Cloître des Cordeliers & Caves
Historic cloister and underground cellars in Saint-Émilion, offering wine tasting, picnics, and unique evening events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Cloître des Cordeliers & Caves
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic cloister and underground cellars in Saint-Émilion, offering wine tasting, picnics, and unique evening events.
"An unforgettable experience at the Cloître des Cordeliers! Highly recommended!"
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring your own picnic or order a gourmet basket to enjoy in the serene cloister garden.
✨ Evening Vibes
Experience the free electro-breaks parties on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cloister Garden
Main courtyard
A peaceful, well-maintained garden perfect for picnics and relaxation amidst historic architecture.
Underground Caves
Subterranean cellars
Explore the labyrinthine caves where exceptional sparkling wines have been produced since 1892.
Tuk-Tuk Vineyard Tour
Surrounding vineyards
A fun and informative way to see the beautiful Saint-Emilion wine country and get a sense of the scale.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Picnic Perfection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring your own picnic or order a gourmet basket to enjoy in the serene cloister garden.
✨ Evening Vibes
Experience the free electro-breaks parties on Friday and Saturday evenings.
🚗 Tuk-Tuk Adventure
The tuk-tuk vineyard tour is a highlight, offering fun and insight into the wine region.
💰 Value Check
Some visitors find the tuk-tuk tour pricey for the information provided.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring your own picnic or order a gourmet basket to enjoy in the serene cloister garden.
✨ Evening Vibes
Experience the free electro-breaks parties on Friday and Saturday evenings.
🚗 Tuk-Tuk Adventure
The tuk-tuk vineyard tour is a highlight, offering fun and insight into the wine region.
💰 Value Check
Some visitors find the tuk-tuk tour pricey for the information provided.
🌱 Vegan Options
Look for vegan spreads and picnic items at the onsite coffee stand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful cloister garden and the unique experience of exploring the underground wine cellars. The tuk-tuk vineyard tour is often highlighted as fun and informative, and the evening electro-breaks offer a lively atmosphere. However, some find the pricing, particularly for the tuk-tuk tour, to be a bit high for the value received, and service can sometimes be slow.
"Beautiful setting, but the experience doesn’t quite live up to the price
We visited Cloître des Cordeliers in Saint-Émilion with high hopes, but overall the experience was a bit underwhelming. The tuk-tuk tour felt quite overpriced — €30 per adult and €25 per child — especially considering that you don’t actually enter any vineyards, just see them from the road. The guide provided only very basic information, both during the ride and at the short wine tasting afterwards.
That said, the cloister garden itself is lovely — peaceful and well maintained — and the outdoor café is a nice spot to relax. You can pick up some simple food like pâté, bread, and a glass or a bottle of wine, which we enjoyed, although the service was quite slow and we didn’t exactly feel welcomed as customers.
The gift shop was a bit confusing, with a mix of toys and random non-wine-related items, which didn’t really fit the setting.
In short, it’s a pretty place to visit, but the overall experience felt a bit disjointed and overpriced for what you get."
Irina B
"What a great place to have a picnic. We had a fantastic experience sitting in the garden terrace splitting a bottle of their best bubbly."
John Abrahamson
"An unforgettable experience at the Cloître des Cordeliers! The tour was absolutely fantastic, led by the brilliant Ophélie, a truly charming and passionate guide who’s a superb ambassador for Saint-Émilion. She brought the history and stories of the cloister to life with such enthusiasm and warmth.
The tuk-tuk vineyard tour was a real highlight, informative, fun, and a great way to get a sense of the scale and beauty of the surrounding wine country. The visit to the labyrinthine underground caves was equally impressive, and the wine tasting at the end was a perfect way to round off the experience.
Highly recommended! A must-do in Saint-Émilion!"
James Bell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Cloître des Cordeliers in Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux is by car, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train from Bordeaux to Libourne and then a bus or taxi to Saint-Émilion.
Yes, there are parking areas available in Saint-Émilion. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Yes, Saint-Émilion is a very walkable town. Cloître des Cordeliers is located within the medieval city, making it easily accessible on foot from other attractions.
