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ST-ÉMILION is 35km east of Bordeaux and is well worth a visit. The limestone houses of this fortified medieval town tumble down the southern slope of a low hill, with the green vines surrounding the lower plains. Many growers still keep up the old tradition of planting roses at the ends of the rows, which serve as an early-warning system against infection, the idea being that the commonest bugs go for the roses first, giving three days' notice of imminent problems. There are hundreds of vineyards all split into their own areas such as; Montagne St.Emilion, Lussac, Lalande de Pommerol to name but a few. The Maison des Vin in Place Pierre Meyrat (+33557555055) can organise visits for you, but ring ahead as several days notice is required.
The town was named after the monk Émilion, who lived in a cave carved into the rock there in the 8th Century. A tour starts from his cave into the subterranean Eglise Monolithe and catacombs (daily 10-11.30am & 2-5pm €7 book via tourist office). It was the monks who followed him that started up the commercial wine production of the area, after the Romans planted the original vineyards as early as the 2nd Century AD.
The tourist office, place des Créneaux by the belfry (opens all year, every day: July & Aug 9.30am–8pm; Sept–June 9.30am–12.30pm & 2.00–6.00pm; tel (05.57.55.28.28), is a good source of information and organizes bilingual (French and English) vineyard tours in season (May–Sept; €10). They also have bicycles for rent. You can also book a train ride around the vineyards, it leaves from outside the Cathedral hourly. Also do not miss going through a very unassuming door at the back of the tourist office as it leads to a wonderful 14 Century Cloister.
Access to St Emilion is easiest by car, but it is possible to get there by train from Bordeaux, Libourne or Bergerac, with a walk uphill of 1.5kms.
Ryanair, Flybe, B.A. and Air France all fly to Bordeaux or Bergerac airports.
Train from London or Paris to Libourne (only 6kms from St Emilion) or Bordeaux via Eurostar/TGV.
Good Links:
http://www.vins-saint-emilion.com/Anglais/index2.html
http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/