Saint-Émilion

Where it is & how to get there

• Train: Regional trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean reach Saint-Émilion station in about 35–40 minutes; then a 20-minute walk through vines.
• Via Libourne: Trains to Libourne are more frequent, then a short taxi or bus to the village.
• Day tours: Wine tours from Bordeaux include transport and château visits.

The story of Saint-Émilion

The village takes its name from Émilion, a Breton monk who lived as a hermit in a cave here in the 8th century. His followers carved a huge church out of the limestone rock in the 11th and 12th centuries: the Monolithic Church is the largest underground church in Europe.

Romans planted the first vines here, and today Saint-Émilion is one of the most famous wine areas in the world. In 1999 the whole historic jurisdiction, village and vineyards together, became the first vineyard landscape on UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Join a vineyard tour that includes transport from Bordeaux.
• Try the local macarons, made here since the 17th century.
• The streets are steep and cobbled: wear comfortable shoes.

What's around Saint-Émilion

• Monolithic ChurchCarved into the rock, visited only on guided tours from the tourist office.
• Tour du RoyA 13th-century keep with views over the rooftops and vineyards.
• Cloître des CordeliersRuined cloister where sparkling wine is made.
• LibourneMarket town on the Dordogne, 10 minutes away.

Questions travellers ask