In Deep: What You Need to Know About St-Émilion, Bordeaux

One of the most romantic and photogenic wine communities in all of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/france">France</a>, the medieval <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/france/bordeaux-dordogne">Bordeaux </a>town of St-Émilion is built on a plateau of limestone that forms the foundation – both literally and figuratively – for the entire town.<h3>A City of Secret Chambers</h3>All of its&nbsp;buildings are built from stone quarried out over the centuries,&nbsp;which&nbsp;has left a large network of subterranean passages and chambers that extend under the surrounding vineyards.Some of these chambers are so large that they can hold (and have held) banquets for hundreds of people. In times of war they’ve served as hiding places: in 1793, St-Émilion was a refuge for Bordeaux deputies pursued by republican extremists. One such&nbsp;refugee was Marguerite-Elie Gaudet, who was finally tracked down and executed. (A street in town, Rue Gaudet, is named after her.)<h3>The Miracles of Aemilianus</h3>St. Émilion was named after Saint Aemilianus, who settled here in the 8thC. He erected a hermitage and began performing miracles: on January 6, 767 AD, he reputedly restored a blind woman’s sight. Later, the Franciscans and Dominicans founded monasteries near the original hermitage, and St-Émilion was administered jointly by an ecclesiastical chapter and a secular body, the Jurade.During the 12thC and 13thC, the main product grown was not wine but cereal crops. During the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), St-Émilion suffered extensive damage, but was eventually rebuilt.Today, the town is a <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/932">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>.

<h3>The Hermitage and its Miraculous Spring</h3>In the heart of St- Émilion is the hermitage — a small, cross-shaped cave&nbsp;that’s accessed through Chapelle de la Trinité and home to&nbsp;the “hermit’s armchair.”Look for the tiny spring near the mouth of the cave: legend has it this spring was originally further down the hillside, but miraculously moved position to provide the saint with at least some creature comforts.As one would expect, the spring’s water is said to have supernatural powers. Lovers wishing to marry before the year’s end should place two pins, arranged in the form of a cross, in the pool of water.<h3>Château Figeac and Château Cheval-Blanc</h3>Château Figeac stands in the middle of a superb park. This 18thC château actually replaced an earlier building, as is evident in the Renaissance tower and the 16thC medieval doors and windows. With 40 hectares (99 acres) of vineyards, the Château Figeac estate is the largest in St-Émilion. Cheval-Blanc was originally part of Château Figeac.The Figeac estate was abandoned during the French Revolution, and during the days of the Napoleonic Empire its owner pulled up all the vines and planted madderwort in its place.When the owner died, his wife faced financial ruin and was forced to sell some of the land, giving rise to Cheval-Blanc. Its château dates back to the 19th century.These two prestigious wines are unusual in that both are grown in gravelly soil.<h3>The Macarons of St-Émilion</h3>Although the wines of St-Émilion may be more famous, the macarons deserve special recognition as well. In the 17th century, while fundraising for the monastic order, the Sisters of Ursuline, started using a macaron recipe they had acquired from Milan. Since coconut was such a rare and expensive ingredient, they used almonds instead, giving birth to the now famous St-Émilion macaron.Of course each fabriquant claims to be in unique possession of the original recipe, and each makes a different macaron. You’ll just have to sample them all and decide which one you like best!<h3>Montagne</h3>Montagne is located between Lussac and St-Émilion. It is one of four villages authorized to add the name of its well-known neighbour to its bottles, as it was once under St-Emilion’s authority. This history led to the creation of “Montagne St-Emilion” wine.The value of Montagne St-Émilion wines is very high, as the soil and weather conditions are similar to those of St-Émilion, yet prices are not as inflated. The other three towns permitted to use the St-Émilion name are Puisseguin, Lussac and St-Georges.&nbsp; Discover vineyards, castles and culinary treasures in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/bordeaux-dordogne-bespoke">Bordeaux</a> on a trip that pairs fine wine, exciting history, and rich culture into one unforgettable experience.

Discover what makes Saint-Émilion one of Bordeaux’s most charming communities and celebrated wine regions—from Grand Cru vineyards and medieval streets to terroir, history, and tasting traditions.

What to Know About Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux | Wine Region Guide

Bordeaux & Dordogne

Ride through Bordeaux‘s countless vineyards, becoming familiar with its famous wines, and follow the Dordogne River upstream into the region that shares its name, noticing the slow and steady pace of life. With its imposing castles and prehistoric caves, the Dordogne is bound to capture your imagination.

Discover vineyards, castles and culinary treasures

Cycle grand châteaux and prehistoric river valleys on small group or private bespoke trips through Bordeaux and the Dordogne, with private cellar dinners.

Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

In all our years, we've sampled few pairings finer than Bordeaux, land of legendary wine with equally lauded biking, and the Dordogne — verdant capital of foie gras. Explore the endless underground galleries of Rouffignac to discover 13,000-year-old prehistoric art. Ride right into the heart of Saint-Émilion, and through the lush countryside of Dordogne. Taste the very best of the region at private wine-making and Château tastings.

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Incredible Rides

Few pairings rival Bordeaux and the Dordogne. One is famed for legendary wines and idyllic cycling; the other for lush landscapes and deeply rooted culinary traditions—most notably foie gras. Ride through the storied vineyards of Saint-Émilion before continuing into the rolling countryside of the Dordogne. Along the way, explore the Vézère Valley and a remarkable village carved into limestone cliffs, where caves once sheltered prehistoric communities. It’s a journey of world-class wine, timeless landscapes and history that stretches back thousands of years.

Follow the Legendary Road

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Spend 5 nights cycling Bordeaux and the Dordogne in a small group. Saint-Émilion's Grand Cru estates, Lascaux cave art and medieval river villages throughout.

Bordeaux to Dordogne Bike Tour: Grand Cru Estates, Lascaux & River Villages

Two regions with legendary wine with equally lauded biking. Explore the endless underground galleries of Rouffignac to discover 13,000-year-old prehistoric art. Head right into the heart of Saint-Émilion and through the lush countryside of Dordogne. Taste the very best of the region at private wine-making and&nbsp;château&nbsp;tastings.

Exceptional Wines

Unique Gastronomy

From Bordeaux’s elegant buzz to Dordogne’s ancient caves, this region is all sip, swirl and “did that just happen?” moments. Bike through vineyards, paddle past châteaux and channel your inner archaeologist in Rouffignac. With fine wine, prehistoric art and just enough mischief, this verdant corner of France pairs perfectly with curiosity.

Few pairings are finer

We’ve sampled few pairings finer than Bordeaux & the Dordogne

Cycle Bordeaux's Grand Cru estates to the Dordogne's prehistoric caves on a custom itinerary. Private tastings, riverside lunches and rare access throughout.

In Deep: What You Need to Know About St-Émilion, Bordeaux

By Jérôme Boré

Bordeaux & Dordogne

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