Saint-Emilion France
13
Cruises availables
At departure or passage at this port
Frequently Asked Questions
At Libourne on the Dordogne, at the Roger de Leyburn and Jeanne d'Albret pontoons. Saint-Émilion has no quay of its own: the village lies about eight kilometres away among the vines.
Three ways: the excursion coach offered on board, fifteen to twenty minutes and the simplest option; the regional train, a seven-minute ride but with a station below the village, about twenty minutes' walk from the ramparts; or a taxi booked in advance, about fifteen minutes.
The village and a tasting, without trying to add Libourne. The guided tour of the monolithic church, the climb to the Tour du Roy and one cellar fill the half day. Book the guided tour on arrival: places go quickly.
A church carved entirely out of the rock between the 11th and 12th centuries, the largest of its kind in Europe. From the market square you would never guess: you must join the tourist office's guided tour to descend into the catacombs, the chapel and the hermit's cave.
A Breton monk who settled in the 8th century in a cave in the limestone cliff. Around his hermitage, generations of builders hollowed out the underground town visitors see today.
Russet tile roofs and an ocean of vines in every direction, with the bell tower of the underground church standing guard. Getting there means climbing the tertres, cobbled lanes so steep they set your pace: wear closed shoes.
Because in 1999 its jurisdiction became the first wine region in the world inscribed on the World Heritage list. It is not only the village that is protected, but the entire vineyard landscape.
Yes, an hour's walk is enough. Founded in 1270 by Roger de Leyburn, lieutenant of the king of England, the town kept its bastide grid: straight streets converging on Place Abel-Surchamp, framed by arcades. The market is held on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Macarons, made here since 1620 to a recipe left by Ursuline nuns: almond, sugar, egg white and nothing else. They are still bought warm, in trays of twenty-four.
The euro, and cards are accepted in cellars, shops and restaurants. Some cash remains useful at the Libourne market and with small producers.
