Discover the enchanting village of Saint-Émilion on a half-day tour from Bordeaux. This UNESCO World Heritage Site promises a captivating blend of culture, history, and exceptional wines. Explore picturesque streets, ancient catacombs, and a historic château while learning about the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Indulge in tastings of three exquisite local wines, including a full-bodied Merlot and a smooth Cabernet Franc. With stunning countryside vineyard views, this tour offers a delightful experience for any visitor to Bordeaux.
Key Points
- Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, including its monolithic church and underground limestone structures, on a half-day tour from Bordeaux.
- Visit a historic château in the countryside to learn about winemaking and enjoy a tasting of three local vintages.
- Discover the diverse wine styles of the Saint-Émilion region, including a full-bodied Merlot, elegant Cabernet Franc, and fruit-forward Bordeaux Blanc.
- The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and is priced from $92.44 per person, with transportation and a driver-guide included.
- The tour starts and ends at a central location in Bordeaux, accessible by public transport, with comfortable shoes recommended.
Tour Overview
This half-day Saint-Émilion Tour and Wine Tasting activity lasts approximately 4 hours. Priced from $92.44 per person, it’s a popular choice that often sells out.
The experience includes transportation, a driver-guide, a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed village, a visit to a historic château, and a tasting of 3 local wines. Visitors will admire the countryside vineyards as well.
The tour starts and ends at a central location in Bordeaux, accessible by public transport. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early and wear comfortable shoes. Children under 16 aren’t permitted.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bordeaux.
Discovering the Village of Saint-Émilion
What awaits visitors on the guided tour of the village of Saint-Émilion? A captivating exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into its rich history and unique architecture.
The tour highlights:
A captivating exploration of the village’s monolithic church, picturesque streets, panoramic viewpoints, and ancient catacombs.
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The monolithic church, an impressive underground structure carved into the limestone.
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The picturesque streets lined with charming medieval buildings and artisanal workshops.
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The panoramic viewpoints showcasing the rolling vineyards that have made Saint-Émilion renowned for its exceptional wines.
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The ancient catacombs and ruins that tell the stories of the region’s winemaking heritage.
This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for the timeless allure of this enchanting village.
Visiting a Historic Château
After exploring the charming village of Saint-Émilion, the tour moves on to visit a historic château in the surrounding countryside.
Guests have the opportunity to step inside the grand estate, admiring its architectural features and learning about its rich history from the knowledgeable guide.
The tour explores the château’s cellars, where rows of aging oak barrels hold the region’s renowned wines.
Visitors then enjoy a tasting of three local vintages, savoring the complex flavors that have made Saint-Émilion a premier wine destination.
This exclusive château visit offers a glimpse into the tradition and craftsmanship behind Bordeaux’s esteemed wines.
Wine Tasting Experience
Following the tour of the historic château, visitors are treated to a wine tasting experience that showcases the renowned vintages of the Saint-Émilion region.
The tasting features three high-quality local wines:
Three high-quality local wines are featured in the tasting, showcasing the renowned vintages of the Saint-Émilion region.
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A full-bodied Merlot, showcasing the richness of the region’s terroir.
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A smooth, velvety Cabernet Franc, renowned for its elegant structure.
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A lively, fruit-forward Bordeaux Blanc, highlighting the diversity of the appellation.
The knowledgeable guide provides tasting notes and insights, allowing guests to appreciate the nuances of each wine.
More Great Tours NearbyCountryside Vineyard Views
As the tour progresses, the group ventures out of the charming village and into the surrounding countryside, where they’re treated to stunning views of the region’s verdant vineyards.
Rolling hills dotted with endless rows of grapevines stretch out before them, painting a picturesque landscape.
The guide points out the various grape varieties and explains how the unique terroir of Saint-Émilion contributes to the exceptional quality of the wines.
Pausing to take in the serene beauty, the travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the winemaking traditions that have thrived in this area for centuries.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes transportation, a knowledgeable driver-guide, a guided tour of the village and a local winery, as well as tastings of three high-quality regional wines.
Enjoy the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide and tastings of three high-quality regional wines.
Plus, informative brochures are provided to enhance the experience.
However, the tour excludes:
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Personal expenses
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Tips
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Suitability for children under 16 years
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Pets or unaccompanied minors
This half-day excursion offers an immersive journey through the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, complemented by the opportunity to savor the renowned wines of the region.
Important Information for Guests
The meeting point for the tour is Olala Bordeaux, located at 2 Mably street in central Bordeaux, which is accessible via Tramway Lines B, C, and D (Stop Quinconces). Guests should arrive 15 minutes early, as the tour will not wait for late arrivals. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Pets and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The tour is offered in English.
| What to Bring | Not Allowed |
| — | — |
| Comfortable Shoes | Pets |
| – | Unaccompanied Minors |
Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Saint-Émilion Tour and Wine Tasting, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 638 reviews.
The guide service received a 4.8/5 rating, with travelers praising the guides’ knowledge and personal experiences. The transportation was also highly rated at 4.8/5.
Reviewers highlighted the romantic charm of Saint-Émilion and the quality of the wines tasted. While the value for money was rated 4.4/5, the majority of travelers found the tour to be an excellent experience and recommended it to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary includes a wine tasting, and outside food and beverages are not permitted. The tour provides transportation and guided experiences at the designated stops.
What Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place?
The tour operator follows all local COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include mask-wearing, social distancing, and reduced group sizes. Specific details are subject to change, so guests should check with the operator before the tour.
Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photographs during the tour. The guide will provide opportunities to capture the scenic village of Saint-Émilion and the wine tasting experience. However, photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Do I Need to Speak French to Participate?
No, you don’t need to speak French to participate in the tour. The guided tour and wine tasting are provided in English, so English-speaking visitors can fully enjoy the experience without any language barrier.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?
The tour generally accommodates individuals with mobility issues, though the uneven cobblestone streets in Saint-Émilion may present some challenges. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour provider should be contacted in advance to discuss any special needs.
The Wrap Up
This half-day tour from Bordeaux offers a captivating exploration of the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion. Guests will discover picturesque streets, ancient catacombs, and a historic château while learning about the region’s renowned winemaking heritage. The highlight is a tasting of three exquisite local wines, including a full-bodied Merlot and a smooth Cabernet Franc. With stunning countryside views, this tour provides a delightful blend of culture, history, and exceptional wines.
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