4/24/2017

Saint Émilion: A Postcard-Perfect Hilltop Town in Dordogne


post appeared December 7, 2016 by J. Christina on  France Today


Sitting perched on a limestone hilltop like a graceful balcony above the Dordogne ValleySaint-Émilion is a town in the Gironde department in southwest France. In 1999, Saint-Émilion became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, honored for its cultural landscape and historical vineyards. This medieval, fairy-tale town is a maze of curlicue ballast stone streets– strewn with charming storefronts, squares, and flower-laden terraces– all ready for the one million tourists who visit annually.

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina




Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina

In this honey-colored wine village, just east of Bordeaux, perhaps the most extraordinary site is the Saint-Émilion Monolithic Church, dating from the 12th century. 1300 years ago, a Breton monk, Émilion, came to the ancient town then named Ascumbas. According to ancient historians, Émilion slept and lived in this subterranean church-cavern like a hermit, on a stone bed. The faithful believe he performed miracles, and a seat he carved from limestone is said to aid in fertility. Inside this dark and damp grotto are 14th century frescoes and carvings, along with meters of catacombs, all forming three cross-shaped naves. Other monks took refuge with Émilion, hiding to escape religious persecution, while traveling onto Santiago de Compostela, in northwest Spain.

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina

The most dramatic sight, from afar, is a raising steeple from the corner of the Les Cordeliers: a 15th century bell tower, soaring up 53-meters high above Saint Émilion. Climbing 200 steps upward brings you atop a glazed tile rooftop, for a majestic view across the valley of vineyards and châteaux. This beautiful town, with its scarred ramparts, bears witness to battles for control between the French and English monarchs.

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina

Every historic French town seems to have a specialty treat, along with luscious wines, and Saint-Émilion is no different. Here we find the traditional almond macaron, certainly not to be confused with the North America version of a coconut haystack macaroon. This famous Saint-Émilion macaron originated in 1620 by nuns of the Les Ursulines order. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is closely safeguarded at Veritable Macarons de Saint Émilion, situated at 9 rue Guadet. Many say the historical treat pairs well with Saint-Émilion wines (or simply gifted in the traditional blue-labeled box).

Scribbles and Smiles by J Christina

Photogenic Saint-Émilion has more than just famed wines – it will steal your heart. This tiny, but storied, town, weaves an incredible visual story, through Romanesque architecture, religious sites and cultural indulgence. Simply put, it’s a one-of-a-kind destination.
Saint-Émilion is a quick train, car, or bus ride from Bordeaux, and the town is easily explored on foot, by petit tourist train, or even via tuk-tuk.

About J. Christina:
J. Christina is the author and hobbyist photographer behind  Scribbles and Smiles, writing a personal travel blog from the Midwest. Christina (Christie) is married to John, a.k.a. Mr. Christie. Where Mr. Christie is right on-board with their travel jaunts around the world - sharing in their blogging endeavors. He supports, encourages, handles gadgetry and embraces the role of in-house editor - hence, their bespoke pen name, J. Christina.

J. Christina’s blogging journey began before the word blog was trending, writing about European travel destinations on share-sites, forums and online journals. After many years of intrepid travel, they thoughtfully opened their treasure-trove of European travelogues, artfully sharing with a worldwide audience. Intentionally sharing the joie de vivre through their words and images, so others can travel vicariously. J. Christina believes smiling with your eyes is a beautiful thing.

You can read their most recent dispatches from aboard an elegant European river ship, sharing the allure of Europe’s great rivers and their capital cities. Or, follow them through serendipitous discoveries in the Cote d’Azur, where J. Christina captures the essence of a perched medieval village.

J. Christina’s work has been featured on France Today, Bonjour Paris, The Good Life France, and Perfectly Provence.

For more information on the surrounding region, see France Today’s additional coverage. Tourist Information: http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com Train Schedule: https://www.trainline.eu/trains/st-emilion/bordeaux-st-jean


2 comments:

Anwar said...

What a beautiful place and as a UNESCO Site somewhere I really need to add to my list!

J. Christina said...

Thank you for the kind note and visiting my blog. You can find me in Facebook & Instagram too.