Saint-Émilion Warnings and Dangers

Near the top of the hill at St. Emilion are narrow, steep streets paved with cobblestones. You have to be very careful with your footing. Personally, I would not wear high heels. Interesting note about the cobblestones...... the area does not have natural cobblestones, however, in order for the ships from England to bring back the heavy casks of wine, they needed to add rocks in thier respective holds for ballast on the way over to Bordeaux and St. Emilion. The rocks found a use as pavers, even though some seem too large and round for the job.

Vehicles wider than 2 meters are to be parked outside the town limits. Also, there are not many parking places in St Emilion, so you must be careful where you park your car. There are charges for parking in the main street, rue Guadet. It is also instructive to note that these street is narrow, and it is not easy to make one's way because of the incoming traffic.

Don´t climb the King´s tower if you have difficulty climbing. The stairs get smaller and smaller. Though it is very worth it, if you don´t feel well they´ll have a hard time getting you down. When i went up there was only an old lady selling tickets and running a small souvenir shop on the side.

Especially the last stairs are very narrow. And for the most part there isn´t anything to hold on to than the walls and the stairs itself.

Just to remind that the roads are rocky (medieval times) and uphill.. Wear good pair of shoes to climb up the hills. and of good physical condition. Or find a good parking spot if your heart can not take such a climb.

There is poor visibility in St Emilion because of the hight of the village. So ifyou are driving, you must be careful.