Villa Millesime

This exquisite farmhouse is set within a prestigious wine estate on a hilltop near Saint-Émilion, less than an hour from Bordeaux’s airport and Saint-Jean train station (Paris to Bordeaux is just over 2 hours by TGV).

Surrounded by beautiful vines planted on excellent soil, the wine estate produces three highly regarded wines - a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, a Grand Cru and a chardonnay – private tours and tastings can be arranged. The owners aim to cultivate wines sustainably using traditional farming practices including hand pruning and horse ploughing. The contemporary winery and wine-tasting bar are part of the estate.  

Overlooking vines towards the small local village, the villa’s environment is both authentic and enchanting. What’s more, the heart of Saint-Émilion is just 4km away – with advance notice the owners can arrange guided historic tours of the hilltop village as well as bookings at Michelin starred restaurants and wine-tastings at high-end wine châteaux. The Michelin starred establishments Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are both in central Saint-Émilion whilst Château Troplong Mondot is even closer. Hot-air balloon rides and helicopter tours over the vineyards can also be organised.

One of the world’s oldest and most desired wine destinations with UNESCO World Heritage listed vineyards, Saint-Émilion will captivate you in every way. The medieval fortified village is a joy to explore with its narrow lanes, boutiques, restaurants, arched gateways, underground catacombs and historic monuments including a 12th century Monolithic church dug out of limestone.

A little further afield, discover the beauty of the Dordogne at Castillon-la-Bataille (9km), a bastide town with a rich heritage, atmospheric Monday morning market, picturesque riverside setting and impressive historic re-enactments of the Battle of Castillon (on weekends in late July and August). In the other direction is bustling Libourne (12km), famed for its excellent Farmers markets on Place Abel Surchamp. Boat trips cruise along the Dordogne River from Libourne and there are canoeing/kayaking opportunities near both Castillon-la-Bataille and Libourne (see also Lac des Dagueys for summer water-based activities).

The wine-tasting opportunities across south-western France seem endless. Not only is Bordeaux less than an hour away by car (or 30 minutes by train) with its wine bars, vibrant restaurant scene, La Cité du Vin and surrounding wine châteaux, the Médoc peninsula is just a little further with Margaux (67km) and Pauillac (96km) easily reached. Then there’s Bergerac (55km) and the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac (54km) for another fantastic day out for wine, food and history enthusiasts.

You could even venture west towards the Atlantic coast whether enjoying the surfing beaches around Lacanau Plage (101km), the mighty Dune du Pilat (111km) or the oyster farms around Arcachon Bay (111km). Once again, the owners would be pleased to arrange a bespoke itinerary for you when visiting the beautiful coastline and beaches. 

Read more about St-Émilion

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.