While Bordeaux may be the most famous wine region and city in the world, it’s the tiny town of Saint-Émilion that truly sets itself apart from the rest of the region. Home to some of the most prestigious wines in the entire world, St-Emilion was the first wine region to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic monuments and beautiful landscape. Perhaps it’s the world-class wines, the stunning chateaus, or the charming medieval town, but the people of Saint-Emilion have a certain joie de vivre and its reflected in absolutely everything they do. If you’re looking for a charming, unique, and intimate visit to French wine country, look no further than the stunning town of St-Emilion.

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Fast Facts

Location: 25 miles east of Bordeaux

Airport: Bordeaux Airport

Transportation: A car is recommended to get around. Some hotels have shuttles. There are also taxis and buses.

Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall

Population: Less than 2,000

Best Known For: Medieval architecture and world class wine

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The beautiful streets of St-Emilion

Where to Stay

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The premier hotel to stay in Saint-Émilion is the Château Grand Barrail, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. This unique hotel is located on a vast vineyard in the heart of Saint-Émilion wine country. Just minutes from downtown Saint-Émilion, guests can enjoy five-star service, dining, as well as the opportunity to stay in a fabulous French château! Click here if you’re interested in booking a dream vacation at this hotel!

Where to Eat

  • La Table de la Plaisance: This two Michelin-starred restaurant is the most upscale of dining options in the city of St-Emilion. It’s located in the old city of St-Emilion in a five-star hotel and it’s a must see when visiting the area.
  • Chai Pascal: This delectable restaurant is also a top wine bar in the city. We highly recommend dining on the duck and pairing it with a delightful Grand Cru Classé wine by the glass.
  • L’Auberge Saint-Jean: Located in tiny town of Saint-Jean-de-Blaignac, the one Michelin-starred, L’Auberge Saint-Jean offers a delicious taste of regional and seasonal cuisine. The delectable food is accented with a panoramic view of the Dordogne River.
  • Le Bis by Baud et Millet: Located in the center of Saint-Émilion, Baud et Millet is the ultimate restaurant for cheese lovers. While in Saint-Emilion, we had the pleasure of dining on coveted Mont D’or cheese while sipping on a local Grand Cru wine from just down the street.
  • Macarons Fermigier: It wouldn’t be a visit to Saint-Emilion without a taste of macaroons. This location has been in business since 1620 and it creates a simple and delicious macaroon made from almonds, butter, and sugar. Macaroons are a gourmet specialty of the city and this specific recipe was saved after the French Revolution and passed down from generation to generation.
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Mont D’or Cheese!

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Michelin-starred dining at L’Auberge Saint-Jean

Where to Wine Taste

  • Château Guadet: Located in the city of Saint-Émilion, this prestigious Grand Cru Classé estate is a must visit on any trip to the region of Bordeaux. Patrice, the owner, takes guests on a fascinating tour through the wine caves of the estate and teaches about the history of St-Emilion viniculture.
  • Château Fonroque: Owned by the same family that owns Château Grand Barrail, Château Fonroque is also a Grand Cru Classé vineyard. We had the honor of visiting during the harvest and we were able to see the grapes being picked, sorted, and crushed.
  • Rustic Vines Bike Tour: The folks at Rustic Vines Bike Tour take you through the vineyards of Saint-Emilion via e-bike. While exploring the region via bicycle, you’ll visit wineries and have a lovely picnic.
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Harvesting the grapes at Chateau Fonroque

Where to Taste Wine in Town

  • Sous la Robe: This recently opened wine bar is a must visit in Saint-Émilion. Its charming indoor and outdoor space is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful day while sipping on the best wines in the world.
  • Logis de la Cadène: Logis de la Cadène is known as one of the best places to taste wine in the city. We didn’t have the opportunity to visit, but it’s a favorite of locals and tourists alike!
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  • Le Cellier de Saint-Émilion: If you want to taste the best wines in the region without ever leaving town, head to Le Cellier de Saint-Émilion. This wine store has delicious tastings that are both an education and an experience. Plus, Le Cellier de Saint-Émilion ships wine around the world!

Bordeaux

While Saint-Emilion is truly a dream, don’t rush to get into the countryside. Since you’ll most likely be flying into or taking the train to Bordeaux, spend the day in this fabulous French city.

For your day in Bordeaux, we highly recommend walking around the center of the city and stopping in at all the fabulous shops, cheese stores, and wine stores. For a meal, we recommend dining at Brasserie Bordelaise, a place for “real food-lovers and honest drinkers.” The duck there is absolutely divine. After your dining experience, enjoy a different view of Bordeaux on a sidecar tour of the city. The sidecar tour can fit one person in the actual sidecar and one person on the back of the motorcycle. It was both an informative and entertaining way to view the city.

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