The Palanquey Travel Journals
Saint-Émilion.
The journey begins here.
A getaway in the city.
A peaceful return to Palanquey.
Destination Saint-Émilion
A village shaped by faith, stone and wine. From Palanquey in Sainte-Colombe, explore its history beneath the rock, along the lanes and beyond the ramparts.
The monument to discover
In the Middle Ages, builders carved this church into the limestone plateau. Its underground space and pillars cut from the rock make it extraordinary. Above, the bell tower marks a sanctuary that the façade only hints at. Its silhouette combines a Romanesque base with a Gothic upper section added in the late 15th century.
To visit it. The “Saint-Émilion underground” guided tour brings together the hermitage, the Trinity Chapel, the catacombs and the monolithic church. Access to the bell tower is separate.
Four landmarks to look for
A little history to accompany your walk.
8th century · According to tradition
According to tradition, a hermit from Brittany settled here in the 8th century. The memory of Émilion and the pilgrimage to his tomb shaped the village’s beginnings. Around the sanctuary, the arrival of pilgrims also encouraged a trading quarter to develop.
12th–15th centuries · The upper town
Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the collegiate church housed a community of canons following the rule of Saint Augustine. The cloister recalls that this was also their home. Romanesque and Gothic elements reflect successive changes to both church and cloister.
15th century · Detail to look at
Its carved 15th-century façade belongs to the village’s last half-timbered house. The foundations are older: this small building reveals several chapters of Saint-Émilion’s history. Its timber framing contrasts with the stone façades found throughout the village.
1999 · World Heritage
UNESCO inscribed the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion in 1999, recognising a historic vineyard landscape. Village and vineyards are part of the same story. Hillsides, valleys and villages form a landscape in which vine-growing remains a living activity.
From the city to your stay
After the cloister and lanes, return to the open landscapes of Saint-Émilion and Castillon. Visit an estate by appointment, then head back to Palanquey: the terrace, spa and time to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Stay at PalanqueyThe Palanquey concierge service
A cellar tour, a visit to a winery, a tasting or a day among the vines: our concierge can help you plan your discoveries. Share your interests with the team and we will work with you to arrange visits, subject to each estate’s availability.
Plan with our conciergeChâteau du Palanquey · Sainte-Colombe
Choose your dates. We look forward to welcoming you among the vines.
Check availability