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From happy customers

Loved by 42 million+
Elisa

Elisa

May 2025
4/5
Nice tour, well organized. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. Loved the chocolate tasting. Would have liked more time at the second chateau.
Elias

Elias

Jun 2025
4/5
Interesting tour. Learned a lot about the wine making process. The chocolate tasting was a nice surprise. Would recommend for couples.
Jan

Jan

Apr 2025
5/5
Went with my wife for our anniversary and it was perfect. The guide even surprised us with a little treat at lunch. The vineyards are gorgeous in spring!
Tanya

Tanya

May 2025
4/5
Great tour and beautiful scenery. Some spots were a bit busy but our guide kept us moving. Would def recommend for wine lovers.
Laila

Laila

Jun 2025
4/5
Went with my boyfriend, we had a good time. The tour was interesting and the wine was tasty. The guide was friendly, but the group was a bit big. Still enjoyable.
Samuel

Samuel

Jun 2025
5/5
Went with my girlfriend, loved it! The guide was funny and knew a lot. The wine tasting was great and the village is beautiful. Would go again.

Top things to do in Bordeaux

What to expect on a Saint-Émilion tour?

Saint Emilion village with vineyards and church tower under blue sky.
Winemakers sampling wine from barrels in Saint Emilion Grand Cru cellar.
Wine tasting session in Saint-Emilion with a group of people under a chandelier.
Tour group enjoying wine tasting in Saint-Emilion vineyard.
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Step into a medieval village

Walk along cobblestone streets, past ancient ramparts, and through charming squares. Landmarks like the Tour du Roy and the Monolithic Church,Europe’s largest underground church, bring the village’s medieval history to life. The UNESCO World Heritage designation reflects its beautifully preserved vineyard landscape and craft beverage heritage.

Learn about centuries of winemaking

Learn how Saint-Émilion’s winemaking has evolved from Roman times to today’s Grand Cru methods. Explore vineyards and cellars as you understand how soil, climate, and traditional aging techniques create wines with rich, distinctive flavors.

Savor signature wines

Experience the taste of the region with Merlot and Cabernet Franc at historic Grand Cru châteaux. Expert sommeliers guide you through each sip, explaining the wine’s characteristics and the story of the estate behind it.

Experience history and flavor together

From the quiet echo of centuries-old stone halls to the aromas of oak barrels and sun-ripened grapes, the tour combines history, culture, and sensory delight, leaving you with a vivid memory of Saint-Émilion’s charm and craftsmanship.

Things to know before booking your Saint-Émilion tour

👉 Choosing the right tour

Saint-Émilion’s vineyard heritage is at the heart of every tour. So how do you decide which experience is right for you? There are two main types:

1. Guided walking tours: Explore the medieval village’s cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and hidden gems with a local expert. These walking tours are ideal if you’re already in Saint-Émilion and want to dive deep into its history and architecture. You’ll visit highlights like the Tour du Roy and the Monolithic Church, while learning about the village’s UNESCO World Heritage status and its centuries-old craft beverage traditions.

2. Day trips from Bordeaux: If you’re starting in Bordeaux, a day trip is a convenient way to explore Saint-Émilion and return the same day. These tours include round-trip transfers, a guided village walk, and premium tastings. They come in two formats:

  • Half-day tours: Choose a morning or afternoon slot, enjoy a village tour, and visit one winery for 2–3 tastings.
  • Full-day tours: Start in the morning and take a more relaxed pace, visiting Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé estates, enjoying a French lunch, and sampling 5–7 regional pours while exploring the village. Both half- and full-day tours often include a tasting class, where you learn to recognize aromas and flavors like a sommelier.

👉 Booking in advance

Tour slots fill up quickly, especially during the summer months of June to August. If you’re planning a guided day trip, it’s best to reserve 1–2 weeks in advance. For peak season or popular estates, booking a few weeks to several months ahead ensures you get the experience you want without disappointment.

What to see and do in Saint-Émilion?

Monolithic Church tower in Saint Emilion, France, with surrounding historic buildings.

The Monolithic Church

Carved entirely from limestone, this underground church is Europe’s largest monolithic structure. Its towering nave, side chapels, and intricate carvings reflect centuries of medieval craftsmanship. The cool, echoing interior transports visitors to a time when religion and architecture were deeply intertwined, while the subtle lighting highlights sculpted details few other sites can match.

Tour du Roy in Saint-Emilion

Tour du Roy

This 12th-century keep is one of the most iconic landmarks in Saint-Émilion. Climb the spiral staircase to reach panoramic views of the village’s red-tiled roofs, winding streets, and vineyards stretching toward Bordeaux. The thick ramparts and stone walls give a tangible sense of the village’s medieval strategic importance, and its elevated vantage point is perfect for photography.

Outdoor seating area at Saint Emilion Cordelian Cloister with stone arches and tables.

Collegiate Church and Cloister

Dating back to the 11th century, the Collegiate Church is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Explore the serene cloister with its arched galleries, carved capitals, and quiet courtyard, offering a glimpse into monastic life and religious devotion. Visitors often linger to admire the mix of architectural styles from successive centuries.

Saint-Emilion chateau with group of tourists in courtyard, surrounded by vineyards.

Grand Cru and Premier Grand Cru Châteaux

The surrounding vineyards house some of the world’s most prestigious estates. Visit historic châteaux, see centuries-old presses, barrel rooms, and cellars carved from limestone, and learn about the rigorous Grand Cru classification system that ensures superior Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Guided tastings explain the subtle differences between vineyard plots, terroirs, and aging methods.

People roaming in Saint-Emilion

Cobblestone streets and hidden squares

Saint-Émilion’s charm lies in its maze-like streets lined with centuries-old houses, artisan boutiques, and cafés. Discover quiet squares with medieval fountains, ancient stone doorways, and ivy-covered walls, each corner telling stories of local history, wine merchants, and monastic influences.

