Meet with your private driver at your hotel and depart for a full tour exploring the richness of Saint Émilion.
Cross the Garonne River to the Right Bank and arrive in the enchanting medieval village of Saint Émilion, classified by UNESCO in 1999. A luminous, ochre-colored jewel built of limestone and Roman roof tiles, it’s perched on a plateau and completely surrounded by a sea of vineyards. The steep and narrow cobblestone streets are lined with remnants of monasteries and convents dating from the 11th to 18th centuries that tell the story of the village. Explore the underground monuments including Emilion's hermitage, the Trinity Chapel with its unique original medieval paintings and most importantly the monolithic church -the largest of its kind in Europe!
After this fascinating visit, head to a nearby winery for lunch overlooking the surrounding vineyards (different types of cuisine available).
In the afternoon, you will explore the world-famous and remarkable Saint Émilion vineyards, also listed by UNESCO. The vineyards include hundreds of producers from the big names to small, family-owned properties. We will focus on the parallel between traditional and modern properties.
You will start the afternoon with a visit to Château Beauséjour Becot (or equivalent): this family-owned Premier Grand Cru Classé estate has been producing wine since the Gallo Romain period. The underground limestone quarries are quite unique and allow to keep thousands of bottles of wine in ideal conditions. As well as learning about the technical innovations, you will explore the underground galleries that portray perfectly the landscape of the region.
You will then head to Château La Dominique (or equivalent) where the brand new, ultra-modern winery was inaugurated in 2013. Designed by the famous architect Jean Nouvel, the new building houses the technical facilities and the wine cellar. The rooftop terrace offers a unique view of the surrounding vineyards. A unique location with cutting-edge techniques.
At the end of the visit, transfer back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Cross the Garonne River to the Right Bank and arrive in the enchanting medieval village of Saint Émilion, classified by UNESCO in 1999
- Explore the underground monuments including Emilion's hermitage, the Trinity Chapel
- Head to a nearby winery for lunch overlooking the surrounding vineyards
- Explore the world-famous and remarkable Saint Émilion vineyards
- Visit Château Beauséjour Becot (or equivalent): this family-owned Premier Grand Cru Classé estate has been producing wine since the Gallo Romain period
- Head to Château La Dominique (or equivalent) where the brand new, ultra-modern winery was inaugurated in 2013
.jpg "DMC Joelle photo")
