Planning a Saint-Émilion day trip? I’ve always been enchanted by medieval towns. They have a way of transporting me back in time. During our winter visit to Saint-Émilion, we explored its cobblestone streets, visited the must-see Monolithic Church, enjoyed a delicious lunch, and ended the day with a wine tasting. Despite it being the off-season, we were captivated by the town’s quiet charm and stunning vineyard views.
If you’re considering a day trip, then this post, ‘Planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip: The Ultimate Guide,’ is for you. I have plenty of travel tips to share for a memorable experience.
Why Visit Saint-Émilion?
Nestled approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion beckons travelers with its picturesque medieval charm and renowned vineyards. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this quaint town is celebrated for its historic architecture and the allure of its prestigious châteaux. Visitors are invited to explore ancient underground catacombs, wander through vineyard-draped hillsides, and indulge in wine tastings that highlight the region’s exceptional vintages. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a history buff, Saint-Émilion offers an enchanting day trip opportunity. Immerse yourself in its blend of history, culture, and wine, promising an unforgettable experience.
When is the Best Time to Visit Saint-Émilion?
When planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip, of course, most people are drawn to when is the best time to visit to see the vineyards in full swing. The best time to visit Saint-Émilion is during the spring and fall seasons, particularly from April to June and September to October. During these times, the weather is mild, and the vineyards are lush and vibrant, offering picturesque landscapes for exploration.
Additionally, these months are less crowded compared to the peak summer season, which typically spans from July to August. Visiting during the spring and fall allows visitors to enjoy the town’s charm and attractions without the hustle and bustle of large crowds.
It’s also a great time for wine enthusiasts as the vineyards are often in full swing with activities such as grape harvesting and wine tastings. Regardless of the season, Saint Emilion offers plenty to explore and enjoy during a day trip.
How Do I Get to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux?
So you’re headed to Saint-Émilion and you have a your choice of transportation options to reach this charming medieval town from Bordeaux:
By Train
One of the most convenient, and the option I must recommend to travel to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux is by train. Trains depart every hour from Bordeaux’s Gare Saint-Jean station and arrive at the Saint-Émilion station in approximately 30-45 minutes. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and vineyards along the way.
As mentioned we opted for the picturesque train ride to Saint-Émilion. We pre-booked our tickets through trainline.com for 17 euros round trip per person, making this choice affordable and convenient. While you can buy round trip tickets at Gare Saint-Jean, it may take some time on busier days, so I do recommend pre-booking. Fortunately, we took an early train and had no issues with seating on the trip there.
Planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip: Off-Season (Know Before You Go)
Because it was February, which is typically considered the off-season from November to March, there were no shuttles from the train station to the town. We had to make the 20-minute, moderate hike/walk. The views greeted us right out of the station, offering plenty to admire and take in on our trek. However, for some, if mobility is an issue, a guided tour (which I’ll include below as another way to get to Saint-Émilion) may be the best option, or possibly renting a car as mentioned above. During the peak tourist season, two tuk-tuk companies provide tours and can be booked as a shuttle into town. Note both must be pre-booked by telephone or by contacting them through their respective websites.
- Ecoexcursions: Phone #: 07 49 77 76 72 & Cost: €4 per person.
- Tuk-Tuk des Cordeliers: Phone #: 06 40 83 62 60 for a transfer. & Cost: €5 per person
I will note that on the way back, being a Wednesday afternoon, the train was packed with commuters, but we were still able to get a seat. This may also factor into your decision on transportation options when planning your day to Saint-Émilion.
By Bus
Another option when planning a Saint-Émilion day trip is to take a bus. First, it does offer the cheapest transportation. However, there are drawbacks. The bus journey typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Traffic can be heavy during weekday evening commutes, especially after 6 p.m., both to and from Saint-Émilion. Additionally, these buses may only operate during peak tourist seasons. During my travels in February 2024, I couldn’t find an active route. Furthermore, limited seating availability may be an issue during peak times, even for passengers with valid tickets.
