar in the centre of Bordeaux with a clever self-service system
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.
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Bar a vin 
Bar a vin
Bar run by young sommeliers with a vast selection of wines from the Bordeaux region
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.
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Casino d'Arcachon, Arcachon
A casino situated on the beach front in a beautiful Chateau-style builing
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.
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...
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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.
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Tuk-Tuk Tour (Wine Tour), Saint Emilion
An original & entertaining way to see the city & its vineyards
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.
Watersports in Saint-Emilion
Watersports in Saint-Emilion
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Magic Surf School, Lacanau
Teaching, coaching & surf lessons that will turn you into a pro
Each session is tailored to the requirements of the participants.
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So Nice Surf School, Le Porge
Surf school on the quiet beach of north Le Porge
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.
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Estuaire Jet Ski, Le Verdon sur Mer
Jet ski lessons, hire & inflatable fun!
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.
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Emilion
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Emilion
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La Brugère Villa, Baleyssagues
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.
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Marie Villa
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.
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Le Clos des Chenes Villa
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Nice villa for 10 persons located 4.5 km from the beach and 4 km from the shopping street.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
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.
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Lacanau Ocean Villa, Lacanau
Close to city centre this villa is located 600 metres from the beach and shopping area and 3 km from the golf.
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
At the heart of the famous medieval city of 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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Chateau Grand Barrail, Saint Emilion
An elegant luxurious chateau surrounded by vineyards
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.
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Chateau Franc Grace-Dieu, Saint Emilion
Chateau with views across the vineyards
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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Clos de la Barbanne, Puisseguin
Midway between Bordeaux and Bergerac
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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Maison de la Commanderie, Saint Emilion
Located right in centre of the town
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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Le Relais de Franc Mayne, Saint Emilion
Wonderful views over the vineyards and Saint Emilion area
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.
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.
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