Château Grand Cru is in a magnificent setting surrounded by vineyards only 3km from the beautiful wine-village of Saint-Émilion.
The château is part of a working bio-dynamic vineyard and you can often see workers tending to the vines, spraying the crops and processing the grapes, especially during their busy period from June to the end of September. The owners can give you a tour and arrange wine-tastings at one of their châteaux and vineyards and of course there are many other excellent wineries to visit across this wine-making region.
The enchanting wine-village of Saint-Émilion (3km) is just a five-minute drive away. The village and it’s surrounding vineyards have become a UNESCO World Heritage site. The history of the village dates back to prehistoric times and when you are wandering around the cobbled lanes you can discover beautiful Romanesque churches, underground catacombs and pretty squares. It’s known throughout the world for the incredible vineyards that surround the village – Saint-Émilion offers the perfect combination of historic charm and excellent wine.
Nearby you can arrange bike hire, take Saint-Émilion wine tours by Tuk-Tuk, road-train or even prestige cars and arrange hot air balloon rides or pleasure flights over the glorious surrounding landscapes.
You are also just a short drive from the Dordogne river where you can hire canoes for wonderful days out with family or friends. There are also some lovely lakes to visit such as Lac des Dagueys (7km) with its summer inflatable water park and also at Blasimon (24km) where there’s a leisure base with various land-based activities, fishing, swimming at certain times in the summer and lovely walks.
There are also many picturesque villages dotted around this region, including Castillon-la-Bataille (17km) where you can watch the re-enactment of the famous battle in the height of the summer or a little further to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (36km), both on the Dordogne river. Eynesse (35km), Montcaret (24km) and the Jardins de Sardy (30km) are also lovely places to visit or spend the day in the nearby town of Libourne (6km) with its fascinating wine history and boat trips along the River Isle.
Wine and city lovers alike will be keen to visit Bordeaux (45km) during their stay with its great restaurant scene, awe-inspiring architecture and the famous La Cité du Vin. Bergerac (62km), a little further, is also a great place to spend the day exploring the picturesque old town and traditional Wednesday market as well as its Maison des Vins.
Beach-lovers can be at the Atlantic coast in around 90 minutes whether the wonderful long beaches near Arcachon (105km) or the famous and stunning Dune du Pyla (105km).
The Region
One of France’s most iconic hilltop towns, Saint-Émilion is waiting to enchant wine enthusiasts, gastronomes, keen historians and Francophiles in so many different ways. With its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, visitors will have the opportunity to sample AOC wines from one of the most famous and historic wine-growing regions in the world.
Start off by exploring the cobbled lanes of Saint-Émilion as you admire its beautiful architecture and churches – its origins date back to the 8th century. One of the most impressive sites is the 12th century stone-carved Monolithic church, the largest of its kind in Europe, a truly astonishing masterpiece – a guided tour of the church and catacombs is a must.
As well as the town’s famous Merlot, try Crémant de Bordeaux at Les Cordeliers, once a monastery that was brought by a winemaker in the 19th century – enjoy a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the cloister garden. Food lovers note there are several excellent restaurants including Michelin star establishments (Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are two famous names). Look out for French macarons as well - Saint-Émilion claims to be the birthplace of this delicious sweet treat.
Of course, wine tours and tastings can be arranged across the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region. There are so many to choose from, from small family-run vineyards to prestigious wine châteaux, and it’s fantastic to be able to buy such excellent wines directly from local producers. Wine connoisseurs note that the neighbouring Pomerol wine appellation should also be included on your itinerary for longer stays.
Meanwhile, explore the idyllic landscapes by bike, a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride to capture the scenery below. A little further afield, canoe or kayak along the Dordogne near Castillon-la-Bataille, experience the vibrant markets of Libourne and travel to the great wine city of Bordeaux for another amazing day out in this captivating part of southwestern France.
