SAINT-ÉMILION
Saint-Émilion, known throughout the world for its special wines, including Grand Cru, is the most charming wine-growing village in the Bordeaux region and a must-visit and almost mandatory visit.
It is very easy to go to Saint-Émilion and go back on the same day, and we explain how to go.
How to get from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion by bus?
This seems to be a big secret on the internet, in a lot of research we did, there is almost no information on how to go by bus. But we made it! The information you can find indicates that you have to go by train, but it is much more expensive and then on arrival you still have to walk a long time.
By bus it is super cheap and it stops right at the entrance to the village. If, after reading here on how to go by bus to Saint-Émilion, you still have doubts, go to the Bordeaux tourist office, next to Place Quinconces and they will explain everything, that's what we did after reading some information on the internet.
So, how to get from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion by bus?
First go to Place des Quinconces, from where several buses leave for various locations.
Right after the tourist office next to the square, is the first stop. On the side outside the stop you will see which buses leave from there.
You will take bus 304 (written in red on the side of the stop). It is the regional bus of the Nouvelle Aquitaine Company. Please note that TBM tickets are not accepted here.
There are only 3 daily buses to Saint-Émilion. Bus 304 from Nouvelle Aquitaine to Saint Emilion leaves Bordeaux (Place des Quinconces) every working day and weekend at 09am, 11am and 13pm. The journey takes about 1 hour and the return ticket costs €4.10 per person. You can and should buy a return ticket from the driver.
As we indicated, the bus ends the trip right at the entrance of the famous village.
To return, the driver will indicate or ask him where you can take the bus back. It's almost in the same location, but in the opposite direction. The same bus 304, now from Saint-Émilion to Bordeaux, leaves every working day at 12.10am, 16.10pm and 18.10pm. On weekends and holidays it is at 12.15am, 16.15pm and 18.15pm.
If by any chance the bus is late returning to Bordeaux, don't worry, it will show up, it's just a matter of waiting. We got back on the bus at 12am and he didn't show up until around 12.30am because he was late from Bordeaux.
For those who are not going to do wine tasting, like us, you can take the 09am bus and return at 12am. You have plenty of time to see the village, because it's small.
The village of Saint-Émilion is located on top of a hill, and is surrounded by thousands of hectares of vineyards.
The entrance to the village is through one of the seven gates that form part of the original medieval fortification. Once inside you will see how beautiful and magical the village is. Expect to see small streets intertwined between them, some with a steep slope and in stone, along with old houses built in golden-toned limestone and small squares that add to the charm of the village.
The village is quite small and you can easily see the village very quickly and it is all covered on foot. You can easily spend a whole day there, although it is small there is a lot to do if you want to occupy more time, such as taking a guided tour of the catacombs or wine-producing châteaux and doing wine tastings.
The entire village is a highlight to see, photograph, appreciate and visit. But here are some interesting and historical points:
- Clocher de l'Eglise Monolithe
- Église Monolithe et Catacombs
- Eglise Collegiale
- Cloitre des Cordeliers
- La Tour du Roy
- Porte de la Cadene
- La Grande Muraille
These are just some of the UNESCO historical monuments. But as we mentioned, the whole village will enchant you because every viewpoint, street and square is fascinating. The best thing is to explore at your own pace and even if you don't want to visit a Châteaux, leave the village a bit and stroll through the vineyards that surround the village.
If you want to bring back a souvenir of the town, despite having nothing to do with wines, visit the "Nature et Vous" shop at 5 Rue de la Cadène. It's a nice store with 100% natural products, all made in clay, by hand and nothing else, as they indicate and we checked. The clay pendants that we have here at home, to put perfume on, are a success! ;)
Saint-Émilion is also known for the art of good food. There is no shortage of restaurants and cafes in small squares that will invite you to taste the flavors of the sea, which is very close, in elaborate and tasty dishes where the Arcachon oyster reigns. There is also no shortage of famous French cheeses.
As a recommendation, bring practical and comfortable shoes: the streets are cobbled and steep.
Saint-Émilion is wine, culture and gastronomy.
