Luxury holidays in Saint-Émilion

They’ve had 2000 years to perfect the art of growing grapes in Saint-Émilion and perfect it they have – you’ll find some of the wine world’s most famous names and chateaux dotted around this Unesco-protected countryside, just 25 miles east of Bordeaux. At the center is the town itself, a honey-hued stone wonder filled with steep, cobblestoned alleyways, mediaeval monasteries, Michelin-starred eateries and more wine shops than you can shake a cork at. Test your knowledge and your palate with a class or a blind tasting, before buying your newfound favourites to take home. Don’t worry if you’re travelling light – most of the wine shops will ship anywhere in the world.

Recommended offers

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When to go

We suggest late spring or September to avoid the high-summer crowds. Beware that some vineyards may be closed to visitors during the busy harvest period in mid to late-October.

Getting there

  • Planes

    A car isn’t a must for walkable Saint-Émilion and you can rent bikes from the visitors center for visiting vineyards. If you plan to venture further (to Cap Ferret or Arcachon, perhaps) we suggest renting a car at the airport.
  • Automobiles

    It’s just 45 minutes to Bordeaux by SNCF from Saint-Émilion’s train station, five minutes by car (or a 20-minute walk) from the town center.