Pre-Trip Checklist: St Emilion

Essential Preparations

A timeline for your St-Emilion journey.

Planning Milestones

Steps to take at different intervals before your trip.

Months Before

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport is current for Schengen travel.

Visa Needs

Determine if a Schengen visa applies to you.

Flight Bookings

Secure your air travel to Bordeaux for better prices.

Month Before

Accommodation & Tours

Finalize all lodging and activity bookings.

Train Tickets

Get your SNCF Connect tickets for travel.

Car Rental

Confirm your car hire and obtain IDP if necessary.

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Double-check all your travel arrangements.

Pack Smart

Select clothing suitable for weather and planned activities.

Electronics & Contacts

Prepare devices and share your itinerary.

Pre-Bookings

These items truly need advance booking for a smooth trip.

What to Book Ahead

Flights (international & domestic to Bordeaux).
Accommodation (hotel, guesthouse, rental).
Guided Monolithic Church tours (via Tourist Office).
Popular winery tours and tastings (often appointment-only).

More Advance Planning

Additional items to arrange before your visit.

Important Preparations

High-end restaurant reservations for dinner.
Consult doctor for vaccinations & prescription meds.
Notify bank/credit card companies of travel dates.
Have multiple copies (physical & digital) of documents.

Research & Home Prep

Final checks for your journey and your home.

Cultural & Wine Background

Familiarize yourself with basic French phrases.
Read about St-Emilion's wine classification.
Study the region's viticultural history.
This deepens your understanding.

Local Transport

Review how to get around St-Emilion.
Consider options for day trips.
Understand train and bike rental possibilities.
This smooths your daily movements.

Home Arrangements

Arrange pet/plant care while you are away.
Stop mail/newspaper delivery or have them collected.
Secure your home: lock windows and doors, set alarms.
Inform neighbors you will be away.

Smart Planning for Peace of Mind

Thorough pre-trip arrangements truly make a difference for a calm and joyful St-Emilion experience.

Arrival & Departure

Steps for a smooth start and end to your St-Emilion visit.

Upon Arrival

1
First Steps:
Clear Immigration, collect luggage, activate SIM card.
2
Currency:
Withdraw Euros from ATM or use credit card for initial purchases.
3
Transport:
Locate pre-arranged transport, taxi, or airport shuttle/train.

From Entry Point

Airport Transfer:
From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), shuttle to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, then train to St-Emilion.
Train Station:
From St-Emilion Train Station, village is 10-15 min uphill walk; consider taxi for heavy luggage.
Orientation:
Head to St-Emilion Tourist Office for maps/info; take a preliminary walk to get bearings.

Departure Planning

Souvenir & Shipping

Account for luggage limits if bringing wine bottles. Use Wine bottle protector sleeves for checked bags.

Inquire about direct wine shipping for larger purchases.

VAT Refund

Non-EU residents claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases (€100.01 minimum per store).

Request 'détaxe' form from retailer, then validate at airport customs.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample travel time to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or train station.

Factor in potential traffic or security queues.

Final Checks

Confirm your flight or train status the day before. Repack, make certain all belongings are present, and dispose of perishables.

More Travel Preparations

Additional steps for a relaxed and effective journey.

Health & Security

Visit your doctor for recommended vaccinations.
Have enough prescription medications for your trip.
Obtain a doctor's note for any controlled substances.
Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid transaction blocks.

Home & Document Safety

Arrange pet and plant care.
Stop mail delivery or have it collected.
Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
Keep multiple copies of passport, visa, and reservations.

Departure Details

points for your departure day.

Travel Logistics

Travel Time:Ample time for travel.
Rental Return:Plan for car drop-off.
VAT Refund:Allow time for airport procedures.
Security:Anticipate airport security lines.

Arrival Logistics

Clear immigration at your first Schengen entry point.
Retrieve all checked luggage promptly.
Activate any local SIM card or roaming service.
Withdraw local currency or use credit cards for initial needs.

Seamless Transitions

Thoughtful planning for arrival and departure makes for a stress-free travel experience.

Confirm details and prepare well.

Pre-Trip Checklist