Strolling around Saint-Émilion

The story goes that the village of Saint-Émilion takes its name from a Breton monk called Émilion who settled in a troglodyte hermitage and founded a religious community in the town in the 8th century.

Saint-Émilion is home to a rich historical and architectural heritage. So take the time to simply wander through the narrow streets and open your eyes wide... Every street corner hides little wonders! Saint-Émilion is a naturally sloping site, so you'll have to take the tertres, the steep cobbled streets that are typical of the town, to link the upper and lower towns. To discover Saint-Émilion's rich heritage, opt for the "Saint-Émilion Cité Médiévale" guided tour, which will take you back in time to the city's heyday.

The monolithic church of Saint-Emilion was built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Its bell tower is the highest point in the village. This exceptional monument was not built in the same way as medieval churches of the time. In fact, the entire church was carved out of the rock between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. Its proportions make it the largest monolithic church in Europe. The pride of the town and the region, the Dame de Saint-Émilion is a legend in Aquitaine!

Built by Benedictine monks, this monument was on the route to Santiago de Compostela. The ambition to build this "underground" church was motivated by the memory of the hermit who lived in a cave nearby in the 8th century. They wanted to exert a salutary moral influence on the faithful, so they built this exceptional church to accommodate around a hundred worshippers and the relics of the monk Emilion. The decorations that adorned the nave further distinguished the church from the other religious buildings in the area. These decorations had an oriental feel, especially in terms of layout and size. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that the last traces of angels and other decorations have been preserved.

The Tour du Roy is the quadrangular tower you'll see from the viewpoint next to the bell tower: it's impossible to miss! It is the only surviving Romanesque keep in the Gironde. Standing 32 metres high, the tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the town and its vineyards. To make the most of it, you can climb the 118 steps for €2/person.

The vineyards of Saint-Emilion are among the most prestigious in the world. It is also the first vineyard to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. So it would be a shame to visit Saint-Emilion without visiting a wine estate!

For several years now, châteaux and wine estates have been turning their attention to wine tourism and opening their doors to visitors. There are a huge number of wine châteaux around Saint-Émilion, so there's something to suit all tastes and budgets. In general, the visits all include a guided tour of the property and the cellars, and of course a tasting of several of the estate's wines! The winemakers will be delighted to share their know-how and passion with you during an exciting and convivial visit.

When should you visit Saint-Émilion?

We recommend that you visit Saint-Émilion in mid-season, between April and June, or in September/October. A victim of its own success, this destination is very busy in summer, not to mention the temperatures, which can be very hot. Conversely, winter in Saint-Émilion can be perceived as too quiet, as many shops are closed.

Unsurprisingly, Saint-Émilion is home to a large number of very good addresses. But beware: as a tourist town, Saint-Émilion also has its share of tourist traps. Make sure you ask before you eat! At snack time, we recommend you visit La Fabrique des Macarons for a taste of Saint-Émilion's famous macaroons. The recipe dates back to the 17th century, when it was prepared by the Ursulines religious community, and has been handed down from generation to generation. Today, Nadia Fermigier, who runs the shop, is the sole owner of the traditional recipe for these macaroons made with sweet and bitter almonds, egg whites and sugar!