If you are spending time in Bordeaux, you should go on a day trip to Saint Emilion. Honestly speaking, we believe spending a couple of nights in Saint Emilion is a fantastic idea. You can spend weeks in Saint Emilion!
However, it may not be possible, so spend at least one day there. It’s one of the nicest small towns in France. The commune is some 30 miles (50 km) from the city. Thus, it’s very easy to drive or take the train there.
We usually take our bikes to Saint Emilion. The place is perfect for biking along green fields admiring the chateaus. There are plenty of places to stop to refresh and grab a bite. If you don’t bike, you can also walk.
How to Get to Saint Emilion from Bordeaux
Bordeaux to Saint Emilion by Car
The fastest way to go from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion is by car. As mentioned, the area is just 30 miles (50 km) east of the city. The trip is an attraction in itself, so drive safely and enjoy the ride.
No matter where you are staying in Bordeaux, take Road N89. The best way to reach the road is to loop around the center. Take the Boulevard des Frères Moga to the south to Road N230.
There are limited parking spaces in the town. Park for free next to the Police Station. There’s paid parking in the upper town next to the church and in the lower town next to Place Bouqueyre. It’s 2 euros per hour, for a maximum of 5 hours.
Private Tours to Saint Emilion
If you rather go to Saint Emilion on a private tour from Bordeaux we strongly recommend this full-day one. Everybody loves it! It includes a private van with an expert guide. You visit three top chateaux and the village.
If you are short on time, we strongly recommend taking this half-day tour. It takes you in a van with a private guide. You get to taste wine, visit the chateaus, and walk around the village.
Now, if you want to go on your own to Saint Emilion and only need to tour wineries, we strongly recommend this one. You tour the town and visit two wine-producing chateaus. Wine tasting is included!
Trains from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion
We always go from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion on the train. It’s very easy. The journey is an attraction in itself, so be sure to grab a window seat. You get to see rolling hills, lovely towns, and endless vineyards!
Trains depart from the Saint-Jean Station in the city. From the center of Bordeaux take Tram A to the station. You can take your bike on the tram and the train. Buy a return ticket. There are 16 trains a day, approximately every half an hour.
Saint Emilion is 1 mile (1.7 km) from the train station, which is a 20-minute walk. The earliest train leaves the city at 5:51 AM and arrives at 6:28 AM. The last one leaves Saint Emilion at 21:33 PM and gets to Bordeaux at 22:03.
What to Do in Saint Emilion
Get Lost on the Streets of the Old Town
Of all the things to do in Saint Emilion, a walk around the Old Town is mandatory. No matter how many cute little towns you’ve seen in Europe, this one is in a league of its own.
Saint Emilion is perched on a hill overlooking endless vineyards. The Old Town has two different sections. The upper town with winding streets offers epic views over the valley. The lower town is full of medieval architecture.
Don’t rush, and take your time exploring each little aisle. If you are biking, it’s best to tie your bike out of the Old Town and walk. The village is small, and you need to walk on its cobbled streets to enjoy the atmosphere.
Visit the Monolith Church
The Monolith Church is the city’s most famous landmark. The impressive 12th-Century Temple was carved out of one stone! The church looks pretty simple and humble from the outside. Go in and prepare to be dazzled.
It’s the biggest monolithic church in Europe! It’s estimated that some 15000 cubic meters of stone were excavated. You can’t visit the church on your own. This official tour takes you to the catacombs and to see the impressive murals.
Don’t forget to check the bell tower. Built between the 12th and 15th Centuries, you can see it from all over the town. Take your time and climb the 198 steps to the top. The views from there will take your breath away.
Visit the St. Emilion Church
The city is also famous for its Collegiate Church. The temple is a two-minute walk north of the Monolithic Church, in the upper town. It was built between the 12th and 15th Centuries as the residence of monks.
That’s why you have to visit the temple itself and the cloisters behind. The temple is mostly Gothic with Romanesque parts. It’s also huge. Note that the tourist office is inside the arched cloisters. They’ve got maps and useful information.
However, you don’t need to take a tour to visit the church and cloisters. The garden is gorgeous. Note the carvings from the 13th and 14th Centuries on some of the arches. The incredible Apocalypse Mural is much newer and covers 40 meters!
Have a Glass of Sparkling Wine in a Cloister
The Cloitre des Cordeliers used to be the residence of Franciscan monks from the 14th to the 18th Century. Franciscan monks were known as roped (Cordeliers) in France. The place fell into oblivion after the French revolution.
Fortunately, the new owners decided to produce wine in the cellars and vaults in the late 19th Century. That’s why you can tour 2 miles (3 km) of underground wine-producing tunnels! You can taste delicious wine afterward.
You can have a glass of wine or buy an entire bottle, sit in the garden, and enjoy priceless views. However, their picnic basket is delicious! It includes local food and wine! Even if you are not into wine, you’ll love the place.
Visit the King’s Tower
The King Tower is in the lower town, just a short walk east of the Monolith Church. The 104 feet (32 meters) tower stands alone in the middle of the vineyards. It’s entirely made of local stone.
