The medieval town of Saint Emilion is 35 kilometres from Bordeaux & is one of the principal red wine areas of Bordeaux. Saint-Émilion's history dates back to prehistoric times. Today we find fascinating ruins, some Roman stretching all along steep and narrow streets & like Bordeaux it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century.
Today Saint-Émilion is a very popular tourist destination with the town full of wine merchants offering wine tasting along with restaurants & cafes. Unfortunately we picked the wrong day to visit as the rain started about a couple hour after we arrived. We took the opportunity to enjoy a drink at one of the cafes & people watch. Lots of cruise tours were visiting too but continued on as they had to keep to their strict schedule. We love the fact we are doing our own thing with few time constraints.
Whilst waiting for the train to Bordeaux we met a couple from one of the cruise ships who opted to do their own thing too & visit Saint-Émilion using public transport, which saved then almost $800, the cost of the organized tour.