Discover Saint-Emilion’s Charm and Wineries for $116

This full-day tour exploring Saint-Emilion offers a well-rounded experience for those interested in history, architecture, and wine. For $116 per person, the tour provides 8 hours of engaging activities, starting with a visit to the prestigious Château Balestard La Tonnelle, where you can enjoy panoramic vineyard views and taste their distinguished wines. The tour continues with free time in the medieval village and an underground monuments tour, featuring the iconic Monolithic Church and historic catacombs.

A highlight is the wine tasting at Château Champion, where you can sample three wines and learn from a winemaker about the art of winemaking and the estate’s history. The guided tours are led by bilingual guides, ensuring clear explanations, though the experience may vary depending on the guide’s engagement. The tour suits those eager to combine cultural exploration with wine tastings, but be prepared for limited accessibility for travelers with mobility impairments.

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Key Points

Price: $116 per person for an 8-hour experience
Start Time: Departures begin at 9:45 AM from Bordeaux
Highlights: Visits to Château Balestard La Tonnelle and Château Champion, underground monuments, free time in Saint-Emilion
Activities: Wine tastings, guided underground tour, exploration of medieval streets
Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility limitations
Reviews: Strong ratings averaging 4.7 out of 5 from 34 reviews, praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning vineyard views

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Starting the Day at Château Balestard La Tonnelle

The tour begins with a coach departure from Bordeaux at 9:45 AM, heading directly to the Grand Cru Classé estate, Château Balestard La Tonnelle. This estate offers spectacular vineyard vistas and a chance to explore the winery’s facilities. Visitors then participate in a wine tasting session, sampling wines produced on the estate, with 75 minutes allocated for this visit.

The visit to Château Balestard La Tonnelle provides insight into wine classification such as Grand Cru and Grand Cru Classé, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the quality and heritage behind the wines. The estate’s scenic setting and the opportunity to taste distinguished wines make this stop an essential highlight of the tour.

Free Time to Explore the Medieval Streets of Saint-Emilion

Following the first winery visit, the group arrives in Saint-Emilion around 2:15 PM, where free time allows for exploration of its medieval streets. During this period, visitors can stroll through cobbled alleys, admire ancient church facades, and soak in the atmosphere of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The free time lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering flexibility to enjoy lunch at local eateries—note that lunch is not included in the tour price. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to browse shops, take photos of the town’s quaint charm, or simply relax in the historic surroundings before the underground tour.

Underground Monuments: Monolithic Church and Catacombs

At around 2:15 PM, the guided underground monuments tour begins, revealing the hidden depths of Saint-Emilion. The Monolithic Church is a standout, carved entirely from limestone, showcasing impressive architectural ingenuity. Visitors also explore the Trinity Chapel—a tranquil spot reflecting the village’s spiritual history—and the catacombs, which offer a glimpse into ancient subterranean networks.

The guide explains these monuments’ historical significance and the story behind their construction, enriching understanding of the village’s spiritual and architectural heritage. The entrance fees to these underground sites are included, ensuring visitors experience these fascinating underground spaces without extra cost.

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Wine Tasting at Château Champion with the Winemaker

The afternoon concludes with a wine tasting at Château Champion, where three wines are sampled, providing a taste of the estate’s portfolio. Visitors have the opportunity to engage directly with the winemaker, who shares insights about winemaking techniques and the history of the estate during the tasting.

This session, taking place around 4:00 PM, emphasizes educational value alongside the enjoyment of fine wines. The tasting is often praised for depth of information and the chance to ask questions directly to the winemaker, enhancing the overall experience.

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Returning to Bordeaux with Lasting Impressions

The tour wraps up with a coach ride back to Bordeaux, departing around 5:00 PM and arriving at the Bordeaux Tourist Office by 6:00 PM. The entire day offers a well-paced schedule, balancing guided visits, free time, and tastings for an immersive experience.

This full-day outing provides a comprehensive look at Saint-Emilion’s history, architecture, and vineyards, making it ideal for those wanting to combine cultural exploration with wine appreciation. While the guided commentary varies depending on the guide, the overall experience remains highly rated, with many praising the expertise and friendly manner of guides like Brigitte and Bruno.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour starts at the Office de Tourisme et des Congrès de Bordeaux, located at 12 Cours du 30 Juillet, easily accessible via Tram B or C at the ‘Quinconces’ stop. The transportation is by coach, with the first drive to Château Balestard La Tonnelle lasting about one hour.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes for walking through cobblestone streets and underground sites, and warm clothing is recommended, especially when exploring underground monuments. The tour is not accessible for those with mobility impairments, and guests with limited mobility should consider this before booking.

Comparing Similar Bordeaux Tours

This tour offers a more comprehensive experience than many half-day options, thanks to its full-day schedule and inclusion of underground monuments. It stands out for combining vineyard visits with historical tours and free time. For travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture and wine, this tour provides good value at $116.

Other experiences include half-day visits and specialized tastings, but this tour’s structured itinerary and multiple wineries make it a versatile choice for those wanting depth and variety in their Saint-Emilion exploration.

Final Thoughts on the Saint-Emilion Tour

The Full-day Saint-Emilion: Village, Undergrounds and Châteaux tour offers an engaging blend of wine tasting, historic sites, and free exploration. It delivers a comprehensive look at the village’s architecture, underground marvels, and wine heritage, making it suitable for culture enthusiasts and wine lovers alike.

While the guides’ enthusiasm can vary, the quality of the sites and wine tastings often leave a positive impression. The overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 reflects consistent satisfaction, especially with scenic vineyard views and interesting underground tours.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy learning about wine, appreciate historical architecture, and want a full-day experience without rushing. The limited accessibility is a consideration, but for many, the depth of activities and culinary highlights justify the visit.

Ready to Book?

Full-day Saint-Emilion: Village, Undergrounds and Châteaux

4.7

(34)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by coach from Bordeaux is included in the tour.

How long are the wine tastings?
There are two wine tastings: one at Château Balestard La Tonnelle (75 minutes) and another at Château Champion with three wines.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You have free time in Saint-Emilion to dine at your leisure.

Are underground monuments included?
Yes, entrance fees to the Monolithic Church, catacombs, and other underground sites are included.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, along with warm clothing for underground areas.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It is not accessible for people with mobility impairments or limited mobility.

What guides lead the tour?
The tour is led by bilingual guides fluent in English and French, with some reviewers praising guides like Brigitte and Bruno for their knowledge.

How far in advance should I book?
Cancellation is free up to 2 days before the tour, so booking early is advisable for guaranteed availability.