View source for Saint-Émilion

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{For|the Italian wine grape known as Saint Emilion|Trebbiano}}
{{Infobox French commune
|name               = Saint-Émilion
|commune status     = [[Communes of France|Commune]]
|image              = 1 Saint-Émilion aerial pano 2016.jpg
|caption            = An aerial view of Saint-Émilion
|image coat of arms = Blason ville fr Saint-Émilion (Gironde).svg
|arrondissement     = Libourne
|canton             = Les Coteaux de Dordogne
|INSEE              = 33394
|postal code        = 33330
|mayor              = Bernard Lauret<ref>{{cite web|title=Répertoire national des élus: les maires|url=https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/2876a346-d50c-4911-934e-19ee07b0e503|website=data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises|date=2 December 2020|language=fr}}</ref>
|term               = 2020–2026
|intercommunality   = 
|coordinates        = {{coord|44.8936|-0.1547|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|elevation m        = 23
|elevation min m    = 3
|elevation max m    = 107
|area km2           = 27.02
|population         = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_total}}
|population date    = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_as_of}}
|population footnotes   = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_footnotes}}
}}
{{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
|WHS         = Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion
|Image       = Saint-Emilion Eglise monolithe.jpg
|Caption     = Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion and its bell tower
|Criteria    = Cultural: iii, iv
|ID          = 932
|Year        = 1999
|Area        = 7,847 ha
|Buffer_zone = 5,101 ha
}}
'''Saint-Émilion''' ({{IPA|fr|sɛ̃.t‿emiljɔ̃}}; [[Gascon dialect|Gascon]]: ''Sent Milion'') is a [[Communes of France|commune]] in the [[Gironde]] department in [[Nouvelle-Aquitaine]] in Southwestern [[France]].

In the heart of the country of Libournais (the area around [[Libourne]]), in a region of wine hills, Saint-Émilion is a medieval city located at the crossroads of [[Bordeaux]], [[Saintonge (region)|Saintonge]] and [[Périgord]]. The town and [[Saint-Émilion AOC|surrounding vineyards]] was made a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] in 1999, owing to its long, living history of wine-making, [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] churches and [[ruins]] stretching all along steep and narrow streets.<ref name = "unesco">{{cite web |url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/932 |title = Jurisdiction of Saint-Emilion |website = UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher = United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization |access-date = 13 November 2021}}</ref>

==History==
Saint-Émilion's history goes back at least 35,000 years, to the Upper [[Paleolithic]].<ref name = "icomos">{{cite report |url = https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/932/documents/ |title = Advisory Body Evaluation (ICOMOS): Saint-Emilion (France), No. 932 |date = 30 June 1998 |publisher = International Council on Monuments and Sites |access-date = 13 November 2021}}</ref> An ''[[oppidum]]'' was built on the hill overlooking the present-day city in [[Gauls|Gaulish]] times, before the region was annexed by [[Augustus]] in 27 BC.<ref name = "icomos"/> The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] planted [[vineyards]] in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century AD. In the 4th century, the [[Latin]] poet [[Ausonius]] lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.<ref name = "unesco"/>

Saint-Émilion, previously called Ascumbas,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Monk Émilion |url=http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/uk/1-decouvrir/32-patrimoine-traditions/19-un-esprit-bienveillant-plane-sur-la-cite.html |website=saint-emilion tourisme |access-date=Sep 30, 2018}}</ref> was renamed after the Breton [[monk]] Émilion (d. 767<ref>{{cite web |title=Bordeaux |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02682a.htm |website=Catholic Encyclopedia |access-date=Sep 30, 2018}}</ref>). According to tradition, Émilion started as a bread-maker for the Count of Vannes. While bringing bread to the poor, a lord angrily approached Émilion and asked him what he was carrying. "These are pieces of wood intended to warm the poor", Émilion lied. He opened his coat and miraculously, the loaves of bread had transformed into wood. This wonder gave Émilion a high reputation, though he eventually left the manor to create the [[Hermitage (religious retreat)|Hermitage]] of Saint-Émilion, carved from a rock shelter in a deserted forest. Émilion lived in the [[oratory (worship)|oratory]] until his death in 767, when [[Waiofar]] was the Duke of Aquitaine.<ref>Pierre Bertin-Roulleau, ''Saint-Emilion: son histoire, ses monuments, ses grands vins, ses macarons'' (Libourne, 1923), pp. 6–7, https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k1654580/f5.item.</ref> The monks who followed him started commercial wine production in the area.

