Some journeys are about ticking off bucket-list locations, whereas others are about immersing within the soul of a spot. For us, Beaujolais was the latter. Identified for its rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and famed wine tradition, this enchanting area in France is a world away from the bustling streets of close by Lyon. With this two-day Beaujolais itinerary, you’ll take pleasure in golden-stone hamlets, indulgent wine tastings, and gourmand meals. This journey wasn’t nearly seeing a spot—it was about feeling it.
Two Days in Beaujolais
Our journey began from our Hôtel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery in Lyon, the place our tour information picked us up after breakfast, and we hit the street early. The drive into the Beaujolais area took slightly below an hour as we watched the cityscape give approach to light hills and plush vineyards. The air was cooler, the sky was clearer, and the environment extra relaxed, and we knew we had been in for a deal with. Wine lovers and surroundings seekers, Beaujolais was our sort of place!
Day 1: From Lyon to Southern Beaujolais
Morning Day 1
Our first cease on our Lyon Itinerary was Ternand, a medieval village perched excessive on a hill. Time appeared to face nonetheless right here. As we wandered the slim cobblestone streets, the honey-colored stones distinctive to the world added to the nice and cozy and timeless glow. We wandered the streets courting again to the thirteenth century as we took within the views of the encompassing vineyards. This was the proper introduction to Beaujolais.
Oingt – Most Stunning Village in France
The allure of Ternand was solely the start. A brief drive later, we arrived in Oingt, a city so picturesque it has been named considered one of France’s most lovely villages. There are solely 150 villages with this distinct designation, and Oingt boasts this title due to its lovely setting, artists’ neighborhood, and distinctive qualities.
In contrast to Ternand’s quiet solitude, Oingt buzzed with creativity. Its winding streets had been lined with artwork studios, boutiques, bakeries, and cafes, every providing a glimpse into the colourful neighborhood that calls this village dwelling.
We climbed to the highest of the lookout tower for unparalleled views of the valley of the Azergues River. We walked the village’s fortified partitions and explored its medieval church. The village’s artist neighborhood provides to its magnificence, and we had the chance to satisfy famend Calligraphy artist Yves Dimier.
After he confirmed us his course of of making his masterpieces, we tried our hand on the craft. It was wonderful to see how a lot work goes into his artwork. Though we didn’t go away as calligraphy masters, we had been gifted with a signature of our names in his personal calligraphy handwriting.
Lunch
Lunch was spent at La Desk du Donjon in Oingt, the place the meal matched the great thing about the setting. The restaurant sits on a terrace with views of the Beaujolais mountains. Lunch consisted of a decadent mushroom tart paired with a crisp Beaujolais Blanc.
Afternoon
From medieval villages of the morning, it’s now time to pattern the native Beaujolais wines. The afternoon is all about tasting and discovering fantastic Beaujolais.
Celia and David Massive Vignerons
The afternoon promised a better have a look at the lifetime of a winemaker, and we met Celia and David Massive. They provide immersive experiences, and we watched firsthand the seasonal work that goes into caring for the property’s plots. We tried our hand at pruning the vines and tilling the soil. There may be quite a lot of work to be executed, and it was a deal with to have a glimpse behind the scenes.
However the reward is the ultimate product, and we loved a tasting of their cuvées proper in the course of the winery, overlooking the valley.
Château de Champ-Renard
The afternoon ends at Château de Champ-Renard, an property that appeared to embody the romantic supreme of a French château. The spotlight, nevertheless, was the wine and cheese workshop. The château’s sommelier guided us by a tasting of 4 wines, every paired with an area cheese. The combos had been magical, with the flavors dancing on our palates in good concord. I don’t assume we’ve ever loved a wine pairing that was so thorough. The cheeses matched every wine completely.
Dinner
That night, we made our approach to La Gown Rouge, a gastronomic gem tucked into the guts of the vineyards. We had eagerly anticipated the meal, crafted by Chef Thomas Guignier, whose ingenious tackle regional flavors has earned the restaurant glowing reward. Choosing the dégustation menu, we ready ourselves for a culinary journey of discovery.
