St. Emilion

About

Saint-Emilion is renowned for its Grand Cru wines, making this small town a highlight of every sommelier's pilgrimage. Many of its historic vineyards having existed for centuries, and wine lovers can sample these historic local wines in Saint-Emilion's local bars, cellars, or even chateaus. To add to the experience, the picturesque medieval core is dominated by historic monuments that began sprouting up in the 11th century thanks to the town's position on the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela. The stand-out is the monolithic Church with its bell tower, which was partly carved into the living rock in the 12th century, forming the Grotto of Saint Emilion. Visitors can also enjoy the serenity of the medieval monastic catacombs, or the peaceful Collegiate Church with its cloister. Adding to the UNESCO-listed landscape are striking secular monuments such as the massive keep of the Château du Roi and the ruins of the Palais Cardinal.