Travel Guide Beaujolais

The Beaujolais region is a privileged destination north of Lyon. This natural and cultural territory of France is famous above all for its renowned vineyards. The name Beaujolais means "beautiful mountain" or "beautiful hill" in Old French. This is linked to the region's undulating topography, from Mont Brouilly, with its spectacular aerial views, to Mont Saint-Rigaud, the highest point at 1,009 meters. This diversity is also reflected in the soils, from granitic in the north, ideal for viticulture, to limestone in the south, giving rise to the famous golden stones of Beaujolais. Divided into two generic appellations and ten crus, each with its own unique characteristics, Beaujolais is celebrated with the release of Beaujolais Nouveau every third Thursday in November - it's a worldwide event!

Beyond the wine, the green Beaujolais represents an area of unspoilt nature, with an economy based on agriculture, forestry and livestock farming, while the Saône valley stands out for its industrial activities and major communication routes. This tradition brings together wine lovers and connoisseurs, from Clochemerle to Saint-Amour, passing through picturesque villages proudly bearing the names of their crus. In the heart of this region, charming villages with their often picturesque town centers and interesting sites, nestled between mountains and green valleys, include :

Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais, is a striking example with its remarkable church, its Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, and its former oil mill;

Belleville-sur-Saône, with its early ^18th-centuryHôtel-Dieu and the Châteaux de Corcelles and de Pizay;

Ternand, a town full of character;

Oingt, one of France's most beautiful villages;

And the Carrières de Glay, a natural and historical heritage site.

Each place is an invitation to discover a rich heritage, a generous natural environment and a deeply-rooted winegrowing culture. The natural beauty of the Beaujolais region makes it an ideal playground for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The region is also a breeding ground, with farms opening their doors for tastings of local produce. Southern Beaujolais, near Lyon, is a region of villages built of yellow ochre limestone. They give places like Theizé an almost Italian air. Beaujolais also lies on the eastern slopes of the Massif Central, between the Saône valley and the Beaujolais mountains, with picturesque rivers running through it. Villefranche-sur-Saône is the main urban center, ideally nestled in the heart of this wine-growing region that extends to the eastern slopes. The region is also an ancient barony, whose history is marked by the regency of Anne de Beaujeu in the ^15th century. The Rhône-Beaujolais Tourist Guide reveals the most beautiful sites to visit, as well as the best hotels and restaurants in the region. Pack your bags!