Wine barrels in a cellar during a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru tour.

Underground wine cellars

Explore Saint-Émilion’s limestone cellars, some carved in the 13th century, which maintain ideal temperature and humidity for aging regional pours. Walk past rows of oak barrels, learn about traditional aging methods, and see how the geology of the region impacts flavor development and wine preservation.

Église Saint-Étienne facade with detailed stone carvings in Saint-Emilion, France.

Église Saint-Étienne

One of the village’s oldest churches, Église Saint-Étienne features Romanesque architecture, historic frescoes, and a bell tower. Its layered history reflects the growth of Saint-Émilion from a small monastic settlement to a prominent wine-producing hub. It’s a quiet stop where visitors can appreciate spiritual and architectural heritage.

Pouring red wine into a glass at a wine tasting event.

Wine tasting experiences

Beyond exploring châteaux, tasting sessions with expert sommeliers deepen your understanding of Saint-Émilion craft blends. Learn to identify aromas, understand blending techniques, and pair the pours with local foods. These sessions highlight the craftsmanship behind Grand Cru wines and make the experience both educational and sensory.

Plan your Saint-Émilion tour

Person walking down a narrow cobblestone street in Saint Emilion, France.

Day trip from Bordeaux

  • Distance from Bordeaux: Approximately 50 kilometers (varies depending on specific châteaux visited).
  • Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (by car or tour bus), approximately 20 minutes by train to Libourne, plus additional transfer time.
  • Budget range: €100-€300+ (varies widely based on tour type, châteaux visited, and included meals/tastings).
  • Trip duration: 4-6 hours.
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Typically Bordeaux city center, train station, or specific hotel pickups.
  • Grand Cru Châteaux: Château Ausone, Château Cheval Blanc, Château La Gaffelière, Château Guadet, etc.
  • Other landmarks: Saint-Émilion village (including the Monolithic Church, Tour du Roy, and ramparts), limestone cellars.

Train

  • Departure: Gare Saint-Jean station from Bordeaux.
  • Operators: SNCF (TER for regional service).
  • Destination: Libourne (then transfer to Saint-Émilion).
  • Cost: €5-€15.
  • Time: Approximately 20 minutes to Libourne.

Car

  • Route: D936 and connecting local roads from Bordeaux.
  • Distance: Approximately 50 km 
  • Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Bordeaux.

Bus

  • Operators: Local Libourne bus services (from Libourne train station to Saint-Émilion).
  • Departure: Libourne train station.
  • Destination: Saint-Émilion village.
  • Cost: €2-€5.
  • Time: Approximately 15-30 minutes.
Two glasses of red wine on a table in a Saint-Emilion vineyard.

The best time to visit Saint-Émilion is typically in May, June, September, and October. Here’s why:

  • These months offer mild temperatures and pleasant weather compared to the rest of the year. 
  • While summer is the peak tourist season, May and September strike a balance of good weather with fewer tourists, making it easier to enjoy wine tastings and village explorations without feeling rushed.
  • September and October are important due to the harvest season. You will find thevineyards in full activity and enjoy potential special tasting events. This period offers unique experiences at the châteaux, though it can mean slightly larger crowds.
Vineyards in Saint-Emilion with historic ruins in the background, France.
  • While the village itself is walkable, chateau visits need transport. Opt for pre-booked tours or local bus services to avoid expensive taxi fares.
  • Parking within the town itself is very limited, so plan to park outside of the main town.
  • Read up on the region's wine classifications for more depth during your wine tours.
  • If interested, research the Jurade of Saint-Émilion, the oldest wine brotherhood in the world, for more context during wine tours.
  • Take a break from the chateaus and explore Saint-Émilion's network of underground passages that acted as spaces for religious purposes and possibly refuge.
  • Saint-Émilion's medieval streets are charming but often uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Émilion tours

What types of wine tours are available in Saint-Émilion?

Saint-Émilion wine tour options range from half-day tour to full-day experiences with lunch

What differentiates a morning versus afternoon half-day Saint-Émilion tour?

Morning tours often offer cooler temperatures and a time to explore the city of Bordeaux once you return, while afternoon tours may provide a more relaxed pace and potentially include sunset views.

is it possible to visit Saint-Émilion and return to Bordeaux on the same day?

Yes, with its proximity to Bordeaux and efficient transportation options, a day trip is both feasible and enjoyable. Choose between the train, bus, car, or a guided tour, explore during the day and return to Bordeaux by evening.

What are the operating hours of the monolithic church and bell tower in the Saint-Émilion village?

The monolithic church and its bell tower are open daily throughout the year, except during special events.

Are there accommodations within the Saint-Émilion village?

For a luxurious stay, opt for Hostellerie de Plaisance with views of the vineyards, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. For a budget option, Les Chambres d’Ovaline provides a bed-and-breakfast experience.

Is the Saint-Émilion village accessible for people with mobility issues?

Saint Emilion has designated zones that are wheelchair friendly and organizes special tours for disabled visitors. You can get more details here.

How can I explore the vineyards around Saint-Émilion?

One enjoyable way is by joining an electric bike wine tour, allowing you to ride through the vineyards, visit châteaux, and taste local blends.

Can I rent bicycles to explore the vineyards?

Yes, bicycle rentals are available at Cloître des Cordeliers area, or you can rent Unibikes around the village.

What dining options are available in Saint-Émilion?

The village includes casual eateries and gourmet restaurants. La Grand’Vigne at Château Smith Haut Lafitte offers a two-Michelin-starred menu showcasing the finest local ingredients, while La Terrasse Rouge at Château La Dominique near Saint Emilion village serves up modern French dishes with panoramic vineyard views.

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