2021
Press folder
WELCOME !
What’s in the 2021 press folder? Saint-Émilion, stage town of the Tour de France 4 Some key information 7 More than 13 Centuries of History 9 The must-see monuments 10 Unesco town 12 A renowned vineyard 14 The gourmet Saint-Emilion 16 Family activities 18 Slow tourism in the spotlight 20 An unusual stay 22 "My Saint-Émilion" Magazine 24 Jazz Festival : the return 25 The main events of 2021 26
How to contact the press office ? Emmeline AZRA & Adélaïde JAN
Phone: 05 57 55 28 26 / 24
Email : [email protected] [email protected]
2 Where to download the press folder and photos ?
1. On the press area of our website: www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/espace-presse.html
2. Create your press account.
3. Download all the documents you need!
3 SAINT-ÉMILION, STAGE TOWN OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE 2021
Notice to all fans of the Big Loop! On Saturday July 17th, the riders will set off from Libourne for this individual time trial which will link the Libourne bastide to the village of Saint-Émilion, passing through our prestigious vineyard.
On the eve of the finish on the Champs-Elysées, all eyes will be focused on this potentially decisive time trial in the quest for the Yellow Jersey.
Come and take part in this great popular event and cheer on the riders along the winding vineyard roads!
4 SAINT-ÉMILION, STAGE TOWN OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE 2021
The - almost - official route
5 NOUVELLE AQUITAINE Ideally located, Saint-Emilion is the perfect destination to make unforgettable memories in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region.
BORDEAUX 45 minutes, 40km
BASSIN D'ARCACHON 1h15 107km
LASCAUX 1h30 149km
6 SOME KEY INFORMATION
Saint-Emilion is known worldwide thanks to its wines but also to the inscription of its Jurisdiction on the World Heritage List by the UNESCO for its cultural landscapes in 1999!
The Community of the Grand Saint-Emilionnais is a total of 22 villages combining wine and architectural heritage in the immediate proximity of the Dordogne river, a natural resource also recognised by UNESCO.
Where are we ?
S A I N T - É M I L I O N G R A N D S A I N T - É M I L I O N N A I S
2,000 inhabitants in the St.Emilion 6,000 inhabitants commune of which approximately 200 7,846 hectares of vineyards live in the medieval centre of the 820 Châteaux with 82 being part of village the Grands Crus Classés 200km of underground tunnels 5,500 beds in hotels, B&B, campsites More than 1,000,000 visitors to the and holiday lettings village each year with around 400,000 A 3,230 seating capacity including visiting the Tourism Office 1,480 on terraces divided into 87,000 people visit the monolithic gastronomic restaurants, traditional church : 43,000 people visit the church restaurants, brasseries and wine bars. spire / 5,000 children are introduced to the local heritage 100 different nationalities visit St.Emilion: 60% French/ 40% Other 2018 data nationalities (on average) 7 THE LIMESTONE a luminous gift of nature
For nearly a thousand years, between the 9th and the 19th centuries, the number of stone quarries in the St.Emilion limestone plateau increased. Quarriers worked non-stop to extract millions of stone blocks for major construction sites in St.Emilion and Bordeaux.
This quarrying has left an immense 80- hectare network of underground galleries that form a gigantic maze of nearly 200km long. The stone, asteriated limestone, contains a great number of fossils. It dates from the Lower Oligocene period (32 million years ago) and gave birth to many monuments that can still be seen in St.Emilion.
8 MORE THAN 13 CENTURIES OF HISTORY
The site of St.Emilion is an authentic open-air museum, dating back to the legend of a humble hermit... A village full of history, perched on a rocky headland. St.Emilion and its vineyards draw their originality from the limestone that offers an exceptional soil to grow vines. Man adapted himself to this beautiful hilly landscape that gave its harmony to local architecture and colours: illuminated by the ochre light, the stones tell their tale, absorbing us into the past...
Emilion, the founding monk of the world-famous city In the VIIIth Century, the Breton monk from Vannes called Émilion, chose to take his retirement in a natural cave close to the village of Ascumbas (the old name for the town now known as St-.Emilion). This compassionate man left his native Brittany to take himself away from society and to devote his life to prayer. Through his miracles and his generosity his name became well-known far beyond the valleys of the Dordogne and numerous disciples would come and join him. Émilion first evangelised the population, creating a large monasterial city which his followers would later name after him. It is presumed that Émilion died on the 6th January in the year 767, after having spent the last 17 years of his life in his hermitage, around which the town of St.Emilion and its exceptional troglodytic structures were built.
