Beaujolais Vignoble

Discovering the Beaujolais Vignoble

Located in the north of Lyon, the Beaujolais offers visitors beautiful hilly wine-growing landscapes and a rich heritage with its castles and medieval villages with golden stones. Among these villages, it is impossible not to mention Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais. It is an unmissable historic stopover as the village gave its name to the territory and to the Beaujolais appellation.

If you climb a little higher and walk up the peaks of Mont Brouilly, Mont Saint-Rigaud or Terrasse de Chiroubles, you are sure to discover a beautiful panorama: between vineyards, forests and pastures, the complexity of the Beaujolais landscapes is offered to our eyes.

The first vineyard in the world to have obtained the title of "UNESCO World Geopark" in 2018, Beaujolais is a land of gastronomy and know-how. It is also world famous for its "Beaujolais Nouveau", a young wine, which is generally sold in mid-November. So, ready to go and discover the Beaujolais landscapes, its wines, its vineyards and winemakers?

A gourmet day in the Beaujolais Vignoble

9 am - Leave Lyon

10 am - Arrival in Beaujeu. Start the day with a visit to la Maison du terroir beaujolais, a site devoted to wonderful flavours and discoveries. Dive into the friendly atmosphere of the traditional festivities! Under your feet and before your very eyes, the Beaujolais region is unveiled through the numerous films on show and also through tasting local products. And if you're good, La Maison du terroir beaujolais may even reveal its secret ingredients…

Around 11.30, take to the wine route to discover the Cru Morgon wine cellar, which is typical of Beaujolais wines. Here, in a late 17th century castle, situated in a wildlife park in the centre of the village, partake in a tasting of Morgon wine (with moderation of course!). By this time, you should have worked up an appetite, so head for one of the many restaurants offering local specialities.

In the afternoon, continue along the wine route, climbing to La Terrasse du Beaujolais restaurant. Make the most of the magnificent views across the Beaujolais region. If the weather is fine, you may even get to see the Mont-Blanc. From here, a walking trail punctuated by small plaques will lead you on a discovery of the secrets of the 10 famous Beaujolais crus.

L’après-midi, en poursuivant la route des vins, une petite ascension vous attendant à la Terrasse du Beaujolais. Profitez d’un panorama magnifique sur l’ensemble du beaujolais avec une vue sur le Mont-Blanc par temps clair. D’ici, une balade jalonnée de panonceaux vous emmenant sur les secrets des 10 crus du Beaujolais est possible.

On the way back, stop off for a taste of Chiroubles wine at the Terrasse de Chiroubles. At about 5.30 pm, leave Chiroubles by the wine route and head for Romanèche-Thorins where you can get back onto the motorway at Crêches-sur-Saône. In passing you'll be able to admire the lovely windmill ("Moulin-à-vent" in French) that lent its name to the famous French wine.

6.30 pm - Back to Lyon

Not to be missed !

• From Tuesday to Saturday in July and August, the Beaujolez-vous festival offers free and themed entertainment.
• In August, Le Cri du Col cultural festival is held : concerts, shows and guinguette are on the agenda !
• In November, the village of Beaujeu celebrates the Beaujolais Nouveaux and comes alive for 5 days thanks to the festival Les Sarmentelles.

Further informations on the website Destination Beaujolais.