Saint-Émilion, Medieval commune in Gironde, France
Saint-Émilion extends across limestone hills with narrow streets, stone buildings, and extensive vineyards covering more than two-thirds of its territory.
The settlement originated in the 8th century when Breton monk Émilion established a hermitage in the limestone caves, attracting followers who developed the community.
The Jurade of Saint-Émilion, founded in 1199, continues to maintain wine quality standards and celebrates harvests through traditional ceremonies throughout the year.
The tourist office provides guided tours of the underground monuments, including the monolithic church carved from limestone during the 11th century.
Local nuns from the Ursuline order created the original recipe for Saint-Émilion macaroons in 1620, using almonds, sugar, and egg whites.
Location: Gironde
Location: arrondissement of Libourne
Elevation above the sea: 42 m
Shares border with: Libourne, Montagne, Moulon, Néac, Pomerol, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Vignonet
Address: Saint-Émilion, France 33330 Saint-Émilion
Phone: +33557247209
Email: accueil@ville-stemilion.fr
Website: https://saint-emilion.org
GPS coordinates: 44.89433,-0.15572
Latest update: August 28, 2025 15:17
French medieval locations feature architecture from the 11th to 15th centuries. Fortified walls, castles, churches and stone-paved streets define the historical urban structure. Residents maintain traditional crafts, regional cuisine and local customs. Many of these UNESCO heritage sites document important periods of French history.
In France, each region hides villages that seem out of time. These places are made of stone, wood, and light, where history is written on facades and in paved streets. Some are nestled in valleys, others cling to cliffs or overlook vineyards. There are old houses, squares lined with arcades, castles, Romanesque churches, and sometimes a river winding between gardens. These villages have retained the charm of their era, the slow pace of residents, and the sound of wind in shutters. From Breton granite to Alsatian half-timbered houses, from southern golden limestone to Alpine shingle roofs, each tells a way of life, a color, an accent. They form the deep face of the country, one that is only visible when taking the time to stop.
Château Cheval Blanc
3.9 km
Château Ausone
574 m
Église monolithe, Saint-Émilion
127 m
Château-Figeac
3.6 km
Château Canon
615 m
Cordeliers Cloister
153 m
Collégiale Saint-Émilion
66 m
Château Soutard
579 m
Château Franc Mayne
1.4 km
Menhir de Peyrefitte
3.9 km
Chapelle de la Trinité de Saint-Émilion
140 m
Château La Serre
419 m
Église Saint-Martin de Mazerat
687 m
Église de Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens
3.6 km
Château Troplong Mondot
1.2 km
Église Saint-Georges De Montagne
4.1 km
La Grande Muraille
182 m
Chapelle de la Trinité
159 m
Église Saint-Laurent de Saint-Laurent-des-Combes
2.1 km
Bâtiment accolé à la porte de la Cadène
78 m
Église Saint-Jean de Pomerol
5.5 km
Château de Lescours
3.5 km
Château du Roi
284 m
Cloister of the Collégiale Saint-Émilion
90 m
Logis de Malet
168 m
Porte de la Cadène
92 m
Palais Cardinal
186 m
Doyenné de Saint-Émilion
108 mReviews
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