Saint-Emilion - in Aquitaine

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  Located in the east of the Bordeaux wine area, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque small town renowned for its historic heritage and world-class vineyards. Just 35 kilometers from Bordeaux, this UNESCO listed site offers visitors a unique blend of history, architecture, and wine.

   Built in a defensive position on the edge of a hill overlooking the Dordogne valley, the old town is still surrounded by sections of its medieval walls and fortifications, including the Porte Brunet gate and the Tour du Roy.
   Saint-Émilion's roots date back to Roman times, but it truly flourished in the Middle Ages, when it became a major religious and cultural center. The town is famous for its its remarkable monolithic church, the largest of its kind in Europe and the second largest in the world. Hewn out of the soft limestone rock,the church  is about a thousand years old, and along with its surrounding buildings, is a testament to the importance of the early Christian community in the area.
   On the square directly above the underground church stands the tower, dating from the 12th to 16th centuries.The narrow cobblestone streets of the town are lined with boutiques, cafes, and wine shops, displaying some of the prestigious Saint Emilion grand cru wines, as well as a wide selection of wines from the area. At the heart of the old town lies the picturesque Place du Marché, a lively square where local markets and festivals often take place.
     Another interesting place to visit in the old town is the remains of the Couvent des Cordeliers, with its medieval cloister and  wine cellars.   
   Saint-Émilion is surrounded by rolling vineyards, offering plenty of opportunities for wine tours and tastings. The town is home to some of the most prestigious wine estates, including Couvent des Jacobins and Château yon-Figeac, just two of the many domains where visitors can explore the vineyards, cellars, and learn about the centuries-old winemaking heritage. .

• Bordeaux: Just a short drive away, Bordeaux is a UNESCO listed heritage city known for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and fine dining.
• The Dordogne valley A peaceful and scenic area for canoeing and exploring the countryside.
• Libourne. Attractive historic bastide town  between Saint Emilion and Bordeaux - cruises on the Garonne.
• Pomerol: Neighboring Saint-Émilion, Pomerol is famous for its equally prestigious vineyards, including the renowned Château Pétrus.

Further afield

• The vineyards of the Médoc, (1h 20) around Pauillac, to the west of Bordeaux, the other Bordeaux wine area renowned for its Grands Crus wines.
• The citadel at Blaye. (1 hour) Overlooking the Gironde estuary, the citadel is part of the Vauban fortifications UNESCO world heritage site.

• By car: Saint-Émilion is a short distance from exit 9 of the A89 Bordeaux - Lyon motorway, and a 40-minute drive from Bordeaux.
• By train: The town is well-connected by train, with direct trains from Bordeaux Saint-Charles station to Saint-Émilion in just over half an hour. The station is just under a mile from the historic town centre.
• By air: Bordeaux Mérignac (BOD) airport, with flights from all over Europe, is 45 minutes away by car.
• By bike: Saint-Emilion is a popular stop on the European Véloroute EV3 running from Cologne to the Spanish border at Hendaye. There are many marked cycoe trails through the vineyards, and bikes can be hired in the town.