The entrée, a dish of fennel paired with smoked haddock, kiwi, and a purée of capers, was fantastically plated. They simply accommodated Dave’s gluten allergy by serving parsnips with escargot and a cardamom mouse. Does that sound heavenly? Every dish was paired with fastidiously chosen Beaujolais wines, which elevated the meal to new heights.
The ultimate course was a dessert that epitomized indulgence: a tiramisu made with two forms of chocolate and accented with black truffle.
In a single day
As evening fell, we arrived at Villa Alexandre, our lodging for the 2 nights we had been within the area. This 4-star boutique resort, nestled within the vineyards of Régnié-Durette, was as soon as a household dwelling. Its allure was plain, from the elegant furnishings to the serene backyard seamlessly mixing into the encompassing countryside. Our room was a sanctuary, with home windows overlooking the courtyard.
Day 2: Exploring Northern Beaujolais
The morning daylight streaming into our room at Villa Alexandre was the proper wake-up name. After a fast breakfast that includes freshly baked croissants and do-it-yourself jam (they even served gluten-free bread for me), we set out for day two of our Beaujolais itinerary.
Morning Day 2
Château de Pizay
Château de Pizay is a sprawling property within the coronary heart of Beaujolais that’s as a lot a feast for the 5 senses as a hub of wine excellence. One of many area’s oldest and largest wineries, Château de Pizay, has been cultivating its vineyards because the eleventh century.
Whereas the promise of wine tasting beckoned, we started our go to with a novel expertise that Château de Pizay is famend for, the Sensory Path. This interactive journey is designed to interact all 5 senses and is an modern approach to deepen your appreciation for the artwork and science of winemaking.
The Sensory Path is positioned within the cellars, the place a collection of stations invite you to find the essence of wine by contact, sound, sight, scent, and style. The expertise was immersive from the beginning. On the first station, we ran our fingers over textured surfaces designed to imitate the texture of soil, bark, and grape skins. It was then on to testing our sense of scent. The olfactory station lined up scents representing key aromas present in Beaujolais wines.
We went by the stations testing our data, and on the finish, they scored our checks to see how our noses held up. I’m blissful to announce that we handed and are on our approach to turning into novice Sommeliers.
The path culminated in the easiest way conceivable—with a tasting. We sampled a number of of Château de Pizay’s best wines. We may pattern as a lot or as little as we appreciated as they’d spouts lined up inside their boutique. After our tasting, we walked by the grounds to take pleasure in its gardens that had been designed by the identical particular person requisitioned to design the gardens of Versailles.
Château de la Chaize
Off to the following vineyard! Courting again to 1676, Château de la Chaize is a masterpiece of French design. Its symmetry and magnificence are the work of Jules-Hardouin Mansart, the architect behind components of Versailles, whereas André Le Nôtre landscaped its expansive gardens.
After one other informative wine tasting (I even purchased a bottle of their Broulliy), it was time to maneuver on, because the day was simply beginning. Sure, it wasn’t even midday but, and we had already been tasting wine for hours. That’s the best way it goes in Beaujolais!
From Château de la Chaize, we continued to Mont Brouilly for a fast cease to see the breathtaking views in Beaujolais. The 360-degree panorama was mesmerizing—fields and vineyards stretched to the horizon, their patterns damaged solely by the occasional farmhouse or church spire.
Lunch
Lunch was a spotlight of the day. Halfway by our second day in Beaujolais, we arrived at Le Coq in Juliénas, a restaurant that has been serving up custom for greater than a century. The primary course was escargots de Bourgogne, a basic dish with elevated parsley butter and served with a crisp inexperienced salad.
The principle course couldn’t resist the coq au vin. The tender hen, braised in crimson wine, was accompanied by shiitake mushrooms, candy onions, and a buttery, whipped purée that melted on the tongue. The meal ended with a cheese plate that includes choices from the native Ferme du Bois Denis. All of this was paired with scrumptious Beaujolais wines.
