The very mention of Saint-Emilion is a dream come true for epicureans the world over. Famous for its great châteaux, have you ever visited this adorable medieval town? With its monolithic church and craggy knolls, it’s an open-air museum where you can stroll and nibble on a traditional macaroon. And, of course, its exciting history is marked by wine. Man has shaped its landscapes without ever transforming them. In 1999, the Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its cultural landscapes: a world first for a vineyard !
Saint-Emilion, a village steeped in legend
Saint-Emilion
A village steeped in legend
Religious legend has it that the village of Saint-Emilion owes its name to a Breton monk called Émilion. He became a star in his region after performing a number of miracles in the 8th century, and crossed France in search of tranquillity, ending his journey in an unoccupied cave in Ascumbas. But his fame followed him and the hermit was soon joined by Benedictine monks and then various religious communities who founded the town in his name. A few centuries later, it became an essential place of pilgrimage.
Many of its religious buildings can still be seen today, and can be visited with “Saint-Emilion Souterrain” or “Saint-Emilion, Cité UNESCO”.
The monolithic church of Saint-Emilion
The city’s underground past
The extraction of limestone from the subsoil of Saint-Emilion between the 9th and 19th centuries developed a real economy, and today offers you the opportunity to take in some incredible sights: the Cloître des Cordeliers, Château Villemaurine and the largest monolithic church in Europe. It’s a cool haven of peace in summer.
Did you know that this blonde stone was used in the construction of many of Bordeaux’s great monuments?
On the podium of the world’s greatest wines, alongside the Médoc!
The Grand Saint-Emilionnais comprises several AOCs, including Saint-Emilion and/or Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. To be eligible, the wine châteaux must comply strictly with a well-defined set of specifications, in which organic farming plays an increasingly important role, and be located in a specific area of the Saint-Emilion Jurisdiction. As far as grape varieties are concerned, this is the realm of Merlot and Cabernet: you have to produce red wine to join the AOC! A bit like the Médoc…
If you’re an inquisitive wine-tourist, it might be a good idea to compare the classification of Médoc wines with that of Saint-Emilion wines, which rewards the wines of the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation. Revised every 10 years, there are 3 categories:
1er Grand Cru Classé A – 2 châteaux: Château Figeac and Château Pavie
1er Grand Cru Classé – 12 properties
Grand Cru Classé – 71 properties
3 must-sees in terms of wine heritage
Discover the Jurade parade and its history
Dare to try a wine and chocolate tasting or create your own blend during a château visit
Admire the contemporary architecture of grand châteaux such as La Dominique and La Croizille.
Ideas for walks
In the world’s first UNESCO vineyard
By car, by bike, on foot or even in a tuk-tuk, there’s something for everyone!
Having trouble choosing between the dozens of châteaux to visit? Opt for the “Châteaux of the day”: the Tourist Office helps you make your choice by selecting 2 to 4 wine estates each morning that are open to the public and ready to help you discover the secrets of vines and wine over a tasting session.
By bike (hire available on site) or on foot, some fifteen ideas for themed routes are available free of charge from the Tourist Office or can be downloaded. You’ll be free to wander around the remarkable architecture, family estates and great names of the AOC.
Gallery
Events in Saint-Emilion
To plan your activities and find out about the opening times of the châteaux and monuments, visit the website of the Office de Tourisme du Grand Saint-Emilionnais.
With its curious mounds separating the upper and lower towns, its cobbled streets with a medieval feel and its underground monuments, Saint-Emilion has plenty to amaze your children! Dedicated tours and treasure hunts are also available for families in the greater Saint-Emilion area, as well as family escape games in the châteaux.
Our suggestions:
Tell me Saint-Émilion : 3 visits, 3 themes for an educational introduction to the heritage of the medieval town (Wednesdays during the school holidays)
On Robin’s trail: UNESCO, heritage, lamprey or gastronomy, choose the theme of your game (available free of charge from the Tourist Office) and Robin will take care of the rest !
Something to do with the whole family: opt for the traditional Saint-Emilion macaroon for an afternoon snack !
A little practical advice: choose comfortable shoes without heels: cobbled streets and steep mounds prefer trainers to pumps. In summer, the difference in temperature between the outdoors and underground caves or monuments can vary considerably. Don’t forget to bring a little wool to cover up.
Emmeline
Head of the Attractiveness Division
Discover also
In the surrounding area
The Arcachon Basin
Blaye
Bordeaux
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Need information about the destination, documentation or help preparing your stay in Médoc Atlantique ?
Our local experts are here to help !
Emmeline