Because the region was located on the route of the [[Camino de Santiago]], many monasteries and churches were built during the Middle Ages, and in 1199, while under [[Plantagenet]] rule, the town was granted full rights.<ref name = "unesco"/> During the 12th and 13th centuries, the wines produced in the area were well-renowned for their quality, although political instability during the [[European wars of religion]] negatively affected the vineyards.<ref name = "icomos"/> The region only began to recover in the late 19th century.<ref name = "icomos"/>

Saint-Émilion is known for its [[macaroon]]s, which have been made continuously since 1620. The recipe has been passed down through generations by [[Ursulines|Ursuline]] nuns. These ''macarons traditionnels'' are made from ground almonds, sugar, and fresh egg whites.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meyers |first=Cindy |date=May 5, 2009 |title=The Macaron and Madame Blanchez |url=https://online.ucpress.edu/gastronomica/article/9/2/14/47204/The-Macaron-and-Madame-Blanchez |journal=Gastronomica |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=14–18|doi=10.1525/gfc.2009.9.2.14 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The Jurade of Saint-Émilion is a prestigious brotherhood, founded in 1199 by [[John, King of England]], that preserves the memory of Saint-Émilion wines and promotes them worldwide. The authority of the Jurade lasted until the French Revolution in 1789, but was revived again in 1948. Today, the 140 ''jurats'', who wear red robes, organize wine receptions and induction ceremonies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Jurade |url=http://vins-saint-emilion.com/en/ambassadors/the-jurade/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |website=Les Vins de Saint-Émilion}}</ref>

==Geography and description==
Saint-Émilion is located {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} east of [[Bordeaux]], between [[Libourne]] and [[Castillon-la-Bataille]]. [[Saint-Émilion station]] has rail connections to Bordeaux, [[Bergerac, Dordogne|Bergerac]] and [[Sarlat-la-Canéda]]. Vineyards make up more than 67% of the land area of the commune.<ref name = "icomos"/> Within the region there is a mix of medieval Romanesque religious architecture and vineyard "chateaux", built in 18th and 19th centuries. In the villages, however, most of the buildings are modest, one-story stone houses dating from the 19th century.<ref name = "unesco"/>

