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Historical site · Saint-Émilion, Nova Aquitânia
Cloître des Cordeliers
Ruins of the 14th-century Franciscan convent, with a columned cloister, garden and rock-cut cellars where sparkling wine is produced.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cloître des Cordeliers
The Franciscans, called Cordeliers in France because of the rope they wore as a belt, arrived in Saint-Émilion in the early 13th century. The first convent, outside the walls, suffered during the Hundred Years' War, and only at the end of the 14th century were they authorised to build within the village.
The complex included a church, cloister, garden, winery and living quarters. During the Revolution the religious were expelled and the convent was sold in 1791. Today what remains are the ruins of the cloister, with columns, capitals and bases each carved from a single block of stone, and the walls of the single‑nave church. The site is listed as a historic monument.
From the church you descend to the cellars cut into the limestone, 17 metres deep. Since the late 19th century they have been used to produce crémant de Bordeaux, a sparkling wine made by the same method as champagne. There are guided tours of the cellars and the convent's history.
The former convent garden has become an area of tables with a wine bar, where you can taste the sparkling wine in moderation or have a snack in the shade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour, including the guided tour of the cellars.
Best time
In the afternoon, to rest in the garden after going up and down the village's slopes. The site is usually open every day from March to November.
How to get there
On foot, on rue des Cordeliers, in the northern part of the village, a few minutes from the Collégiale.
Tip
Book the guided tour of the cellars at the entrance or at the tourist office. There is fruit juice and non-alcoholic drinks for those who don't drink or will be driving.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cloître des Cordeliers
Who were the Cordeliers?
They were the Franciscan friars, called Cordeliers in France because of the rope they wore at the waist. They built the convent within the walls at the end of the 14th century.
What is crémant de Bordeaux?
It is a sparkling wine from the Bordeaux region made by the same method as Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle. In the Cordeliers' cellars it has been produced since the late 19th century.
Is it possible to visit only the cloister?
Yes. The cloister and garden can be seen without the caves tour, which is guided and paid for separately. Confirm the conditions at the entrance.