Saint-Émilion Walking Tour with Cave Wine Tasting
Stand before a church carved directly into limestone rock, then sip wine in a 200-year-old cellar
A town founded by a hermit and saved by nuns who baked macarons. Clearly, Saint-Émilion has always had its priorities straight. Join our small group walking tour and hear wild stories of hermits, kings, & the 100 Years' War, learn the origins of the macaron, and uncover the history of the largest Monolithic Church in Europe. Then get your reward: two excellent glasses of Saint-Émilion wine inside a 200-year-old subterranean cave. History is much easier to absorb when it's paired with Merlot.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-Speaking Guide
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Guided walking tour of Saint-Émilion
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Tasting of 2 excellent Saint-Émilion wines
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Visit to a historic 200-year-old underground cellar (cave)
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Tower of Kings
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Cordeliers Cloisters
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Brunet Gate
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Personal recommendations for Food and Wine
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Hotel pick up/drop off
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Personal Expenses
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Entrance to any monument (including the Monolithic Church)
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Extra Wine or snacks
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Drink for children during the tasting
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Gratuities
Tour Itinerary
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1
Crossing the Divide
Begin your adventure at the designated meeting point before seeing La Porte Cadène, the magnificent 13th-century gate that historically separated the upper and lower halves of the medieval city. -
2
Towering Heights and Hidden Monks
Ascend to the Brunet Gate for picturesque views over the surrounding vineyards, then discover the historic Cordeliers Cloister (a site where sparkling wine has been produced since the 19th century) and the curious King's Tower. -
3
The Underground Colossus
Marvel at the dramatic bell tower towering above the Monolithic Church, the largest underground religious structure in all of Europe, which was carved directly from the limestone rock. -
4
Village Life and Vintner Secrets
Descend into the lower city, weaving through small cobblestone passages to experience the authentic village life and receive personalized recommendations for local food. -
5
The 200-Year-Old Cellar Finale
Conclude your medieval adventure by entering a 200-year-old underground cave for an exclusive tasting of two superb Saint-Émilion wines, learning about soil and grape varieties directly from the source.
Additional Information
Saint-Émilion Walking Tour and Cave Tasting Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
An Expert English-speaking guide
A guided walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage medieval village
Tasting of 2 excellent Saint-Émilion wines
Visit to a historic 200-year-old underground cellar (cave)
Sightseeing of the Tower of Kings, Cordeliers Cloisters & Brunet Gate
Discovering a UNESCO Treasure
Your journey begins in one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Émilion. This village is more than world-famous for its wine; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first vineyard in the world to achieve this designation. You’ll explore the most important places and some hidden gems, hearing about the past, present, and future of the region. Learn about its first citizen, Ausonius, whose name now belongs to one of the most prestigious wine châteaux.
The Hermit, the Church, and the Macaron
Stepping inside, you will learn the fascinating history of the hermit Emilion, who gave the village its name in the 8th century, including the miracle story where he reportedly changed bread to wood. You'll stand before the largest Monolithic Church in Europe, carved directly into the limestone cliff. You will also uncover the local secrets of the traditional food history, including the true origin of the famous macaron delicacy.
Stories of Kings and Revolution
As you walk on the ancient cobble streets, your guide will bring history to life with dramatic tales. You'll hear stories of the 100 Years' War between France and England, and the later rebellion of prestigious châteaux owners during the French Revolution. You will also explore monuments like the Tower of Kings, the Brunet Gate, and the Cordelier Convent with its picturesque views.
The 200-Year-Old Cellar Finale
The adventure doesn't end there! You will cap off your journey with a professional wine tasting inside a 200-year-old underground cave-style cellar. As you sip two excellent wines from Saint-Émilion, put your theoretical knowledge into practice, while learning about typical grape varieties, the importance of the soil, and the wine making of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please wear walking shoes and bring a government issued ID if you plan to partake in alcohol. These are cobblestone streets, so please wear appropriate footwear.
What to bring?
Please wear walking shoes and bring a government issued ID if you plan to partake in alcohol. These are cobblestone streets, so please wear appropriate footwear.
Is this tour mobility accessible?
Unfortunately this tour is not mobility accessible as wheelchair access is limited. This tour includes stairs & cobblestones.
Can I bring my children on this tour?
Yes, however please keep in mind, strollers access is limited due stairs to cobblestones. A beverage option for children during the tasting is unfortunately not able to be provided.
How do I get to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux?
Arrival by Train: The train ride from St Jean Train Station in Bordeaux to St Emilion Train station is 35 min to 55 minutes. Arrive at least 20 min before the tour starts, as it takes 15 min walking to reach starting point from the station. By Bus: TransGironde runs regularly in summer, Bus Nr 302 starts at Place Quinconces in the City Center of Bordeaux. By Car: Arrive early to search parking, all parking in and around St Emilion is paid. Please plan enough time for travel and parking to reach the meeting point on time for the tour start. Please inform us for any changes or delay.
Does this tour include entrance into the Monolithic Church?
No unfortunately, entrance into the Monolithic Church is not included on this tour.
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