Cloître des Cordeliers, Saint-Émilion

Convent in Saint-Émilion

Cloître des Cordeliers à Saint Emilion
Cloître des Cordeliers à Saint Emilion
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lomer33127

Tucked just inside Saint-Émilion's medieval lanes, the Cloître des Cordeliers is a rare place where the town's monastic past and its wine culture meet in one very photogenic setting. The cloister itself is calm and sunlit, with stone arches and a garden feel that's hard to resist when the rest of the centre is busy. It's one of the top attractions in Saint-Émilion because you can enjoy it casually as a beautiful stop, or go deeper with a cellar visit that adds a real sense of the town's limestone character.

What makes it especially satisfying is how naturally it fits into a walking tour of Saint-Émilion: you can wander in for the atmosphere, then decide whether you want a structured experience underground or simply a glass on the terrace. The site feels lived-in rather than museum-like, with a wine bar and a relaxed pace that invites you to slow down and stay awhile, even if you originally planned on “just a quick look.”

History and Significance of the Cloître des Cordeliers

The site began as a convent established by Franciscan monks, known locally as the Cordeliers, whose name comes from the rope belt they wore as part of their simple habit. Their presence in Saint-Émilion reflects the medieval rhythm of religious life: prayer, preaching, and community, anchored in a complex that would have been both spiritual and practical.

Over the centuries, the convent's role shifted as Saint-Émilion changed around it. Like many religious houses in France, it was ultimately disrupted by the French Revolution, after which the monastic chapter of its story ended and the buildings entered a new, less certain phase.

What keeps the Cloître des Cordeliers compelling today is that it never became a static relic. The cloister and its limestone underground spaces now underpin a distinctly local continuation of craft, linking Saint-Émilion's geology and cellar tradition to the production of Crémant de Bordeaux, and giving the site a modern purpose that still feels rooted in place.

Things to See and Do in the Cloître des Cordeliers

Start with the cloister itself. The stone arcades and courtyard-garden atmosphere are the kind of setting that makes you instinctively slow your pace, and it’s a great spot to notice details you’d miss on the steeper, busier lanes elsewhere in town.

Next, consider the underground cellar visit if you want the full Cordeliers experience. The tunnels carved into limestone are naturally cool and atmospheric, and the story of how sparkling wine is aged and handled in these conditions adds a tangible “why here?” layer that goes beyond pretty architecture.

Finish the visit the Saint-Émilion way: with a glass. Whether you choose a guided tasting or a simple drink at the bar, this is a rare stop that lets you combine history and pleasure without feeling rushed, and it's particularly enjoyable if you time it as a mid-afternoon break between monuments.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cloître des Cordeliers

  • Entrance fee: €4 Self-Guided / €7 for Guided tour of the Convent at 2:30 p.m.
  • Opening hours: (November–March) Daily 10:30–18:00; (April–June and September–October) Daily 10:30–19:00; (July–August) Daily 10:30–20:00; extended until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in peak season.
  • Official website: https://www.couventdescordeliers.fr/
  • Best time to visit: Late morning for a calmer cloister, or late afternoon when the light warms the stone and the bar atmosphere feels at its most inviting.
  • How long to spend: Plan 30-45 minutes for a casual cloister stop and a drink, or 60-90 minutes if you’re adding an underground visit and tasting.
  • Accessibility: The cloister level is generally straightforward, but underground visits can involve uneven surfaces and steps; check the tour format if mobility is a concern.
  • Facilities: On-site bar service and seating make this a convenient break point, but it’s still wise to plan restrooms and longer meals around the town’s main restaurant streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Cloître des Cordeliers

If you want to stay central and walk to monuments, dinners, and evening strolls, base yourself inside the medieval centre; if your trip is vineyard-first, choose a stay just outside town for quieter nights, easier parking, and faster access to estates.

For a stylish, central base a short walk from the cloister, Hotel Porte Brunet is ideal if you want to step straight into the lanes and keep your itinerary car-free. For a characterful stay that feels more like a refined countryside house near town, Clos 1906 suits travellers who want calm mornings and a slightly more spacious setting. If you want a classic Saint-Émilion address right on a medieval square, Logis de la Cadène is a strong choice when you want atmosphere, dining, and the heart-of-town feeling in one place.

Is the Cloître des Cordeliers Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you like attractions that feel both beautiful and easy to enjoy. The cloister works as a low-effort, high-reward stop: you can drop in for the setting, and then decide whether to upgrade the experience with an underground visit and tasting.

It's also one of the best “balance” stops in Saint-Émilion. After churches, viewpoints, and cobbled climbs, the Cordeliers gives you a calm courtyard, a compelling underground space, and a relaxed way to end the visit with something genuinely local.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (1,739)

Cloître des Cordeliers in Saint-Émilion is a calm, welcoming spot on 2 Rue de la Porte Brunet open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM where visitors often enjoy wine in a peaceful setting; reviewers describe it as beautiful and a good place to discover the world of wine.