===Climate===
{{Weather box
|collapsed= Y
|location = Saint-Émilion (1995–2020 averages)
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|Jan record high C = 18.6
|Feb record high C = 24.7
|Mar record high C = 26.3
|Apr record high C = 30.8
|May record high C = 35.5
|Jun record high C = 39.7
|Jul record high C = 40.9
|Aug record high C = 41.6
|Sep record high C = 37.9
|Oct record high C = 33.0
|Nov record high C = 25.2
|Dec record high C = 19.7
|year record high C = 41.6
|Jan high C = 9.9
|Feb high C = 11.6
|Mar high C = 15.4
|Apr high C = 18.6
|May high C = 22.2
|Jun high C = 25.9
|Jul high C = 27.8
|Aug high C = 28.0
|Sep high C = 24.7
|Oct high C = 20.1
|Nov high C = 13.8
|Dec high C = 10.5
|year high C = 19.0
|Jan mean C = 6.6
|Feb mean C = 7.3
|Mar mean C = 10.3
|Apr mean C = 13.1
|May mean C = 16.6
|Jun mean C = 19.8
|Jul mean C = 21.5
|Aug mean C = 21.5
|Sep mean C = 18.2
|Oct mean C = 14.9
|Nov mean C = 9.8
|Dec mean C = 7.1
|year mean C = 13.9
|Jan low C = 3.3
|Feb low C = 3.1
|Mar low C = 5.2
|Apr low C = 7.6
|May low C = 11.0
|Jun low C = 13.8
|Jul low C = 15.1
|Aug low C = 14.9
|Sep low C = 11.8
|Oct low C = 9.6
|Nov low C = 5.8
|Dec low C = 3.6
|year low C = 8.7
|Jan record low C = -8.3
|Feb record low C = -12.0
|Mar record low C = -9.0
|Apr record low C = -1.8
|May record low C = 2.2
|Jun record low C = 5.6
|Jul record low C = 7.1
|Aug record low C = 6.2
|Sep record low C = 2.9
|Oct record low C = -5.6
|Nov record low C = -8.0
|Dec record low C = -9.7
|year record low C = -12.0
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 78.2
|Feb precipitation mm = 61.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 58.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 72.4
|May precipitation mm = 68.1
|Jun precipitation mm = 58.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 47.7
|Aug precipitation mm = 55.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 62.0
|Oct precipitation mm = 61.4
|Nov precipitation mm = 91.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 84.0
|year precipitation mm = 798.1
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 12.5
|Feb precipitation days = 10.4
|Mar precipitation days = 10.6
|Apr precipitation days = 11.2
|May precipitation days = 9.9
|Jun precipitation days = 8.0
|Jul precipitation days = 7.3
|Aug precipitation days = 7.7
|Sep precipitation days = 8.1
|Oct precipitation days = 9.8
|Nov precipitation days = 13.2
|Dec precipitation days = 12.5
|year precipitation days = 121.3
|Jan sun = 77.8
|Feb sun = 125.8
|Mar sun = 164.2
|Apr sun = 199.0
|May sun = 222.0
|Jun sun = 248.7
|Jul sun = 272.9
|Aug sun = 255.0
|Sep sun = 226.9
|Oct sun = 156.0
|Nov sun = 101.5
|Dec sun = 92.4
|year sun = 2142.0
|source = [[Meteociel]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Normals and records for Saint-Émilion (33) |url=https://www.meteociel.fr/obs/clim/normales_records.php?code=33394002&normes=2020 |publisher=[[Meteociel]]|language=fr|access-date=6 September 2025}}</ref>
}}

== Sights ==
'''Monolithic Church of Saint-Émilion'''

The [[monolithic church]] of Saint-Émilion is an 11th century church carved entirely out of a limestone cliff. It is one of the largest underground churches in Europe, with an estimated {{convert|15,000|m3}} of rock extracted. The great hall measures {{convert|38|m}} long and {{convert|20|m}} wide, divided into three [[naves]] of six [[bay (architecture)|bays]].<ref name=":0">Michelle Gaborit, "L'église souterraine de Saint-Émilion" (Congrès archéologique de France, 145e session, Bordelais et Bazadais, 1987, Paris: Société française d’archéologie, 1987), p. 198, https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k3209922j.</ref> Like many medieval structures, the church probably had a rich décor of painted [[murals]]; however, only a few bits of [[fresco]] remain. Iconographic works, such as depictions of lions, serpents, [[centaurs]], and [[cherubim]], can be seen on the walls and ceilings, possibly in reference to Psalms.<ref>Michelle Gaborit, "L'église souterraine de Saint-Émilion" (Congrès archéologique de France, 145e session, Bordelais et Bazadais, 1987, Paris: Société française d'archéologie, 1987), p. 202, https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k3209922j.</ref> Visitors can enter the church and view its [[catacombs]].

No documents exist that discuss the building of the monolithic church, but it is hypothesized that construction took place from the late 11th century to the early 12th century. Its purpose was probably to venerate and conserve the body of the 8th century Breton monk Saint Émilion.<ref name=":0" /> A small monastic community that gathered near his tomb appears in late 11th century texts, and Bordeaux archbishop Arnaud Guiraud reformed the community in 1110. An inscription on one of the monolithic church pillars mentions only the day of the dedication to Saint Émilion, September 7, and regrettably not the year.<ref name=":0" />

'''Tour du Roy'''

