HotelChatter

The hotel’s 26 rooms, which start at around 70 euros won’t win any awards for spaciousness or amenities, but they are decorated in bright colors, kept fastidiously clean, and the ensuite bathrooms are large by European measurements. Compared to the other options around town, L’Auberge is a downright bargain.

There are also flatscreen tv’s in every room—though you might be disappointed not to get CNN or Skynews—and the WiFi signal is strong throughout the hotel, which is good because you have to pay for it (about 10 euros for two hours). While noisier, the rooms in front have great views of the town, including the famous clock tower, though the back rooms and the ones in the annex are a little more private.

St. Emilion itself is a treasure of a town, and close to famous wine-making chateau like Petrus, Cheval Blanc and Ausone, though if you take it from us, venture afield to more welcoming ones like Clos Fourtet, Beausejour-Becot, Grand Mayne, Clos du Clocher, and Troplong-Mondot. Merlot is king here, so no Sideways jokes, please!