Instructions: TransGironde is the name of the bus line. Take line #304 in the direction of Libourne/Saint-Emilion from the Quinconces bus terminal (a 1-minute walk from the Bordeaux tourist office). Tickets can be bought from the driver while boarding a single ticket is €2.30, while a roundtrip ticket is €4.10. Bus Schedule here (valid until June 2024)
By Car
For those who prefer to drive, renting a car offers flexibility and convenience for exploring Saint-Émilion and its surrounding areas. The drive from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion covers approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) and typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Note that Saint-Émilion provides limited parking due to its small size, but you can find both paid and free parking options here. The website offers an app to manage parking remotely and a map to locate available parking lots.
By Cycling
You have a combination of cycling options when planning a Saint-Émilion day trip. Option 1: Pedal your way to Saint-Émilion on dedicated bike paths and scenic routes. Renting a bicycle in Bordeaux allows visitors to explore the countryside and vineyards at their own pace. The average bike ride from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion takes around 3 to 4 hours, covering approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles). Cyclists can explore scenic routes through vineyards, countryside, and villages, enjoying charming surroundings. Option 2: Rent in Bordeaux, and take the train to get to and around Saint-Émilion. Either option you choose, don’t forget to stop from time to time to enjoy your surroundings.
- Paulette: 13 Rue Villedieu in Bordeaux has great prices and a great selection of rental bikes from touring, mountain, electric hybrid, and tandem bikes. Check out their website.
By Guided Tour
Guided tours from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion offer travelers a hassle-free experience, as they include a package that conveniently combines both transportation and wine tastings. These tours seamlessly facilitate exploring select wineries and attractions in Saint-Émilion without travelers needing to worry about logistics. Whether you’re interested in learning about winemaking or simply savoring the local flavors, a guided tour ensures a memorable and enjoyable day trip experience.
I have included both full and half-day tours here that are all-inclusive, meaning they travel from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion and allow you to explore the town and vineyards. In the My Chateaux/Vineyard recommendations sections, further down in the blog, I also recommend 4 other tours with the option for visitors to walk, bike, or drive as they prefer.
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Planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip: Can I See it All?
Can you see all the must-see attractions in one day? I do recommend going with a plan in mind but also leaving some time to wander. The views while simply walking around Saint-Émilion were breathtaking from every vantage point. We wandered past the Wash Houses, The King’s Keep, and up to the bell tower of the Monolithic Church. We didn’t climb the King’s Tower ourselves because it only opened on weekends.
Although we didn’t get to enjoy entering all the sites Saint-Émilion has to offer, we appreciated the small placards dotted around the town. Some explained what we were seeing from our current viewpoint or what historical significance it held. These placards were written in both French and English. If you need directions to one, it’s by the bell tower of the Monolithic Church. Happy wandering!
The main attractions to see in Saint-Émilion are deeply rooted in its rich history and picturesque surroundings. These include:
The Monolithic Church
An impressive underground church carved entirely from limestone rock, with intricate carvings and centuries-old architectural details. Explore its vast chambers and marvel at the sheer size of the cavern that forms the Monolithic Church, also stated to be the largest Monolithic Church in Europe. [Don’t miss me]
While cathedrals and churches are abundant throughout Europe, the Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion is truly something worth seeing. It’s a striking masterpiece of medieval architecture, and it’s amazing to wander and learn about its awe-inspiring and unique construction.
To visit the Monolithic Church, you must book a tour because its ownership is private. I believe this adds to its mystique and allure as a gem of Saint-Émilion. Tickets for adults are 15 euros, children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old are 8 euros, and those under 6 are free. Tours are available in French, English, and Spanish and last exactly one hour.
King’s Tower (Tour du Roy)
The King’s Tower offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding vineyards from its lofty heights, providing a breathtaking perspective of Saint-Émilion’s streets and rolling countryside. If you get the chance to visit, bring comfortable shoes for the 118-step climb.
