Woke to another rolling thunderstorm & rain on the roof, which cleared to an overcast but warm day.
Set out to St. Emilion for a tour of this stunning wine producing region. You could take a thousand photos here & still not capture the beauty. Rolling fields of vineyards, dotted with magnificent chateaus that stand like fairytale castles amongst grounds of woods alongside manicured gardens. The stonework of the buildings is incredible when you think of the period in which they were built.
Stopped at Chateaux de la Rivière that was hosting a Woody Allen festival with fireworks at sunset. The views across the valley were breathtaking. Many of the chateaus are not open for tastings on the weekends - Caroline says the French will do anything to not work on those days.
Stopped at another outlet for tastings & bought some red wine that was particularly smooth & fruity - what the French call 'feminine'.
Drove into St. Emilion proper & was greeted with a town built from the 700s. Can you imagine? The view from the old church bell tower was of medieval buildings set in a backdrop of rolling hills, vineyards & gardens. So incredibly beautiful. Stopped for lunch in the Town Square & was served by an Aussie from St. Kilda who was working for a year. Walked the cobblestone lanes to the lower part of town where there were more cafes, shops & wine outlets. The more recent stonework built upon the ruins.
At one smaller chateaux, we saw the most beautiful carpet of wildflowers, the French often have such unkempt free flowing gardens that look effortless & so picturesque. St. Emilion would have to be a favourite picture postcard village.