St-Émilion

Red wine country east of Bordeaux, where a medieval village of steep streets and a church carved from limestone sits above the vines.

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St-Émilion is a medieval commune in the Gironde department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, in southwestern France, about 35 km east of Bordeaux. It sits between Libourne and Castillon-la-Bataille, and vineyards cover more than 67% of its land. The town and its vineyards have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, recognized for winemaking, Romanesque churches and streets that climb steeply.

St-Émilion is known for red wine. Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate its vineyards on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. In the village, the monolithic church was carved from a limestone cliff in the 11th century. It is one of Europe's largest underground churches, and visitors can enter it to see the catacombs. The Tour du Roy, a 1237 limestone tower about 15 m high, can be climbed for a view over the town. The streets are steep and narrow, so comfortable shoes matter. Plan a day for the village and one estate, or two nights for more time in the vineyards. This suits wine lovers and history fans.

St-Émilion in five

Book tastings before you goMany châteaux take visitors by appointment, and weekend slots sell out. Ask the tourist office or book online.
Visit the monolithic church by guided tourThe underground church is cut from rock and entered with a guide. Check the tourist office for the schedule and book ahead in summer.
Take the train, then walk or taxiRegional trains from Bordeaux stop at St-Émilion station, about 2 km from the village. Walk up through the vines or take a taxi.Bordeaux
Do not drive after tastingsRoads are narrow and the French drink-drive limit is strict. Hire a driver, join a tour or stay in the village.

Things to do in St-Émilion

See all attractions in St-Émilion

Historic site · St-ÉmilionCloître des Cordeliers

Sight · St-ÉmilionClocher de l’Église Monolithe

Historic site · St-ÉmilionLa tour du Roy

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to St-ÉmilionPut the places you like in St-Émilion on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Bordeaux–Mérignac (BOD), about 45 min by car
Getting there: TER from Bordeaux about 40 min; by car about 40 min
Getting around: On foot in the village; taxi or car for châteaux
Best base: The village itself or a château stay
Time needed: A day; 2 for tastings and walks

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryRain13 rainy daysHigh10°Low4°Cool, quiet
FebruaryPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh13°Low5°Cool, quiet
MarchRain13 rainy daysHigh15°Low7°Mild, spring
AprilRain12 rainy daysHigh18°Low9°Spring green
MayRain13 rainy daysHigh21°Low12°Warm, flowering
JuneRain12 rainy daysHigh26°Low15°Warm, busy
JulyClear8 rainy daysHigh28°Low17°Hot, busy
AugustClear8 rainy daysHigh29°Low17°Hot, busy
SeptemberPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh25°Low14°Harvest
OctoberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh21°Low12°Fall color
NovemberRain14 rainy daysHigh14°Low8°Cool, wet
DecemberRain13 rainy daysHigh12°Low6°Cool, quiet

Average daily high and low in St-Émilion, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in St-Émilion

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 6°
Humidity: 66%
Wind: 14 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

St-Émilion

09:47 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+1

Today14°3°0%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 14°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
Tue11°2°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed13°-3°8%Wednesday: Fog. High 13°, Low -3°. Chance of rain 8%.
Thu18°1°8%Thursday: Fog. High 18°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 8%.
Fri18°2°5%Friday: Fog. High 18°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 5%.
Sat18°1°8%Saturday: Fog. High 18°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 8%.
Sun15°7°48%Sunday: Rain. High 15°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 48%.

Updated 07:24 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

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EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Before you go to St-Émilion

Wine tours from BordeauxTransport and tastings arrangedCompare day trips

Car hire from BordeauxFor châteaux that lack transitCompare car hire

eSIM for Bordeaux wine countryOffline maps for narrow vineyard lanesRead the guide

Cover for a wine tripLost bags and cancelled toursRead the guide

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Rules for St-Émilion, checked

Most non-EU visitors need a passport valid for their stay, and some need a Schengen visa. Check the rules on france-visas.gouv.fr before you fly.Source
The drink-drive limit in France is 0.5 g of alcohol per litre of blood. Taste with a driver or book a taxi between estates.
Bringing wine home is subject to your home country's customs allowances. Check the rules for your country before you buy cases at the estates.

Plan around St-Émilion

Bordeaux travel guide

The city base for wine day trips

Read the guide Arcachon travel guide

Oysters and dunes on the Atlantic coast

Read the guide Sarlat-la-Canéda

Medieval Dordogne town to the east

Read the guide Atlantic Coast

Plan the coast from La Rochelle to Biarritz

Read the guide All of France

Regions, trains, entry rules and money for a France trip

Read the guide

St-Émilion FAQ

Is St-Émilion worth a day trip from Bordeaux?

Yes. The village is pretty, easy by train and surrounded by vines. It is crowded in summer, so go early.

How do you get from Bordeaux to St-Émilion?

By TER in about 40 minutes, then a 2 km walk or taxi from the station. By car it is about 40 minutes.

Do you need to book winery visits in St-Émilion?

Yes for most châteaux, especially in summer and at weekends. The tourist office can help with last-minute options.

How long do you need in St-Émilion?

A day covers the village, a tasting and the church. Stay overnight if you want the village after the day-trippers leave.

Is St-Émilion walkable?

The village is small and hilly, with cobbles. Wear sturdy shoes and expect steep streets.