Saint-Émilion
City Tours · Gironde
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© 2021
Saint-Émilion is one of France's leading tourist destinations. Nestled between vine-covered hills and picturesque alleys, this UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the perfect starting point for an unforgettable holiday in the Gironde.
A Place with 1000 Years of History
Emilion, a Breton monk from the 8th century, is the founder of this town. He decided to turn his back on the world and live as a hermit in Ascumbas—modern-day Saint-Émilion. His kindness and the miracles he performed made him famous far beyond the valleys. The monastery and eventually the town that now bears his name grew around his hermitage.
Today, the medieval town welcomes around one million visitors annually. The architectural heritage is immense: eleven of the seventeen historical buildings are under special protection. An absolute highlight is the largest underground (monolithic) church in Europe, which helped bring Saint-Émilion worldwide fame. The steep, cobbled alleys—known as tertres—make every stroll a journey through time.
Gourmets on Holiday
Alongside wine, macarons are Saint-Émilion's second famous specialty. The first were baked as early as 1620 by nuns of the Ursuline order. Legend has it that the recipe was given to a nun as payment for room and board. For centuries, the production remained a strictly guarded secret kept by only a few families.
