Saint Emilion Sights
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Port
Bordeaux, France
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
There's no better place to begin exploring this attractive region than at Saint Emilion -- heartland of Merlot grape growing. This area produces delicious, rich, round wines. The vines on the 'hill of a thousand châteaux' reach right up to Saint Emilion's 13th-century town walls and the surrounding moat dug out of solid rock. Members of the local wine brotherhood, the Jurats, proclaim the vintage banns in much the same way as their ancestors did during the reign of Richard the Lionheart.
Visit the main monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Collegiale Church and its magnificent cloister from the 12th century, the ramparts, the marketplace, and the monolithic church or underground church from the 9th and 12th centuries. Consecrated to the holy hermit by the Benedictine monks, this is unique in Europe for its size. It represents a stunning transformation of the natural caves in the cliff-face that have been used for religious purposes from prehistoric times to the present day.
Beside the church, the catacombs include a charnel house and a number of sepulchers from the 11th and 12th centuries. The Hermitage was constructed by transforming a natural grotto.
Strolling along the streets, you will also see the Cadene Gate and the King's Tower.
After your guided tour, you will have free time for shopping and independent exploration.
Notes:
Video and still photography are not permitted during the underground tour in St Emilion. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.