Few places in the world can boast viticulture as ancient as Saint-Émilion, a commune less than an hour from Bordeaux. Vines were planted here by the Romans in the 2nd Century CE, and the vineyards that thrive today are protected by UNESCO World Heritage status.

The town of Saint-Émilion is rich in ecclesiastical history, and the concentration of monasteries helped the cultivation and expansion of its vineyards. Owing to its location on the Camino de Santiago, Sant-Émilion saw the construction of many churches in the town during the Middle Ages and the area today remains replete with Romanesque churches that are perfect for cruising between on bike tours.

Ruins from the town's rich history stretch along its narrow streets, which bustle year-round with the quotidian rhythms of village life, while the smooth beat of the annual jazz festival emanates every July. Cycling through the local area, you’ll notice many châteaux and their adjacent wine estates, which offer firsthand insight into the region’s viticulture through guided tours and wine tastings.

Take a guided cycling tour of Sant-Émilion and become a connoisseur of the region’s best reds!