• Introduction
• Getting There
• About the Wines
• Organic Wines
• France Index

A Little History & Background

St. Emilion was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1999, primarily due to it being an outstanding example of an historic vineyard landscape that has survived intact from Roman times to the present day. It is an exceptional landscape devoted entirely to wine-growing, with many fine historic monuments in its towns and villages.

The town is named after a holy man known as Aemilianus or Emilion who settled here in the 8th Century. The town came under a dual administration shared between a clerical chapter and a secular body known as The Jurade, instituted by King John of England and France in 1199. The Jurade played a key role in the development of viticulture in the area and remains in existence today and is probably the oldest body of its kind in France.

Short Breaks - St. Emilion

St. Emilion makes a great destination for a short break. The attractive medieval town of St. Emilion, listed as a World Heritage Site, provides a perfect focus for a relaxing break. A spot of wine tasting in some of the surrounding vineyards, a leisurely lunch in one of the outdoor cafés in the square and a wander through the marvellous cloisters of the 12th century collegiate church are just a few of the pleasures of this tranquil place.

A 3 night break from the UK will give you plenty of time to explore the pleasures of St.Emilion and the surrounding region.

Getting There from the UK

By Air:

Nearby gateway airports are Bordeaux (approx ½ hour drive from St. Emilion) and Bergerac (approx 1 hour drive from St. Emilion.) To check for current flight availability and prices click here.

By Train:

Eurostar from London St. Pancras (or Ebbsfleet or Ashford) to Paris Nord (2 hrs 20 mins), then TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Libourne or Bordeaux (3 hrs). Comfortable, high speed and hassle-free travel. Alternatively, for a simple same-station interchange you can take the Eurostar to Lille Europe and then a direct TGV to Bordeaux. Combined Eurostar + TGV tickets from £99 return 2nd class.

By Car:

If you have some time to spare, a relaxing journey through the highways and byways of France may be just what you are looking for. The drive can just about be undertaken in one day from the UK, but realistically you will want to book an overnight stay en-route to St. Emilion - perhaps in an area such as the delightful Loire Valley?

Car Hire

The best method of getting around the vineyards is by hiring a car. Car hire is available from both Bordeaux and Libourne stations.