Saint-Émilion Things to Do

The ruins of a Dominican convent and church greet you at the entrance to St. Emilioin if you are coming from Libourne. This huge wall with the remains of three vaults was abandoned after the 100 Years War around 1,200. Now the vineyards come right up to the wall.

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The Musee de Potterie located in the caves under St. Emilion is an interesting exhibition of the history of pottery in the region. There are many historical exhibits, including rectangular "plates" featuring scenes from medieval life through contemporary art pieces. The entrance is deceiving. As you enter the "building" you are quickly in a cave, which is quite cool.

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Built over the underground Monolithic Church, from the surface one does not even connect it with the Church. The view from the top provides wonderful panoramic views of St. Emilion and the nearby vineyards. Access costs 1.25E when you get the key from the tourist office. You are asked to lock the door behind you, no easy task when it is dark inside. There are several viewing areas available. The stairs could be a problem and are somewhat worn.

Below the belltower and across from the entrance to the Monolithic Church is the cave of St. Emilion. St. Emilion developed a following when, as a monk in Britttany, while distributing misappropriated loaves of bread to the poor, he was caught, told to show the bread and the bread loaves miraculously were turned into sticks of wood. After several other such miracles, he obtained a following where he was thought to cure sickness and infertility. He moved to the town that now bears his name and lived in a cave for 38 years, living off the tiny spring and gifts of food. Pilgrims flocked to St. Emilion and even after he died women with fertility issues would sit in his rock meditation chair.

Under the hill upon which the town of St. Emilion sits is the Monolithic Church. As the hill was excavated for the limestone blocks needed to build the town, an underground church was created. Carvings on the walls add to the mystery. On the South ceiling is a carving of Gemini, for the summer solstice and on the North is a carving of Saggitarius. Interesting that astrological signs were prominately displayed in a church. It can only be accessed by a paid tour.

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This old cloister was part of a long abandoned monastery. It is a little gem in a town so focused on wine, that stumbling upon it is a nice break. There is a nice little, understated wine bar adjunct.

One thing that is unique to St Emilion is the architectural sites which for a long time was designed by men to blend in with the surrounding landscape.

St Emilion is such a jewel of stones, in a natural settings of utmost beauty.

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The old cloister was built shortly after Saint Emilion died in 767 and in the 14th century it was rebuild and expanded.

Here you can see the inner courtyard with its arcades. This part of the cloisters was built during that rebuilding period. On the walls of the inner court you will see some very interesting frescos.