While the cloister itself offers tours, exploring the wider Saint-Émilion area might require separate arrangements or self-guided exploration.
Many visitors enjoy a self-guided day trip, combining visits to key sites like the Cloître des Cordeliers with exploring the medieval streets and enjoying local delicacies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cloître des Cordeliers is generally open daily from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, with extended hours until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
While entry to the cloister garden is free, specific tours like the tuk-tuk vineyard tour can be around €30 per adult and €25 per child.
For general entry and the cloister garden, advance booking is usually not required. However, for specific tours or during busy periods, it's wise to check their official website or inquire locally.
Yes, options range from garden access to guided tours of the caves and tuk-tuk vineyard tours, each with different pricing.
Access to the underground caves is typically part of a guided tour, which allows you to learn about their history and the wine-making process.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy picnics in the garden, explore the underground wine cellars, take a tuk-tuk vineyard tour, and attend evening electro-breaks parties. 
Yes, families can enjoy picnics and the general atmosphere. The tuk-tuk tour can also be fun for children, though some may find the cost high.
It's described as a peaceful and beautiful setting, especially the cloister garden. Evenings on Fridays and Saturdays have a lively electro-breaks vibe.
Yes, guided tours are available that take you through the impressive underground caves and often include a wine tasting.
This is a free event held on Friday and Saturday evenings featuring electronic music, offering a different kind of experience at the cloister.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The cloister garden is a perfect spot for a picnic. You can bring your own or purchase gourmet picnic baskets onsite.
The onsite cafe offers simple food like pâté, bread, and a selection of wines and cocktails. They may also have vegan spreads.
Yes, wine tasting is typically included with tours of the underground caves or can be enjoyed with a picnic. They offer their own sparkling wines and a selection of Bordeaux wines.
Some visitors have noted that the coffee stand inside the gate may offer vegan spreads, making it a good option for plant-based picnics.
The cloister is known for its exceptional sparkling wines made using the traditional method since 1892, alongside a selection of Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux wines.
📸 📸 Photography
The cloister garden, the historic architecture of the cloister itself, and the surrounding vineyard landscapes seen from the tuk-tuk tour offer beautiful photo opportunities.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check with your guide, but generally, photos are allowed, though flash might be restricted to protect the wine.
The golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can provide beautiful light for the gardens and exterior architecture. Evenings during the electro-breaks can offer unique shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and vineyards to protect the environment and privacy. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Yes, the tuk-tuk tour offers scenic views of the vineyards, making it a great opportunity for photography. Ensure you secure your camera or phone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some tours might be less engaging for very young children, the overall atmosphere is welcoming. Consider packing snacks or opting for the picnic baskets to keep everyone happy. 🍷 Wine Enthusiasts
Participating in a guided tour and tasting is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and quality of the wines. 📸 Photographers
+1 The early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the beauty of the site. Evenings during the electro-breaks offer a unique, vibrant photographic subject. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Cordeliers
This order was known for its focus on prayer, preaching, and begging. The current cloister structure, a Monument Historique, largely dates from the 14th century and features an impressive 3 kilometers of underground galleries. These subterranean spaces are not just historical relics; they have been actively used for producing exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method since 1892.
The blend of religious history and continuous winemaking tradition makes the site unique. Visitors can delve into this past through guided tours that bring the stories of the cloister and its inhabitants to life. Wine Production and Tasting
The cool, stable environment of the underground caves provides the perfect conditions for aging these effervescent beverages. Visitors can explore these labyrinthine cellars and learn about the meticulous process involved in their creation. The experience often culminates in a wine tasting, allowing guests to sample the fruits of their labor. This typically includes their own bubbly and a selection of other Saint-Émilion and Bordeaux wines.
The Saint-Émilion Experience
+1 The cloister itself is a beautiful and peaceful spot, offering a respite from the bustling village streets. Visitors often combine a visit here with exploring the village's historic landmarks, such as the monolithic church, the King's Tower, and enjoying local specialties like the famous Macarons de Saint-Émilion. +1Beyond the cloister, the surrounding vineyard landscapes are breathtaking. The tuk-tuk vineyard tour offers a delightful way to experience these rolling hills and gain a sense of the region's viticultural scale.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit