Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion, France
A church carved out of the limestone under the village, visited only on guided tours from the tourist office. The UNESCO-listed vineyards surround the town; park in the paid car parks on the edge.
The monolithic church of Saint-Émilion was carved in the early 12th century from the limestone beneath the town. It is 38 m long and 12 m high. It takes its name from Émilion, a Breton hermit who lived in a nearby cave in the 8th century; the church was built for the pilgrims who came to his tomb. The bell tower, about 68 m tall, was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
The church can be visited only on a guided tour run by the tourist office; independent visits are not allowed (as of October 2026). The tour lasts 45 to 60 minutes (about 1.5 hours when bilingual) and links the hermit’s cave of Émilion, the Trinity Chapel with 14th-century murals, the catacombs and the monolithic church; groups are limited to 35 people. Book in advance, especially in summer and at weekends; weekday mornings are quieter. The tunnels are cool, and photography is prohibited. The tower can be climbed by 196 steps; the climb is not included in the guided tour and is possible only for two or more people, and access depends on the tourist office’s opening hours. The tourist office can give you details.
- Nearest town
- Saint-Émilion, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 44.8930, -0.1557
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Yelloh! VillageCampsite3 km from Monolithic church of Saint-ÉmilionTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Aire St-Sulpice-de-FaleyrensMotorhome stopover4 km from Monolithic church of Saint-ÉmilionMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Aire Camping-Car Lussac, Grand Saint-EmilionnaisMotorhome stopover8 km from Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion · 16 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Aire de camping-car du Lac de DagueysMotorhome stopover9 km from Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion · 17 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- CAMPING de mon Village de Saint-Médard-de-GuizièresMotorhome stopover16 km from Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Aire de camping-cars de CréonMotorhome stopover20 km from Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion · 5 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion?
Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion is in Saint-Émilion, France, at GPS 44.8930, -0.1557. It is about 7 km from Libourne.
Can you camp near Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Espace Guadet, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 52 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion?
Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Bordeaux wine: Médoc, Blaye and Saint-Émilion.
What is there to see near Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion?
Places worth a stop nearby: La Sauve-Majeure Abbey (19 km), Citadel of Blaye (48 km), Fort Médoc (49 km) and Brantôme Abbey (82 km).
When is the best time to visit Monolithic church of Saint-Émilion?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)