MileHacker Logo
St Emilion Travel Checklist

St Emilion Travel Checklist

St Emilion France Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

A timeline for your St-Emilion journey.

Planning Milestones

Steps to take at different intervals before your trip.

1

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.

2

Month Before

Accommodation & Tours

Finalize all lodging plus recreation bookings.

Train Tickets

Get your SNCF Connect tickets for travel.

Car Rental

Confirm your car hire and obtain IDP if necessary.

3

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Double-check all your travel arrangements.

Pack Smart

Select clothing suitable for weather and arranged events.

Electronics & Contacts

Prepare devices and share your itinerary.

Pre-Bookings

These items truly need booking in advance 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.
  • See a doctor for shots & prescription meds.
  • Notify bank/credit card companies of travel dates.
  • Have multiple copies (physical & digital) of documents.

Research & Home Prep

Final checks for your travels and your home.

Cultural & Wine Background

  • Get to know basic French phrases.
  • Learn 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

Method 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 courtesy bus/train.

From Entry Point

  • Airport Transfer:

    From Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), bus to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station, then train to St-Emilion.

  • Train Station:

    From St-Emilion Train Station, the hamlet 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 big buys.

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, be sure 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 upon your first Schengen entry point.
  • Retrieve all checked luggage promptly.
  • Activate any local SIM card or roaming service.
  • Get local money or use credit cards for initial needs.

Seamless Transitions

Careful planning for arrival and departure makes for a calm-free travel experience.

Verify information and prepare well.

← Previous
St Emilion Travel Resources
← Back to St Emilion
Next →
Why Visit St Emilion? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences

Next Up: Why Visit St Emilion? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences

Continue to Why Visit St Emilion? Inspiration, Culture, Unique Experiences