Beaujolais

Destination Information

Golden Stones, Vines and Wine…

Located north of Lyon, the region of Beaujolais is known internationally for its long tradition of wine making.  With its rolling hills, stunning hilltop villages, undulating countryside, and many vines, it is a delightful region to visit.  The wines are mainly red, made from the Gamay grape, which comes into its own on the granite soil of the region.  The ten Beaujolais Crus differ in character, and include names such as Brouilly, Fleurie, Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent.

Villefranche sur Saône is the economic capital of the Beaujolais region, a quasi miniature version of Lyon with Italian style mansions, elegant courtyards and plenty of cafes.  Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in the Beaujolais region for the variety of its cuisine and the quality of foodstuffs.  Local delicacies include farmhouse charcuterie, a range of saucisse and goat's cheese along with more traditional Lyonnais cuisine of game, pork and Charolais beef, delicious when accompanied by one of the more meaty Gamay Beaujolais wines!

Our Recommendations:

•  Lunch at Château de Bagnols

•  Enjoy the typical Fete du Paradis held in October in the Brouilly appellation in the village of Odenas

•  Visit Bois d'Oingt and its traditional market

•  Spend a day wine tasting or exploring the numerous winemakers and caves

•  Some of Beaujolais culinary delights include tasting sessions of cheeses, cold meats, jams, honey and much more for you to relish the tastes of bygone days

Population

192,610

Area

1,503 sq. km

Time difference / local time

GMT+1

Language

French

Currency

Euro

Worth to see

Bagnols: A XIII-XIV century Chateau de Bagnols, watercolour festival during the last weekend of July.

Bully: With its Wash Houses in Montagny, Laval and Apinos and a XVII century Vingtain tower with a gallery, great place for Horse Riding.

Cogny: A village built on the ruins of an oppidium

Chatillon d'Azergues: A pretty medieval village with narrow alley and a castle overlooking the entrance to the Azergues Valley, a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers.

Oingt: A charming medieval perched village, it has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, with popular activities based around arts and crafts. 

Ville-sur-Jarnioux: XIV-XVIII century church with Austrian frescos, Panoramic views from the Cret du Py.

Beaches

Watersports Centre Le Colombier located in Anse (beach, lake, kayaking, sailing)

Shopping

Local Markets: Bois-D'Oingt (LE) on Tuesday • Bully, Jarnioux and Lozanne on Wednesday • Chasselay, Chazay-D'Azergues, Saint-Laurent-D'Oingt, Sainte Paule on Thursday • Bagnols, Charnay, L'Arbresle, Oingt on Friday • Frontenas and Pommiers on Saturday • Saint German Sur L'Arbresle on Sunday

Sports

Walking • Horse Riding • Mountain biking • Cycling Tours • Fishing • Canal boating • Sailing • Kayaking • Botanical trails

Electricity

220 V

Climate data for this region.

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