Saint-Émilion remains open throughout winter! Many wine estates, restaurants and accommodation providers across the Greater Saint-Émilion area welcome visitors during the quieter months. The Greater Saint-Émilion Tourist Office has brought together winter events, wine tastings, activities, restaurants and accommodation to help you plan your weekend getaway or short break.
Winter offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy wine tours and tastings in a more intimate atmosphere. The season also brings experiences you won't find in summer: raclette evenings at wine estates, winter walks through the vineyards, workshops and escape games in wine cellars.
The Tourist Office regularly updates its listings of restaurants and accommodation open throughout winter.
Winter is the ideal season to enjoy some quality time together. Some accommodation providers feature spas with heated indoor pools, Jacuzzis, saunas, massage rooms and facial treatments. In some cases, you can even enjoy these facilities for an afternoon without staying overnight.
Other venues offer private hot tubs and exclusive dining experiences prepared by a chef, with the option of adding a cookery workshop.
For a delicious escape, several wine estates offer tastings in intimate surroundings: private lounges overlooking the vineyards, wine and chocolate pairings, sound and light tours, or exclusive behind-the-scenes vineyard experiences.
When it comes to dining, enjoy welcoming table d'hôte experiences by the fireplace, guesthouses serving evening meals, and cosy spots where you can settle down beside a wood-burning stove with a bowl of soup or a cup of tea.
Give someone a tailor-made stay in Saint-Émilion! With our range of gift boxes, you're sure to find something they'll love.
At Desserts by Jo, the Bordeaux canelé takes centre stage, with its caramelised crust and soft, tender centre. Enjoy the traditional rum-flavoured recipe or try the chocolate and vanilla variations. A box of canelés makes a delicious gift to take home.
Casa Delizia brings an Italian touch to the festive season with Christmas panettone, festive specialities and an autumn-winter menu. Gourmet gift boxes and gift vouchers are available both in-store and online.
Activités for children
There's plenty to keep little explorers entertained this winter: treasure hunts, underground mysteries, Tèrra Aventura adventures and fun-filled farm visits.
These activities offer a playful way to discover the area, whatever the weather.
Winter walks and Christmas market
Make the most of the fresh air with organised winter walks through the vineyards. Some wine estates also offer opportunities to explore their grounds and surrounding vines.
In December, the whole area gets into the Christmas spirit! Local villages host their own Christmas markets, joined by several wine estates organising festive events and decorating their properties for the season. Perfect opportunities to wander, explore and enjoy special moments together as a family.
Tourist Office. From November to early February, the Tourist Office is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The reception desk is closed to visitors on Mondays and Tuesdays, although our team remains available by telephone. Exceptionally, the Tourist Office will also be open on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December, as well as every day during the Christmas holidays. The Tourist Office is completely closed on 25 December. From 6 February, at the start of the winter school holidays, the Tourist Office will be open seven days a week.
Tour du Roy (King's Tower) The tower is closed from November to early February. It reopens on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 February, at the start of the winter school holidays.
Monolithic Church The Monolithic Church can only be visited as part of a guided tour, which must be booked in advance. Tours last approximately one hour and depart from Place de l'Église Monolithe during Tourist Office opening hours.
Christmas markets, entertainment, cultural events and festive gatherings… There's plenty happening across Greater Saint-Émilion throughout winter! Browse our events calendar to discover what's on during your stay and make the most of the season.
Yes! Many wine estates welcome visitors throughout winter. Every day, between two and four châteaux offer visits without prior booking as part of our Château du Jour (Château of the Day) programme. Other estates welcome visitors by appointment.
Yes, the Tourist Office is open all year round, except on 25 December. During winter, the reception desk is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays outside the school holidays.
Yes, we recommend booking a few days ahead. During the quieter months, most wine estates and some restaurants operate by appointment or reservation.
Visits to the Monolithic Church are only available with a guide and must be booked through the Tourist Office's online ticket office.
There's plenty to enjoy in Saint-Émilion on a rainy day, thanks to its underground monuments and wine cellars. Explore the Monolithic Church and catacombs, try an escape game in a wine cellar or book a wine tasting at a château.
Discover more ideas on our Rainy Day Activities page.
Yes! The Saint-Émilion Christmas Market will take place on 19 and 20 December 2026, in the heart of the medieval village. Other Christmas markets will also be held throughout December in several villages across Greater Saint-Émilion.
The Tourist Office provides a regularly updated list of restaurants open throughout winter. Explore our Restaurants Open in Winter and Accommodation Open in Winter.
If you're visiting during the festive season, we recommend booking your restaurant table in advance.
Grand Saint-Emilionnais Tourist Office
Le Doyenné - Place des Créneaux
33330 SAINT-EMILION