The Cordeliers Cloister
Remember the tuk-tuk tour mentioned as a shuttle option? During peak season, tourists can also explore The Cordeliers Cloisters. The Cloisters are famous for their underground tunnels that provided much of the limestone for building both Saint-Émilion and some of Bordeaux. Come and take the hour-long tour of the citadel of Saint-Émilion and the cellar, where they produce not just wine, but sparkling wine they’ve been making since 1892!
Vineyards/Châteaux Recommendation
We’ve come to the main attraction that draws many to explore the renowned winemaking heritage of Saint-Émilion. Below I have showcased the wonderful Chateaux we experienced whilst in the medieval city.
I found this particular vineyard through my research, posing the question “vineyards to see in Saint-Émilion without having a car,” I came across the quaint and remarkable Chateau Guadet.
The Château Guadet is a historic wine estate located in the heart of Saint-Émilion, practically a 5-minute walk from the Monolithic church. It is renowned for its exceptional wines and rich history, dating back several centuries. The château’s origins trace back to the 18th century when it was constructed by the Guadet family, after whom it is named.
We received a warm welcome from Guy Guadet, both in person and through email correspondence. He provided an amazing overview of what his family creates with the estate’s unique terroir. The tour was informative and enjoyable. In the end, we had the opportunity to experience and taste three of their high-quality Grand Cru wines. My favorite part was the loop around Guy’s limestone wine cellar below the Château. Overall, I can’t recommend the tour at Château Guadet enough. It offers a captivating experience for visitors seeking to discover the rich winemaking tradition and cultural heritage of Saint-Émilion, and it’s both personable and tasty. The tour cost 20 euros per person and lasted an hour.
Other Chateaux with Guided Tours
Note: some of these can be reached on foot, by bike, or by car. I hope this selection helps you to find an experience to round out your day!
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Lunch in Saint-Émilion?
While the square below the bell tower of the Monolithic church may feel like a bit of a tourist trap, grabbing a small beverage and a snack and taking in your surroundings is worth it.
As for lunch, I can’t recommend Chai Pascal anymore. When you arrive, you step into a renovated wine cellar. The restaurant combines rustic charm with modern elegance, providing a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Tucked away along the cobbled streets of Saint Emilion, this restaurant feels like a hidden gem, and more so a place where the locals dine.
Here, you’ll savor the flavors of French cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients. And what’s a meal in Saint-Émilion without a glass of fine wine? The friendly staff will gladly recommend the perfect pairing to complement your dish.
Chai Pascal offers more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to indulge in the essence of this charming town. I had the succulent duck, with a puree and a touch of veggies, while my partner had a perfectly cooked pork loin also served with a puree. We paired it with two nice reds and did not skip dessert, which was an apple tart with vanilla bean ice cream.
How Much Time Should I Spend in St. Emilion?
A day trip to Saint-Émilion can vary depending on individual preferences and interests. Generally, a full day is recommended to fully explore the town, visit its attractions, indulge in wine tastings, and soak in the ambiance. Ideally, plan for at least 6-8 hours to ensure you have enough time to experience the main highlights and enjoy the serene beauty of Saint-Émilion without feeling rushed. Remember to leave time to wander. I’ve added the average time suggested that people visit the must-see sights in Saint-Émilion.
Planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip (Some wardrobe tips)
Saint-Émilion, again, is a medieval town lined with cobblestone streets. Heels, as I witnessed one woman regretting, aren’t the best footwear for navigating the hills or uneven stairs of the town. I highly recommend a good pair of tennis shoes for your visit, as well as bringing along a light jacket, as many of the underground cellars can be quite chilly.
All set with planning a Saint-Émilion Day Trip
All set with your plans? These tips offer a blend of rich history, picturesque surroundings, and cultural experiences that make Saint-Émilion a memorable destination. From Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is a practical and perfect day trip. I hope they help in your itinerary planning. Happy Wandering!
