Saint-Émilion, Medieval commune in Gironde, France
Saint-Émilion is a commune in the Gironde department that spreads over limestone hills with medieval lanes and stone buildings. Vineyards cover large parts of the area and shape the landscape around the historic town center.
The settlement arose in the 8th century when the monk Émilion built a hermitage in the limestone caves here. His followers developed the community further and created the monolithic church directly in the rock during the 11th century.
The name comes from the Breton monk Émilion, who founded a hermitage here in the 8th century. Wine tastings and cellar visits shape daily life, while local artisans continue to produce traditional goods such as almond pastries.
The tourism office offers guided tours through the underground structures, including the church carved from limestone in the 11th century. The narrow lanes are mostly accessible on foot, and sturdy footwear makes walking easier on the uneven pavement.
Nuns of the Ursuline order developed the original recipe for macaroons from almonds, sugar, and egg whites in 1620. This specialty is still made and sold today using traditional methods in local confectionery shops.
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