Cloître des Cordeliers

Le Cloître des Cordeliers in Saint-Émilion is a 14th-century former Franciscan monastery, recognized as a Historical Monument and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its Romanesque architecture, the site features a garden, monolithic columns, and extensive underground limestone cellars. These cellars extend for about 3 kilometers and reach depths of 20 meters. Since 1892, sparkling wines have been matured in these cellars, highlighting the site’s dual role as a religious and industrial heritage landmark.

Visitors can explore the site via electric tuk-tuk tours, which last approximately one hour. This method allows access to the extensive network of passages and cellars that would otherwise be difficult to navigate. The cloister is located at 2 bis rue de la Porte Bare, 33330 St Emilion. It is open daily during specific seasons, excluding January, February, March, November, and December, with multiple daily sessions available.

For inquiries, the contact number is 05 57 24 42 13, and more information is available at https://www.lescordeliers.com/. The Franciscan order, known as "Cordeliers" in medieval France, arrived in Saint-Émilion in the early 13th century, marking the emergence of mendicant orders in the region. This site offers a profound insight into the monastic and winemaking history of Saint-Émilion, combining architectural grandeur with the region’s viticultural tradition. Visitors can appreciate the unique atmosphere of the underground cellars and the historical significance of the cloister within the UNESCO-listed landscape.