Balade à roulettes : Saint Emilion - IMPRATICABLE

In the 8th century, a Breton named Emilion, born in Vannes and famous for his miracles, decided to leave his native land to retire and devote himself to prayer. Travelling along the Atlantic coast, he became a monk and then settled in Ascumbas, the former name of the city of Saint Emilion. Joined by a few Benedictine disciples, he founded the 1st religious community there and evangelised the population, creating a large monastic city to which the faithful gave his name. Over the centuries, several religious communities settled in the village, attracted by the cult of Emilion, as can be seen from the many monasteries, convents and churches that can still be seen today. Between the 8th and 18th centuries, Benedictines, Augustinians, Franciscans, Dominicans and Ursuline nuns lived side by side in the heart of the town.

The architectural heritage of the 8 market towns that make up the jurisdiction of Saint Emilion bears witness to the constant evolution of this landscape and its inhabitants: religious heritage, winegrowing heritage, manor houses, wine storehouses, dovecotes, windmills and washhouses. As a result, the Saint Emilion area was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999 under the heading of ‘Cultural Landscape’. It was the 1st vineyard in the world to be listed. Adapted guided tours available on reservation from the Saint Emilion Tourist Office (05 57 55 28 28).