The Tour du Roy is a limestone [[donjon]] built in 1237. From its name (meaning ‘the King's tower’), some hypothesize it was constructed by order of [[Henry III of England|Henry III]], King of England and Duke of Aquitaine.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Le patrimoine |url=https://www.saint-emilion.org/decouvrir-la-ville/le-patrimoine |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=Ville de Saint-Émilion}}</ref> Other sources say the Tour du Roy is not royal, and was merely the municipal bell tower for the town hall until its 1720 razing by the Jurade to enlarge the other town hall in Market Square.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saint-Émilion: La Tour du Roy et le couvent des ursulines |url=https://www.saintemilion-unesco.com/parcours-decouverte/saint-emilion-la-tour-du-roy-et-le-couvent-des-ursulines/ |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=Saint-Émilion Juridiction}}</ref> The Tour du Roy has a height of almost {{convert|15|m}} and a width of more than {{convert|9|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Tour du Roy |url=https://www.intramuros.org/saint-emilion/decouvrir/7271 |access-date=April 7, 2023 |website=Saint-Émilion Tourism}}</ref> Visitors can climb inside the square tower for a panoramic view of the town. The tower is used by the Jurade to proclaim the judgment of new wine on the third Sunday of June, and the harvest ban on the third Sunday of September.<ref name=":1" />

== Wine ==
{{main|Saint-Émilion AOC}}

Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux’s major red-wine regions, grouped with its Right Bank neighbor Pomerol and contrasted with the Left Bank areas of the Médoc and Graves. Located on the Right Bank of the Dordogne/Gironde river system, Saint-Émilion sits directly east of Pomerol and is considerably smaller than the Médoc.

Like Pomerol and the other Right Bank appellations, Saint-Émilion is dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with only limited use of Cabernet Sauvignon in some estates’ blends.

Saint-Émilion wines were not part of the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which focused almost entirely on the Left Bank. Instead, the first official Saint-Émilion classification was introduced in 1955 and—unlike the static 1855 ranking—is designed to be periodically revised.

== Population ==
{{Historical populations
|source = INSEE<ref name=pophist>[https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/7633058?geo=COM-33394#ancre-POP_T1 Population en historique depuis 1968], INSEE</ref>
|percentages = pagr
|align = none
|1968 |3403
|1975 |3323
|1982 |3010
|1990 |2799
|1999 |2345
|2009 |2005
|2014 |1893
|2020 |1844
}}
{{Panorama
 | image = File:1 saint-emilion pano 2016.jpg
 |alt = A panoramic view of the town of Saint-Émilion, France.
 | fullwidth = 2437
 | fullheight = 689
 | caption = Panoramic view of Saint-Émilion, July 2016
 | height = 200
}}
{{Panorama
 | image = File:Panorama de Saint Emilion - Gironde.jpg
 |alt = A panoramic view of the town of Saint-Émilion, France.
 | fullwidth = 2437
 | fullheight = 689
 | caption = Panoramic view of Saint-Émilion, August 2012
 | height = 200
}}

== Saint-Émilion Jazz Festival ==
Since 2012, Saint-Émilion hosts a jazz festival at the end of July.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saint-emilion-jazz-festival.com/le-festival/editions-passees/|title=Saint-Emilion Jazz Festival - Site Officiel {{!}} Éditions passées|website=www.saint-emilion-jazz-festival.com|language=fr-FR|access-date=2018-08-02|archive-date=6 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006170754/http://www.saint-emilion-jazz-festival.com/le-festival/editions-passees/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Marguerite-Élie Guadet]]
* [[Clément Fayat]]

==See also==
* [[Cordeliers Cloister (Saint-Emilion)|Cordeliers Cloister]]
* [[Bordeaux wine]]
* [[French wine]]
* [[Plan Bordeaux]]
* [[Bordeaux wine regions]]
* [[Classification of Saint-Émilion wine]]
* [[Communes of the Gironde department]]
* [[Cour Saint-Émilion (Paris Métro)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.saint-emilion.org}}
* [http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/ Saint-Émilion tourist office website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070204153439/http://www.api-photo.net/PBSCCatalog.asp?CatID=105823 aerial photography of the Saint-Émilion and Aquitaine area]
* [http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20111114-cash-strapped-french-wine-town-saint-emilion-sells-historical-monument/ Cash-strapped French wine town Saint Emilion sells off historical monument] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042322/http://www.english.rfi.fr/france/20111114-cash-strapped-french-wine-town-saint-emilion-sells-historical-monument/ |date=4 March 2016 }} RFI English

{{World Heritage Sites in France|Saint-Émilion}}
{{Gironde communes}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Saintemilion}}
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in France]]
[[Category:Saint-Émilion]]