A Perfect Saint Emilion Day Trip From Bordeaux

Explore Saint Emilion on a day trip from Bordeaux. Walk through medieval streets and visit iconic wineries.

Located in the heart of Bordeaux’s wine region, Saint Emilion is a charming medieval town known for its history, cobblestone streets, and world-class wineries.

If you are a wine lover a Saint Emilion day trip from Bordeaux is a must.

Saint Emilion has the perfect combination of a small European town and award-winning vineyards.

During our trip to Bordeaux, we took a train and spent a day exploring the charming town of Saint Emilion.

In this post, we’ll share how to get there, what to see, and top tips for enjoying the wineries that make Saint Emilion famous.

How to Get from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion

Getting to Saint Emilion is straightforward, with multiple transportation options depending on your preference and budget.

By Train

The train is one of the easiest and most popular ways to reach Saint Emilion from Bordeaux.

1. Departure Point: Trains to Saint Emilion depart from Bordeaux’s Saint-Jean station.
2. Travel Time: The journey takes about 35 minutes.
3. Tickets: Book tickets in advance through SNCF’s website or app to secure a good price. Round-trip tickets typically cost between €10-€20.
4. Arrival: The Saint Emilion train station is about a 15-minute walk from the town center. The walk offers beautiful countryside views, setting the tone for a relaxing day ahead.

We took an early morning train from Bordeaux to Saint Emilion.

To be honest we didn’t need to arrive so early and neither do you.

Like many other European towns things in Saint Emilion start to open around 10 am.

By Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore more of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

1. Drive Time: Saint Emilion is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Bordeaux by car.
2. Parking: There are parking lots at the edge of the town center, as the narrow streets of Saint Emilion are best explored on foot.
3. Rental Locations: Major rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar have locations in Bordeaux. Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The advantage of having a car is that it allows you to visit multiple wineries at your own pace, making it easier to explore more of the area.

We used an Uber to go from the city center to the winery and later to the train station. However, Ubers and taxis are limited in Saint Emilion, so we did have to wait a bit.

If you’re driving, keep in mind the need to drink responsibly to ensure your safety on the road.

Exploring the Heart of Saint Emilion

Once we arrived by train, we walked from the train station to the city center.

The walk is easy and takes about 10-15 minutes, with a slight incline in a few spots. The beautiful countryside views along the way make it well worth the effort.

City Center and Panoramic Views

The first stop on our Saint Emilion day trip was the heart of the town.

Walking through its cobblestone streets was like stepping back in time.

These charming paths are perfect for a nice stroll, filled with boutique shops and wine cellars.

Make your way up to one of the town’s viewpoints, such as near the Church.

The sweeping views of vineyards and the town’s red-tiled rooftops are beautiful.

Cloître des Cordeliers

Once we took in the city views from the top we made our way to the cloisters.

The 14-century cloisters are a peaceful hidden gem in Saint Emilion, perfect for taking a break during your visit.

The site is renowned for producing sparkling wine using traditional methods, which you can sample or purchase on-site.

Stroll through the gardens, admire the impressive Gothic architecture, and explore the underground cellars.

Église Monolithe de Saint Emilion

A visit to the Monolithic Church of Saint Emilion is a must.

Carved entirely out of limestone rock in the 12th century, this underground church is a medieval architectural masterpiece.

What to See

• The Nave and Columns: The vast interior, supported by massive stone columns, is an impressive sight, showcasing the craftsmanship of the time.
• The Bell Tower: Climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding vineyards.
• Catacombs and Hermitage: Explore the eerie yet fascinating catacombs and the hermitage where Saint Emilion himself is believed to have lived.

Guided tours are available to explore the church and its catacombs.

Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time, as slots can fill up quickly.

Access to the bell tower is not included in the Church’s ticket, it has an additional cost of 2 euro per person.

Wine Tasting and Lunch at Château La Dominique

No Saint Emilion day trip would be complete without visiting a winery.

From the city center, we took an Uber to Château La Dominique, a renowned winery that combines incredible wine, architecture, and food.

We had lunch at their stunning rooftop restaurant, La Terrasse Rouge, which offers panoramic vineyard views.

The menu features a mix of French classics and innovative dishes, paired with their delicious wines.

This lunch was one of the best meals we had during our trip, all of the dishes were so fresh and made from produce from the southwest of France.

After lunch, we joined a guided tour of the winery to learn about their wine production process.

Fortunately, our tour ended up being just the two of us, which made the experience feel much more private and intimate.

One of the interesting things about this vineyard is that it mixes the modern with the traditional.

The focal point of the winery is the contemporary red steel building but when you walk around the estate in the back the original French architecture is still preserved.

Even their wine making process blends modern with traditional techniques imparting a unique taste to their wines.

You will be able to observe this mix of old and new in their wine cellar and their blending techniques.

The tour ends with a tasting session featuring a selection of Château La Dominique’s wines in their beautiful tasting room.

Nearby Winery: Château Cheval Blanc

If you have time for another stop, Château Cheval Blanc is located nearby and is one of Saint Emilion’s most prestigious wineries.

The winery produces some of the finest Saint Emilion wines, often celebrated for their complexity and elegance.

The estate also combines its rich history with stunning contemporary architecture, making it a visual treat. You can actually see the building from Château La Dominique.

Its reputation for producing exceptional Bordeaux blends makes it worth a visit.

Top Tips for Visiting Wineries in Saint Emilion

Planning your winery visits in advance is essential for a smooth experience.

Here are our top tips:

1. Book Reservations Early: Many wineries require reservations for tours and tastings.
2. Choose a Mix of Wineries: Saint Emilion has a mix of historic estates and modern wineries. Visiting both gives you a broader understanding of the region’s winemaking.
3. Plan Transportation: If you’re planning to drink, avoid driving. Consider using Uber or local wine tour services.
4. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and vineyard visits.
5. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with Bordeaux wine classifications to enhance your appreciation of the wines you taste.

Why Visit Saint Emilion On A Day Trip

Spending a day exploring Saint Emilion was one of the highlights of our trip.

From its medieval streets to its world-renowned wineries, Saint Emilion offers a day filled with history, beauty, and indulgence.

Whether you’re exploring its monolithic church or savoring wines at Château La Dominique, every moment feels like a step into another world.

With easy access from Bordeaux and plenty of activities to fill your day, a Saint Emilion day trip is a highlight of any Bordeaux itinerary.

Make sure to plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and bring your love for wine and history—you won’t be disappointed!

Have you visited Saint Emilion before, or are you planning a trip? Let us know in the comments below!