John Abrahamson
3 months ago
"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."
Ron Thompson
a month ago
"Beautiful old structure and lovely grounds make this an excellent place to try the local wine."
James Bell
6 months ago
"An unforgettable experience at the Cloître des Cordeliers! The tour was absolutely fantastic, led by the brilliant Ophélie, a truly charming andpassionate 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!..."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the cloister courtyard is the main win: it’s outdoors, visually interesting, and easier to handle than tighter interior monuments. A short stop can feel like a reset, especially if the rest of the day includes steeper lanes and longer visits.

If you’re considering the underground visit, check whether the format suits your group, since tunnels and steps can be tiring for little ones. Keeping the visit flexible usually works best: cloister first, then decide if everyone still has the energy for more.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the Cordeliers is a natural “slow moment” in the day. The cloister setting is quietly romantic, and it’s an easy place to turn a sightseeing stop into a shared ritual with a glass and a seat.

It also pairs well with a gentle evening rhythm. If you time it for late afternoon, you can enjoy the atmosphere here, then drift back through the lanes toward dinner with the feeling that you've experienced Saint-Émilion beyond the headline sights.

Budget Travelers

This is a great stop for budget travellers because you can enjoy the cloister atmosphere without committing to a ticketed experience. Even if you skip the underground visit, the setting still feels like a highlight and adds depth to your day.

If you do want a paid experience, this is a good one to choose selectively: one structured visit and tasting can replace multiple smaller paid stops. Treat it as your “one splurge” that also delivers a sense of place, not just a drink.

FAQs for Visiting Cloître des Cordeliers

Getting There

It’s inside the historic centre, set just off the medieval lanes near other major monuments. Once you’re in the old town, it’s easiest to reach on foot.
Follow the flow of the main lanes and look for signs toward the Cordeliers site as you move through the upper-town area. The centre is compact, so it’s usually a short detour from wherever you are.
Parking is typically outside the tight medieval core, followed by a walk into town. Driving is worth it if you’re combining Saint-Émilion with nearby estates, but within the centre, walking is simpler.

Tickets & Entry

The cloister and bar area are generally enjoyed as a walk-in stop, while underground visits and tastings are ticketed. The simplest approach is to enter first, then decide if you want a tour.
In peak season, booking ahead is wise because tour slots can fill up. In quieter months, you may find availability on the day, but it still helps to plan if you have limited time.
Most ticketed visits focus on the underground cellars and conclude with a tasting. Some formats add extras like small-group transport or extended tastings, so it’s worth choosing the style that fits your day.

Visiting Experience

A quick, satisfying stop can be 20-30 minutes if you’re mainly here for the cloister setting. If you add the underground visit and tasting, it becomes closer to a full hour or more.
Yes, because it offers a different texture from the main churches and viewpoints and gives you a very Saint-Émilion blend of history and wine culture. It’s also easy to fit into a one-day loop without losing momentum.
It’s worthwhile in mixed weather because the underground visit still works well when it’s raining. The cloister is most enjoyable on a dry day, but even a short look can be rewarding.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many walking routes pass nearby because it sits close to other central landmarks. Even if it’s not formally included, it’s an easy self-guided add-on.
If you’re curious about the cellars and production process, a guided underground visit adds real value. If you mainly want atmosphere and photos, an independent cloister stop is usually enough.
Start with a major church or viewpoint, drop into the Cordeliers for a break, then continue through the medieval lanes toward another monument or a tasting. It’s an easy way to keep your day varied without over-scheduling.

Photography

Yes, especially for arches, courtyard compositions, and stone textures. The contrast between the cloister’s calm geometry and the surrounding lanes makes for strong shots.
Late morning gives cleaner light and fewer harsh shadows, while late afternoon often brings warmer tones. Quieter times also help if you want uncluttered frames.

Accessibility & Facilities

The cloister level is generally easier than many steep town sites, but underground visits can be more challenging. If mobility is a concern, focus on the cloister and choose tour formats carefully.
Facilities are geared toward visitors, especially around the bar area, but it’s still sensible to plan your longer breaks around the town’s cafés and restaurants. Treat this as a comfortable stop rather than a full-service visitor centre.

Nearby Attractions to the Cloître des Cordeliers

The Cloître des Cordeliers appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Émilion!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(November-March) Daily 10:30-18:00;

(April-June and September-October) Daily 10:30-19:00;

(July-August) Daily 10:30-20:00; extended until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in peak season.

Price:

€4 Self-Guided / €7 for Guided tour of the Convent at 2:30 p.m.

Address: Cloître des Cordeliers, Rue de la Porte Brunet, Saint-Émilion, France
Saint-Émilion: 0 km
Official Website

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