Afternoon
Once we lastly stepped outdoors, the solar was excessive, casting a golden glow over the village’s vineyards. Full and deeply happy, we had been able to stroll across the nook to Château de Juliénas.
Château de Juliénas
We had been initially imagined to do a wine tour in a classic 1964 Volkswagen Combi, however the season was over, so we should save that for the following go to. As a substitute, we tasted extra wine of their cellars and toured their caves. I’ll admit, we had been feeling fairly blissful by this time!
Terrasse de Chiroubles
After a full day of wine and meals, a stroll was so as, and the hilltop vantage level of Terrasse de Chirouble was a wonderful approach to discover our second wind. The path resulting in the 740 meters above sea degree viewpoint was peaceable, permitting for an ideal view of the ten Beaujolais Crus earlier than me.
Dinner Villa Alexandre
Tonight, we had an opportunity to calm down at Villa Alexandre. Some folks opted for time within the sauna and pool, whereas others loved a cocktail within the lounge. We had a nap on the welcoming mattress.
The restaurant is a sublime setting with French classics. I opted for the cheese board as I can by no means have sufficient fromage in France. It was the proper ending to an ideal two days in Beaujolais.
A Farewell to Beaujolais
As we packed our baggage the next day, able to return to Lyon, we couldn’t assist however really feel a deep sense of gratitude. Beaujolais had supplied us greater than only a getaway; it had given us an expertise wealthy in taste, historical past, and sweetness. From the golden-stone villages to the rolling vineyards and the unforgettable meals, each second was a reminder of life’s easy pleasures.
For these in search of a journey that nourishes each the physique and soul, Beaujolais is ready to welcome you.
When to Go to Beaujolais:
Be it spring or fall, Beaujolais is a quiet area. If you happen to’d prefer to see the vineyards awake and carrying their lush inexperienced robes, spring is a good time to go to. The climate is gentle, and it’s an ideal time to discover slowly with out the summer time crowds. If you happen to choose hotter climate and spending lunchtime on charming restaurant terraces, summer time is an efficient alternative.
The Beaujolais hills are at their most lovely within the fall when the vines are heavy with grapes and the hills are ablaze with golden colour. November’s Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations are a enjoyable and festive time to go to. It’s considered one of France’s hottest wine holidays and a good time to expertise the area’s joie de vivre.
What to Pack for Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a relaxed area, but it surely’s additionally elegant and refined. You’ll want snug strolling sneakers to hike the cobblestone streets of Oingt and Ternand and to stroll the vineyards. Light-weight, free materials are good for summer time days, however don’t overlook to carry layers for cooler evenings. If you happen to’re reserving eating places like Auberge du Cep or Ema Restaurant, you’ll be able to costume up in informal stylish apparel. And convey area in your baggage for wine. You’ll need it. Severely, you’ll need quite a lot of it.
Getting Round Beaujolais
Beaujolais is straightforward to navigate by automotive. The winding nation roads are a giant a part of the area’s allure, and also you’ll bump into lots of its hidden gems with luck. A GPS is useful, however don’t write off map apps or ask the locals for instructions. Public transportation is minimal, however guided excursions are an important possibility for those who’d fairly not drive. Additionally, with a guided tour, you’ll be able to drink all of the Beaujolais wines you want!
Many châteaux and vineyards supply wine tastings and excursions, and a few even decide up and drop off. Logistical particulars are taken care of so you’ll be able to deal with the wine.
The ultimate element is to be taught some French. Whereas many within the tourism trade converse English, the locals don’t. A pleasant “bonjour” and “merci” go a great distance on this welcoming area. They’re keen about their historical past, land, and wine, and a easy “ça va” can result in a stupendous friendship. We use Babbel and have discovered it useful.
With some planning, endurance, and follow, Beaujolais is the proper area to decelerate and savor. It’s not a vacation spot large on flash or fancy however wealthy in expertise and wine. As I realized, it’s okay if it’s not all in regards to the wine. Typically it’s higher.