The Dordogne river, a source of economic development In the past, the Dordogne river was the only way to send foods and goods towards inner lands as well as to Bordeaux port and the Atlantic coast. When sailing up the Dordogne, the gabare sailors used the tides up to St.Sulpice-de- Faleyrens. Then they had to call on ox-herders or haulers, men who pulled the boat along the towpaths that can still be seen today on the banks of the Dordogne river. Gabares and coureaux were both flat- bottomed little boats used on the Middle and Lower Dordogne river. Since the Middle Ages, such boats were mainly used for the transportation of wine. River transport on the Dordogne was progressively abandoned with the opening of the railway line between Bordeaux and Bergerac in 1872 and the development of road trade. Nowadays, the Lower Dordogne is also known for the formation of the mascaret. This seawater wave runs up the Dordogne to the town of St.Sulpice-de-Faleyrens and then ends in the villages of Vignonet and St.Terre. This rare phenomenon in France is due to a sudden rise in the water level caused by the rising tide, particularly during the spring tides. 9 THE MUST-SEE MONUMENTS
Famous for its charm and character, the medieval village welcomes almost one million tourists each year coming from all four corners of the world. Its 17 historic monuments, of which 11 are listed buildings, represent the diverse heritage made up of religious, defensive and civil architecture. Among these, the underground church is internationally renowned. The tertres and escalettes (steep streets), the narrow medieval paved streets and steep slopes are authentic and unique to the village. They come together to provide visitors with the chance to discover the hidden charms of the picturesque village and have a unique experience.
The Monolithic church and its bell tower Built between the 12th and 15th centuries and strengthened 2 centuries later, the bell tower is St.Emilion’s highest point and soars over the city. Climbing its 196 steps may be a challenge but the exquisite view from the top is definitely worthwhile. It’s accessible all year round (except special events). Adult: 2€ - Free for children under 6
Hidden under the tower, the dazzling monolithic church was entirely carved out from one and only stone at the beginning of the 12th century. Its huge proportions make it Europe’s widest monolithic church. Tourist office guided tours only. Adult: 9€ - Reduced: 7€
The Collegiate church and its cloister Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the Collegiate church is one of the most imposing in Gironde. Its monastery hosted Augustine canons until the French Revolution. Romanesque and Gothic styles are coexisting in the church, as well as in the cloister, both a symbol of the Garden of Eden and the heart of community life, many times redesigned. The meditation galleries around it lead to the refectory, the dormitory, the chapter room and the church.
10 The King's Keep This massive square tower from the 13th century, 118 step high, still remains full of mystery. No one knows who ordered it and its role is somewhat unclear: was it built for military purposes or as a symbol of power? Nowadays climbing the King’s Keep is one of the best ways to overlook the village and its vineyard. Opening hours can vary, please contact us for further information. Adult: 2€ - Free for children under 6
11 UNESCO TOWN
The Jurisdiction of St.Emilion was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, for its “cultural landscape”. A world first for a vineyard! “The Jurisdiction of St.Emilion is an outstanding example of a historic vineyard landscape that has survived intact and in activity to the present day”.
Saint-Émilion The remarkable UNESCO landscapes
The Jurisdiction of St.Emilion was recognized as World Heritage in 1999. It was then the first vineyard to be listed in the «cultural Saint-Étienne- landscape» category by UNESCO. It is an de-Lisse exceptional human adventure of 800 years which is highlighted by this registration, that of the medieval city of St.Emilion and of the villages that surround it. The vineyard spreads over St.Christophe-des-Bardes, St.Laurent- des-Combes, St.Hippolyte, St.Pey d’Armens, St.Sulpice-de-Faleyrens and Vignonet. Throughout this period, from 1199 when the Jurade was established (an event that will forever be its peculiarity) until 1999, it will define itself as a «family and viticultural community», one of the foundations of the registration. A recognition in which its inhabitants take pride because, throughout these years, each in its own way, contributed to give meaning to it and to make the vineyard of St.Emilion.
