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From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Samira

Samira

Aug 2025
I joined as a solo traveler and felt totally included. The chocolate stop is a sweet surprise (literally). Wine was good, but wish we had more time to explore the grounds. Little bit rushed at the last chateau, but overall a fun few hours.
Lea

Lea

Aug 2025
#We went as a family of 4. Our teens were kinda bored at first, but perked up for the chocolate tasting! The guide was patient and answered all their questions. Wish the tour bus had A/C though—it was HOT.
Khaled

Khaled

Jul 2025
Nice way to spend an afternoon. Group was small, which I liked. Guide answered all my questions (even the dumb ones lol). The last stop was the best – their wine is next level. Would recommend if you want something chill.
Sofia

Sofia

Aug 2025
Omg what a day! If you’re worried about not knowing enough about wine, don’t be – I knew literally nada and still had the best time. We got to walk through the vines (watch your step, the ground’s uneven lol), see barrels in the cellar, and eat outside under these massive trees. Our guide even brought extra water bottles, thank you! Gonna recommend to all my friends.
Tomas

Tomas

Aug 2025
Booked last minute, didn’t expect much but WOW, Saint Emilion is just beautiful. Our guide (Marion?) was so welcoming and down to earth. The bus ride was comfy, aircon worked (thank god). Wish we had more time wandering the little streets, felt slightly rushed but maybe that’s just me wanting more pastries. The wine place was cool, but I got a bit lost with all the info. Still, def worth it for a day trip.
Freya

Freya

Aug 2025
Went solo and made a few new friends on the bus. The tour wasn’t too long, which was great. Our guide switched between English and Spanish for everyone. Got a bit bored with the wine talk but LOVED wandering Saint Emilion’s tiny alleys. Heads up: bring good shoes, the cobblestones are no joke.

Top things to do in Bordeaux

Cité du Vin building with modern architecture in Bordeaux, France.

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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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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