Pilgrims and Wine: A Self-Guided Tour of Saint Émilion’s Secrets

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Saint-Émilion rises from a limestone plateau where medieval pilgrims once sought miracles and modern visitors hunt down the perfect glass of wine. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll find out how an 8th century hermit’s cave became the foundation for Europe’s most extraordinary underground church and the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage wine region.

The tour starts at the iconic Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, a cathedral-sized hollow carved directly into the cliff, where you’ll trace the area’s evolution from a spiritual retreat to a prosperous medieval commune. You'll also Saint-Émilion Collegial Catholic Church at Saint-Émilion, where canons once lived, prayed, and shaped the town’s spiritual life.

I’ll show you about Saint-Émilion’s dual identity, with over 800 wineries occupying the same terroir that sustained medieval monasteries. The tour ends at the peaceful ruins of the Cloître des Cordeliers, where sparkling wine ages in limestone caves three kilometers deep.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Cloître des Cordeliers

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll catch a glimpse of Château Ausone, a prestigious Saint-Émilion estate renowned for its exceptional Bordeaux wines. Please note that admission to the château and any tastings or activities are not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Tour du Roy, a historic stone tower in Saint-Émilion once used for defensive and ceremonial purposes. Please note that admission to the tower is not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll pass by the Couvent des Jacobins, a historic Dominican convent in Saint-Émilion now known for its vineyard and wine production. Please note that admission to the convent and any related activities are not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    You’ll catch a glimpse of the Cloître des Cordeliers, a former Franciscan monastery in Saint-Émilion now famed for its sparkling wines and peaceful gardens. Please note that admission and any related activities are not included in this tour.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Spring Break
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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