Saint-Hippolyte
12 Saint-Laurent des Combes
Saint-Pey d'Armens
Dordogne, World Biosphere Reserve In 2012, the MAB (Man and the Biosphere) International coordinating council of UNESCO listed the Valley of the Dordogne as part of the world reserves of the biosphere. With its 24,000km², it is the largest world reserve of the Saint-Christophe biosphere in France. It joins part of an incredibly selective group of which counting the Dordogne there are only 11 in des Bardes France. This measure includes the river from its source, at Puy du Sancy, as far as the mouth of the Gironde river which makes up a surface total of 24,000 square kilometers. It includes the tributaries of the six départments the Dordogne covers: Puy-de-Dôme, Cantal, Corrèze, Lot, Dordogne and Gironde. France already had 10 reserves that made the listing of Biosphere Reserves including, la mer d’Iroise, Lubéron, Mont Ventoux and Camargue.
Vignonet
Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens 13 A RENOWNED VINEYARD
The exceptional side of St.Emilion’s vineyards is a consequence of both remarkable geology and microclimate. This perfect microclimate added to the knowhow of its winegrowers give a unique character to St.Emilion’s wines. The Romans invested in the local terroir since the 2nd century and planted the first vines. Indeed, the latin poet and wine lower Ausonius praised many times the wines of the right bank in his works, as in this famous apostrophe of Bordeaux: «You, that are illustrated by your wines and your rivers». There is no doubt that wine already occupied an important place during the Gallo-Roman era, although there was no mention of monoculture in the Jurisdiction of St.Emilion until the 19th century.
Saint-Emilion et Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellations
Appellations renowned throughout the world, extending over an area of 7800 hectares, on which 5400 hectares are growing vines and with more than 800 wine estates. They are spread all over the 8 different villages of the Jurisdiction of St.Emilion and on a small part of the Libourne area. In order to obtain the appellations AOC Saint-Emilion and / or Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, wine estates must, first of all, be lo- cated within a strictly defined territory and on the other hand, carefully follow the established specifications ... and produce red wine. Furthermore, there is a classification of Saint-Emilion wines, that distinguishes 3 levels of quality and it is reviewed every 10 years. Only Saint-Emilion Grand Cru can apply to be ranked as: • Grand Cru Classé - 64 wine estates • 1er Grand Cru Classé - 14 wine estates • 1er Grand Cru Classé A (highest ranking) - 4 wine estates The Wine Council, through the Jurade, ensures the reputation and promotion of its wines in France and abroad.
IMPORTANT : The next classification of the St.Emilion wines will be announced in 2022 by the INAO. 14 All the appellations in the Grand Saint-Emilionnais :
Saint-Emilion & Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 4 “satellite” appellations : Lussac, Puisseguin, Montagne et Saint- Georges Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Lalande de Pomerol Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Crémant de Bordeaux
4 important types of soil : A limestone plateau surrounds the village A vast gravel soil terrace of silico-argillaceous soil spreads out towards Libourne Clay and limestone soil A plain of sand and gravel comes from the valley of the Dordogne
4 principal grape varieties : Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec (in lesser quantities)
15 THE GOURMET SAINT-EMILION
French cuisine is known around the world for its quality and diversity. The fruit of a sacred heritage of exception, it is under constant evolution thanks to chefs who never cease to revisit it in the aim of continuing to surprise and satisfy us. The cuisine is inspired by the local area and its heritage. Wine therefore takes an important role in the local cuisine. Whether it’s in a winebar, bistrot, or gastronomic restaurant, those that come to the Grand Saint-Emilionnais discover in all seasons the treats of exquisite food and wine pairings.
3 M I C H E L I N S T A R E S T A B L I S H M E N T S
I N S A I N T - E M I L I O N
LA TABLE DE PAVIE CHEF YANNICK ALLÉNO 2 MICHELIN STARS FROM 2017 LE LOGIS DE LA CADÈNE CHEF ALEXANDRE BAUMARD 1 MICHELIN STAR FROM 2017
I N S A I N T - J E A N D E B L A I G N A C
L’AUBERGE SAINT-JEAN CHEF THOMAS L’HÉRISSON 1 MICHELIN STAR FROM 2014
Crémant In the heart of the village, The Lamprey the production of Crémant de Bordeaux (sparkling white or rosé wine made The Dordogne river also influences the local cuisine. For using traditional methods) instance, Sainte-Terre village is considered as the world’s has occurred since the 19th capital of lamprey. century at the Kings Keep as This unusual animal, born 500 million years ago, has neither well as in the various jaw, ventral fin nor scale. A taste treat for gourmets when underground tunnels of the stewed with wine and leeks! Eels and shad grilled with laurel, ancient Franciscan white shrimps with an aniseed flavour are also a choice dish monastery. on the region's tables.
