Saint Emilion is in Aquintaine, southwest of France, an hour drive from the city center of Bordeaux. I didn’t expect that they have such a charming village tucked among their famous vineyards. It was love at first sight. I immediately messaged Edmund, that this place is so pretty. He would love to come here.
Its history dates back before historians were born!
The Roman monks were the first who planted vineyards in the 12th century. This beautiful town was named after a travelling confessor, Emilion.
There are narrow and steep roads made of cobbled stones which could be dangerous especially for older people. I myself gave up after three meters down this road. One must wear rubber shoes that’s not slippery.
Our tour mates, having fun. The one wearing an orange/pinkish cardigan liked my sandals. She asked where I bought it (in Turkey). The Asian one is Vietnamese. I was told that she stayed behind in Bordeaux because she wanted to buy a vineyard!
The whole Saint Emilion’s 27 square kilometers village is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site. Residents cannot alter the landscape or buildings. Our tour guide told us that Saint Emilion must still look the same even thousand of years from now.
There are souvenir shops and cafes.
I bought that tiny candle shaped like chicken for Euro 1.80. I wanted to buy a few more but that’s the only one left.
The Hostellerie de Plaisance, a five star restaurant, bar and hotel located at Place du Clocher, right in the middle of the medieval village.
Their chef, Cedric Bechade, worked for 10 years with Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athenee in Paris.
I continued walking till the end of the main road. There’s an art building only few tourists notice.
I hoped to find something nice but cheap.
The works were by local artists.
I inspected every piece of art painting. I was looking for something that evokes a true St. Emilion countryside feeling. There was none that appealed to me. I wanted to find that one single painting that would blow my wallet away. Wala.
I saw my children taking pictures with the giraffe.
With only half hour left, we headed back to the pick-up point. I saw Taka (the apo of Salonpas founder), Angel Rosales, and Chit Juan. What a beautiful photo, I pa-blow-up ko nga ito.
The origin of macaroons.
One of our tour coordinators, Christine Henry, calling us to board the bus.
Our next stop, Chateau Ferrand.
