The heart of Saint-Émilion is undoubtedly its Monolithic Church (Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion), which is the largest of its kind in Europe. This remarkable building was entirely carved into a single block of rock in the 12th century, an amazing feat of engineering at the time. Entering the interior, you will immediately feel the coolness and dampness characteristic of underground spaces, and your gaze will be drawn to the tall, slender columns supporting the vaulted ceiling. A tour of the church is only possible with a guide, which has its advantages - you'll hear fascinating stories about the monks who inhabited the spaces for centuries, and about the mining techniques used in its construction. Particularly impressive is the bell tower rising 68 meters above the town, offering unforgettable views of the surrounding vineyards for those who choose to climb the steep staircase.

Just steps away from the Monolithic Church is the Saint-Émilion Collegial Catholic Church, whose Gothic façade contrasts with the austere interior of the Monolithic Church. This 12th-14th century stone building impresses with stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of the town's patron saint, Saint Emilion, a hermit who, according to legend, settled in a cave here in the 8th century. The collegiate church is where masses are still held, so you may come across local faithful immersed in prayer during your visit. Note the richly decorated entrance portal and Romanesque architectural elements that have survived numerous alterations.

One of the most picturesque sites in Saint-Émilion is the Cloître des Cordeliers, a former Franciscan monastery that is now famous for producing Crémant de Bordeaux sparkling wine. Walking through the ruins of the 13th-century monastery, you can admire the preserved fragments of the cloisters and Gothic arches, which create a romantic setting, especially at sunset. Beneath the monastery stretches a labyrinth of underground passageways and cellars, where bubbly liquors mature at controlled temperatures. A visit to the Cloître des Cordeliers is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to taste local wines in a unique setting. The price for a tour with tasting is moderate, and there are special grape juices for families with children.

Near the center of town rise Les Grandes Murailles - the impressive remains of the medieval walls that once surrounded all of Saint-Émilion. These monumental ruins are a reminder of the region's turbulent history and the numerous conflicts that have haunted the land over the centuries. A walk along the preserved parts of the walls allows you to imagine what the city looked like in its heyday. Particularly photogenic is sunset, when the warm rays give the limestone walls a golden hue. Unlike other attractions, tours of the walls are free and available year-round.

Round out your historical wanderings in Saint-Émilion with a visit to the King's Tower (Tour du Roy), the only surviving defensive tower from the 12th century. This 32-meter-high Romanesque structure was erected at the behest of King Henry II Plantagenet of England, who ruled the Aquitaine region at the time. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of the entire town and the surrounding vineyards. Inside, there is a small exhibition on the history of Saint-Émilion and its ties to the English crown. The tower is especially attractive to families with children, who can feel like medieval knights guarding the town from invaders.

It's also worth stopping by the Grande Fontaine - Fontaine du Roi, a historic spring that has supplied the city's residents with water for centuries. This 13th century stone fountain, decorated with Gothic details, is not only a monument, but also a place where you can relax and drink crystal clear water. According to local legends, the water from the fountain has healing and even magical properties - it is said that whoever drinks it at midnight on Midsummer's night will secure good luck for the whole year. The fountain is located at the foot of the steps leading to the city center, making it an ideal starting or ending point for a tour of Saint-Émilion.

The Saint-Émilion region is first and foremost the land of wine, where wine-making traditions date back to Roman times. One of the most accessible and visitor-friendly vineyards is Château Ambe Tour Pourret, located just a few minutes' walk from the town center. This family-owned estate, now managed by the fifth generation of winemakers, offers a comprehensive oenological experience for visitors of all ages. When you visit Château Ambe Tour Pourret, you can not only tour the vineyards and cellars, but also take part in wine and food pairing workshops. Particularly recommended is the 'From Vine to Glass' program, during which a guide explains the entire wine-making process, from grape growing to bottling. The vineyard is famous for producing classic Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wines, which are dominated by the Merlot varietal, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasting prices are moderate, and there are non-alcoholic alternatives in the form of grape juices for children and drivers.

A little farther from the center, but worth every kilometer of the trip, is Château Soutard, an impressive 18th-century estate surrounded by 30 hectares of vineyards. This historic winery blends tradition with modernity, which is evident both in the architecture (classic facade and modern interiors) and in the winemaking methods. Château Soutard offers several different tour programs, including exclusive tastings in private salons and picnics among the vines during the summer season. Of particular interest is a visit to the modern winery, where traditional oak barrels sit alongside innovative stainless steel tanks. Château Soutard's wines are characterized by elegance and complexity, and their prices reflect the prestige of the estate - they are slightly more expensive than at other wineries in the region, but the quality fully justifies the price.

For those who want to explore more vineyards in a short period of time, the ideal option is to take the Train Sarl Des Grands Vignobles - a charming, old-world styled train that runs between the region's most important vineyards. This attraction is particularly popular with families with children and the elderly, who can visit several estates without having to drive or walk significant distances. During the 70-minute tour, a guide talks about the region's history, viticultural techniques and the specifics of local wines. The train stops at 2-3 wineries (depending on the route chosen), where participants have the opportunity for a short tour and tasting. Tickets for the train should be booked in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (May to October).