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ST. EMILION'S MACAROONS
Whilst the name St.Emilion might evoke wine for some, others will think of macarons!
Another speciality of the village that has been passed from generation to generation. a delicious recipe dating back to the year 1620 when the Ursuline Sisters founded their convent in St.Emilion. The recipe for the macarons comes from the religious community of the Ursulines of whom Sister Lacroix was the Mother Superior.
This recipe was saved after the French Revolution and was passed onto the widow Goudichaud, mother of Madame Grandet. It would be her eldest son, Joseph Grandet, who would inherit and be the only one permitted to make the macarons of St.Emilion with the original recipe from the Sisters.
17 FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Between its rich history and its ancient stones, with stories and local legends as well as its vineyards that stretch out to the horizon, St.Emilion is a limitless source for the imagination of children and of fascination for adults! St.Emilion and its surroundings are perfect for families... Just follow our guide!
Tell me about Saint-Emilion
3 visits and 3 themes for an informative introduction to the local heritage of the medieval village. (Activity in French)
Pierre, the stone mason: follow young Pierre and discover The winemaker the life of a child during the Middle Ages, the role of apprentices fortifications and of stone masons. During 1:30, Coraline Investigation in the underground monuments: a real animates a workshop for treasure hunt guided by a booklet illustrated by Nina Luec children from 3 to 15 years with the 4 underground monuments! (Children need to be to introduce them to the able to read) vine and vinification at Château Cormeil Figeac, Lie detector: a stroll through the village where the truth a family wine estate and lies get muddled up. Will you be able to detect the lies located 5 minutes from the your guide is telling you? center of Saint-Emilion. To begin, each child takes his basket to harvest grapes, Bonus leaves, pebbles in the Detective or singer: the little ones will have a blast with vineyards ... in order to the various challenges and themes put forward through recreate a lively vine! Then, our visits the youngest learn to taste Visits for all the family grape juice like pros: observation, tasting and spitting! Finally, all children choose a bottle to label and capsulate it with the machine of the wine estate.
18 A TREASURE HUNT WITH ROBIN
Robin, a little explorer, invites your children to stroll around the medieval village while answering various riddles. Nature, local heritage or gastronomy: choose your theme and Robin will lead you to discover the treasures of the village thanks to a free booklet provided by the Tourist Office. A treasure hunt designed for children from 3 to 15 year olds, with different levels of difficulty depending on the child's age.
Bonus: A prize is awarded to each child at the end of the treasure hunt! Adults and children alike will come together to discover all the nooks and crannies of the village to help Robin. The treasure hunt is FREE! BONUS : Robin will also introduce your children to the Lamprey Garden, located in Saint-Terre! 19 SLOW TOURISM IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In this day and age where everything goes fast, the holidays are an opportunity to slow down our pace. By foot, bicycle or tuk-tuk, the landscapes, wineries and new contemporary wine cellars reveal themselves under a changing light in each season. Cloisters, churches, timber frame and stone houses, old windmills and large manor houses from the 15th Century : at every step, the heritage dazzles!
Bicycle hire Hire a bicycle from the Tourist Office and set-off to explore the Grand Saint- Emilionnais at your own pace in an eco-friendly way! Vineyards, Châteaux or windmills: with the freedom and time to appreciate these UNESCO listed (since 1999) cultural landscapes
Bonus Ideal if you don’t have a car! Prices that adjust to the length of time hired.
BONUS BONUS
Hiking or cycling round routes Available free of charge, the circular thirty walks and cycle routes start from 4.1km and go up to 49km, allowing you to discover, at your own pace the vineyards and châteaux! These circular trails are not too hard going and are adaptable to everyone.
: a round walk guide and a bicycle loops guide created by the Tourist Office are available for €4,50 or can be lend.
Bonus Circuits tried, tested and enjoyed by all of our team! Each circuit highlights points of interest and gives tips on where to find visits with tastings at different Châteaux (in moderation, of course).
20 Original ways to discover the vineyard
TUK -TUK , SEGWAY, TOURIST TRAIN, DONKEY RIDE, CANOE, HOT AIR BALLOON, BIKE BOARD, ELECTRIC BICYCLE
There are many ways to discover the village of Saint-Émilion or its surrounding vineyards during an unusual activity that will leave you with a memorable memory!
