One of the unmissable destinations in the Bordeaux region: Saint-Émilion. This medieval city, perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by vineyards, promises a day you will never forget.
Head to this small UNESCO World Heritage enclave. By road, you are looking at around 45 minutes from Bordeaux. A large car park on the outskirts of town lets you explore the streets on foot at your own pace. By TER train from Gare Saint-Jean, the journey takes just 30 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk through the vineyards. There are around 9 trains a day from Bordeaux for roughly €10 (https://www.sncf-connect.com/app/home/search/od)
Once you arrive, let yourself be guided by instinct and wander the narrow lanes up to the magnificent Cloître des Cordeliers. This history-laden spot serves regional wines beneath its medieval arches. Numerous wine cellars and restaurants will delight you throughout your visit, as will the famous macaron makers — small almond biscuits whose secret family recipe is a speciality of the village.
Wine is naturally at the heart of the town, but Saint-Émilion is also — and above all — home to extraordinary architectural monuments. Its 200 kilometres of underground tunnels, the Tour du Roy, the Ursulines convent, its monolithic church carved directly into the rock (whose 68-metre bell tower can be climbed for a breathtaking view of the village), its washhouses... A single day is not enough to take it all in, but the essentials are right there before your eyes, around the corner of a cobbled street or among the vineyards just outside the walls — such as Château Villemaurine (Grand Cru Classé) and its magnificent cellar.
For those hungry for history and culture, the Jurade ceremony offers a journey back in time. The Jurade's gatherings are truly timeless occasions. During these events, the Jurats parade through the city in their traditional red robes, echoing the all-powerful Jurade of centuries past. After attending mass, the Jurats gather in the cloister of the Collegiate Church, the Douves du Palais Cardinal, or the monolithic church, to conduct the induction ceremonies. Then, after lunch, they solemnly proclaim the Judgment of the New Wine on the third Sunday of June, or the Ban des Vendanges on the third Sunday of September.
Local guides offer personalised tours tailored to your interests: night-time walks, vineyard visits, or more off-the-beaten-track explorations of the town. Book your experience here
From the B&B: how to get to Saint-Émilion
From our B&B in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood, you have two options:
By car, allow around 45 minutes. A large free car park at the entrance to the village lets you park up and explore on foot.
By TER from Gare Saint-Jean (20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by tram from the B&B), the journey takes 35 minutes for around €10 return. Saint-Émilion station is then a 20-minute walk from the village, through the vines — a wonderful way to arrive.
We are happy to give our guests personalised recommendations on which châteaux to visit depending on the season. Find all our suggestions at bordeauxsaintmichel.com/autour-de-bordeaux.
Saint-Émilion is one of our guests' favourite day trips. To make the most of it, stay at B&B Bordeaux Saint-Michel: just 45 minutes from the medieval city, in an authentic and central neighbourhood.