It is worth noting that the vineyards of Saint-Émilion differ not only in the nature of the wines produced, but also in the atmosphere and offerings for visitors. Château Ambe Tour Pourret is distinguished by its friendly, family-oriented approach and is ideal for first-timers to Bordeaux wines. Château Soutard offers a more refined experience, aimed at connoisseurs and those seeking a luxury experience. Train des Grands Vignobles, on the other hand, offers the perfect compromise to experience the diversity of the region without having to delve into enological details.

In addition to wine tasting, many wineries offer additional activities to enhance the visit. At Château Ambe Tour Pourret, you can take part in a workshop to create your own wine blend, where you can create your own cuvée tailored to your taste preferences under the guidance of an expert. Château Soutard, meanwhile, organizes seasonal events such as classical music concerts among the vineyards or candlelit dinners in the historic cellars. For more active visitors, some estates provide bicycles with which to explore the surrounding countryside.

It is worth noting that although the Saint-Émilion region is mainly famous for its red wines, you can also find interesting white wines and the aforementioned sparkling Crémant de Bordeaux. This diversity means that even those who do not prefer red wines will find something for themselves. Most vineyards also offer sales of wines directly from the estate, often at prices lower than in stores, providing an excellent opportunity to purchase exceptional bottles as souvenirs or gifts.

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of Saint-Émilion wines, consider a visit to the Maison du Vin (House of Wine) in the center of town, where you can get detailed information about local appellations, wine classification and the history of winemaking in the region. Comparative tastings are also organized there, allowing you to learn about the differences between the various terroirs (growing areas) of Saint-Émilion.

In addition to the monuments and vineyards, Saint-Émilion offers many other attractions to discover during a visit to this charming region. One such place is Parc Guadet, a green oasis located on the outskirts of the town, ideal for relaxing after a busy day of sightseeing. This small but charming park offers shade on hot days and picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. You'll find benches where you can sit with a bottle of local wine and a baguette, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the landscape. The park is especially attractive for families with children, who can run freely here and play in the small playground. In spring and summer, Parc Guadet delights with colorful flowers and lush vegetation, creating the perfect backdrop for souvenir photographs.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Saint-Émilion area offers numerous hiking and biking trails leading through vineyards and picturesque villages. Particularly recommended is the 'Circuit des Crêtes' route, which takes you through the region's highest points, offering spectacular panoramas of the sea of vines. The route is about 12 kilometers long and can be covered on foot in 3-4 hours or by bicycle in about 1.5 hours. Along the way you'll pass smaller vineyards, where you can often stop for a spontaneous tasting. Bicycles can be rented in the center of Saint-Émilion for a moderate fee, and trail maps are available free of charge at the tourist information desk.

Saint-Émilion is also a paradise for lovers of local delicacies. On the town's main square and in the surrounding streets, you'll find numerous stores offering regional specialties such as truffles, foie gras, fig preserves and the famous macarons of Saint-Émilion (which, according to legend, were brought here by nuns in the 18th century). Especially worth a visit is the local market, which takes place every Sunday morning on Place du Marché. There you can buy fresh produce directly from local farmers and producers, as well as sample ready-made dishes prepared on site. The market is not only an opportunity to shop, but also to observe the daily life of the locals and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the French countryside.

If you're planning a longer stay in the region, consider day trips to nearby villages. Just a 20-minute drive from Saint-Émilion lies the charming town of Castillon-la-Bataille, known for the historic battle that ended the Hundred Years' War. On summer evenings, spectacular re-enactments of this battle are held there, with hundreds of extras and horsemen. A little farther afield, about 40 minutes away, is the elegant town of Libourne, where you can admire the Renaissance town hall and stroll along the picturesque waterfronts of the Dordogne and Isle rivers.

Returning to Saint-Émilion itself, don't miss a visit to the numerous underground caves and tunnels that form a fascinating labyrinth beneath the town. Some of them are available to explore, such as the grottoes beneath Les Grandes Murailles, where you can see traces of the ancient limestone quarrying that was used to construct most of the city's buildings. These subterranean spaces maintain a constant temperature year-round (about 13°C), making them the perfect refuge on hot summer days.

For those looking for unique souvenirs, Saint-Émilion offers not only wine, but also handicrafts inspired by wine traditions. In local galleries and stores you can find hand-painted ceramics with vine motifs, jewelry made from wine barrel elements or artistic photographs depicting the most beautiful corners of the region. Particularly noteworthy are products from the local glass workshop, where master craftsmen create unique glasses and decanters.

Whether you are a history lover, a wine enthusiast, a culinary adventurer or simply a person who appreciates beautiful landscapes, Saint-Émilion and its surroundings have something to offer. The best time to visit is late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October), when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. Autumn has an added charm because of the grape harvest, when you can observe (and sometimes even participate in) the grape harvest and the first stages of wine production.

All in all, Saint-Émilion is a place where history, culture and nature create a unique blend that delights all the senses. Whether you are traveling with your family, as a couple or solo, this small part of France will leave you with unforgettable memories and will likely spark a desire to return.