Pilgrims and Wine: A Self-Guided Tour of Saint Émilion’s Secrets

Duration1h 30m - 2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Saint-Émilion rises from a limestone plateau where medieval pilgrims once sought miracles and modern visitors hunt down the perfect glass of wine. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll find out how an 8th century hermit’s cave became the foundation for Europe’s most extraordinary underground church and the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage wine region.

The tour starts at the iconic Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, a cathedral-sized hollow carved directly into the cliff, where you’ll trace the area’s evolution from a spiritual retreat to a prosperous medieval commune. You'll also Saint-Émilion Collegial Catholic Church at Saint-Émilion, where canons once lived, prayed, and shaped the town’s spiritual life.

I’ll show you about Saint-Émilion’s dual identity, with over 800 wineries occupying the same terroir that sustained medieval monasteries. The tour ends at the peaceful ruins of the Cloître des Cordeliers, where sparkling wine ages in limestone caves three kilometers deep.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

What to expect

Chateau Ausone
Pass by

You’ll catch a glimpse of Château Ausone, a prestigious Saint-Émilion estate renowned for its exceptional Bordeaux wines. Please note that admission to the château and any tastings or activities are not included in this tour.
La Tour du Chateau du Roy
Pass by

You’ll pass by the Tour du Roy, a historic stone tower in Saint-Émilion once used for defensive and ceremonial purposes. Please note that admission to the tower is not included in this tour.
Couvent Des Jacobins
Pass by

You’ll pass by the Couvent des Jacobins, a historic Dominican convent in Saint-Émilion now known for its vineyard and wine production. Please note that admission to the convent and any related activities are not included in this tour.
Les Cordeliers
Pass by

You’ll catch a glimpse of the Cloître des Cordeliers, a former Franciscan monastery in Saint-Émilion now famed for its sparkling wines and peaceful gardens. Please note that admission and any related activities are not included in this tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends at the Cloître des Cordeliers

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From

$14.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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