21 AN UNSUAL STAY
Do you want to discover Saint-Emilion differently ? The Grand Saint-Émilionnais is full of atypical accommodation in the heart of wine estates. If you want to spend an unforgettable night in the middle of the vineyards while meeting the winegrowers, opt for these extraordinary experiences!
In praise of slow life
Parcel Tiny House at Château Champion
Situated in the heart of the vineyards of a family-owned wine estate in Saint-Emilion, "Parcel Tiny House" invites you to spend a timeless stay in a small eco-responsible and totally self-sufficient house. No Wifi or TV here, but all the elements to recharge your batteries.
Comfort in its raw state
La Cuve à mon loup at Château La Mothe du Barry
Fitted out in three old concrete vats that were used for vinification a few years ago, this small bedroom, lounge, dressing room and bathroom will delight you with its resolutely "raw" decoration (concrete from floor to ceiling) enhanced by the red colour, the guiding thread of this universe. 22 Coup 2 Foudres at Château de Bonhoste
Stay in real wooden vats, made in the strictest tradition of cooperage. The modern decoration provides a warm and different atmosphere for each vat.
The perfect harmony between tradition and modernity _ Find the unusual attractions of the Grand Saint-Emilionnais on th_e Tourist Office website: www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
NIGHT TOUR OF SAINT-ÉMILION UNUSUAL TOUR
The medieval city comes to life at night all summer long!
In the company of a night watchman or a revolutionary, embark on animated or theatrical visits to (re)discover the village of Saint-Emilion in a different way, with a lantern in your hand.
Under the stars - Tuesdays from 06/07 to 24/08/21 at 9.30pm A night under the Revolution - Thursdays from 08/07 to 26/08/21 at 9.30 pm
23 MY SAINT-ÉMILION #3
For 3 years now, Saint-Émilion destination is to be discovered in magazines! Under the pen of Anne Quimbre, set off on an adventurous journey with fascinating interviews, comparative looks and anecdotes about the hidden places of the Saint-Emilion vineyard, all enhanced by magnificent photos, including a "carte blanche" given to a local photographer (amateur or professional).
24 The Saint-Émilion Jazz Festival is back in 2021!
A PASSION FOR MUSIC AND WINE
The Saint-Emilion Jazz Festival is a must- see musical event in the South-West. It brings together the greatest jazz musicians and the Grands Crus and enlivens the medieval town for 3 days in the summer thanks to the many concerts and events. The festival thus offers a joyful mix: jazz notes resound on the ancestral limestone of the village in a friendly atmosphere, all sublimated by exceptional wines.
To accompany this musical moment, an ephemeral wine bar is available for tasting wines from the Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Puisseguin Saint-Emilion appellations.
Ready to swing? We look forward to seeing you on July 10th and 11th 2021!
25 THE MAIN EVENTS OF 2021
JANUARY TO DECEMBER Les Grandes Heures Classical music in Châteaux MARCH March 14 Les Vins kms de Saint-Émilion Race around the local countryside APRIL April 4 Easter egg hunt in Saint-Émilion _ & Sainte-Terre April 23 to 25 Lamprey Festival in Sainte-Terre
MAY Philosophia May 1 and 2 Saint-Emilion Portes Ouvertes _ Open Doors event May 14 to 16 29th edition of the National Rally of Saint-Émilion _ JUNE _ May 27 to 30 June 10 to 12 Festival Philosophia Biotope Festival Theme : The language let's talk about it! Theme : Old species and breeds 26 JULY & AUGUST July 10 and 11 _Saint-Émilion Jazz Festival July 17 Tour de France time trial from Libourne _to Saint-Émilion July 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 et 31 August 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 et 21 SEPTEMBER The Battle of Castillon September 10 to 12 Vino Voce Vino Voce _ September 18 & 19 European Days of Cultural Heritage _ September 19 Ban des Vendange_s OCTOBER September 24 to 26 October 9 & 10 Craftsmen Market _The Taste Market October 15 to 17 Les Montgolfiades Hot air balloon event DECEMBER December 4 & 5 Christmas Market
Find all our attractions and activities on our website : www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com 27 MySaintEmilion
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Disclaimer: the abuse of alcohol is dangerous for health. Consume in moderation.