Historians debate whether it was a French or a British king who had it built. They believe the tower is from the early 13th Century. In any case, it’s the only Romanesque structure left inside the village.
You need to pay 2 euros to climb the 118 steps all the way to the top. Take your time. The views from above are magnificent. It opens on weekends from 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM. Go in the afternoon to watch a memorable sunset.
Tour the Local Wineries
As mentioned, St Emilion is all about its world-famous wineries. There are literally hundreds! You need a car or a bike to reach most of them. However, some of the best ones are within walking distance of Saint Emilion’s Old Town.
Chateau Soutard Cadet is less than 15 minutes north of the center. The 18th-Century palace is at the end of a tree-lined road. Some sections of the house are from the 16th Century. They produce their own wine and offer wine tasting.
Chateau Saint Georges – Cote Pavie is 20 minutes south of the center. Though the house is from the 19th Century, it has roman mosaics! You can taste wine while enjoying views of the village. From there, walk to Chateau La Gaffeliere nearby.
Bike between the Vineyards
The surrounding vineyards are perfect for biking. We do so every time we visit the area. You don’t need to be a pro to bike. The whole point is to enjoy yourself, so bike at your own pace and enjoy the views.
An easy route is to go from St Emilion to Chateau Saint Georges. From there, continue to the village of Montagne. Stop to refresh and continue to Puisseguin and Saint Genes de Castillon. The terrain is mostly flat.
Go back to St Emilion through Saint Christophe des Bardes. The views on your way back will leave you speechless. You can do this entire route without rushing in a couple of hours. Remember to take a recycled bottle of water and a hat.
Where to Stay in Saint Emilion
St Emilion has hotels for all tastes and fancies. The best one in the center is Badon Boutique Hotel. It’s a two-story building in the heart of the village. The best rooms have views of the main street. It’s got parking.
If you are looking for apartments, book one at the Hotes de Saint Emilion. The hotel is above a winery! The units are big, extra comfy, and come with a fully equipped kitchen and a seating area.
For total luxury in an original 19th-Century chateau, book a room at the Hotel Chateau Grand Barrail. The hotel has its own vineyards and features antiques and original furniture. It’s got an outdoor pool and the most amazing spa in the region.
Where to Eat and Drink
The city is famous in France for its delicious restaurants. You will eat and drink as a king. Our favorite restaurant in the village is Le Tertre. It’s a tiny place in the center that specializes in locally sourced French food.
If you are into Michelin-starred restaurants, you are going to love Logis de la Cadene. It’s a fancy place with a cobbled patio. The food is out of this world, and they have a fireplace perfect for winter.
The other Michelin restaurant in town is L’Hutrier Pie in an original 16th-Century home. We love Vietnamese food and Café Saigon in the center is one of the best in the country. For coffee, we always stop at La Table 38.
When to Visit Saint Emilion
Due to its location in the middle of soft hills and valleys, St Emilion has decent weather all year round. That’s why we’ve visited the area in different seasons and always had a blast. All you need is proper cloth and shoes.
From December to March, the average minimum temperature is 37 F (3 C) and the average maximum is 50 F (11 C). It hardly ever snows. April, May, and June are our favorite months to visit. Minimum temperatures hover around 50 F (11 C) and maximum around 60 F (20 C). It hardly ever rains.
Summers can be hot. The last few years have seen record-breaking temperatures. The maximum average temperature in July and August is 78 F (27 C) and the minimum 60 F (15 C). The weather is splendid from September to November!
Useful Tips
Though Saint Emilion is small, you will walk a lot. Remember that the city has an upper and lower town, so you will have to climb a bit. No worries, it’s very easy. Thus, remember to wear super comfortable shoes.
We don’t advise wearing flip-flops, even in the summer. The town’s streets are cobbled, and to reach other chateaus you’ll walk over gravel. Wear sports shoes and comfortable clothes. Always take a hat, sunscreen, and a recycled bottle of water.
You don’t need to drink wine to enjoy Saint Emilion. The place is gorgeous, and you can have coffee and delicious pastries everywhere. Try to go early and visit as many chateaus as you can. Enjoy a killer sunset and come back at night.
If You Have More Time
Consider yourself lucky if you have more time. You can spend weeks discovering Saint Emilion and never get bored. We strongly recommend visiting other chateaus in the area. UNESCO included the area in its World Heritage Site.
Approximately 12000 acres (5000 ha) are registered. These include 7 other villages: Saint-Laurent des Combes, Saint-Christophe des Bardes, Saint-Pey-d’Armens, Saint-Etienne de Lisse, Saint Sulpice of Faleyrens, Saint-Hippolyte, and Vignonet. Every one of these villages is worth your time.
Another fantastic option is to spend some time in Arcachon on the coast. The beautiful town is some 40 miles (70 km) west of Bordeaux. There’s historic architecture and long sandy beaches. Don’t forget to visit Europe’s largest dune: Pilat.
Leave a Reply