The Beaujolais wine route in three days

Villefranche-sur-Saône, the capital of Beaujolais, is the perfect starting point for an adventure in wine tourism. With its narrow medieval streets and Renaissance façades, the town boasts an undeniable charm, making it ideal for strolling around. Before setting off along Beaujolais’ winding roads, stop off at the Paul-Dini Museum to admire its remarkable collection of regional paintings. It is also your opportunity to stock up on local specialties, such as mâconnais, a small unpasteurized goat’s cheese, and saucisson brioché (brioche sausage roll), to slip into your picnic basket for later. And for this, there’s only one place to go: Villefranche’s covered market!

20 kilometers away, Oingt stands proudly on the hill. You will be charmed by the ocher stones, narrow cobblestone streets, houses with colorful shutters and the 13^th-century keep in one of the gems of the Land of Golden Stones, ranked as one of the “most beautiful villages in France”. From the top of the tower, a magnificent panoramic view over the Lyonnais Mountains, vineyards of Beaujolais and Azergues Valley lies before you. At the end of the day, stop in a cellar for your first tasting of white or rosé wine, typical of this region known for the Gamay grape variety. Last but not least, head to the Château de Bagnols in the neighboring village for an idyllic night in an elegant medieval château.

The next day, hit the road again to visit the majestic Château de Corcelles. At the heart of the vineyards, this 15^th-century fortress is distinguished by its architecture combining medieval and Renaissance styles. Heritage enthusiasts can admire its chapel, moats and pleasant tree-lined grounds, while wine lovers take advantage of the cellar to discover a selection of vintages from across the region. From garnet-colored Brouilly to the floral notes of white Beaujolais, each tasting is accompanied by explanations from a passionate winegrower.

In Fleurie, finesse is the name of the game: located at the heart of the Beaujolais region, the village is renowned for its elegant wines and enchanting landscapes. Begin with a walk along the Sentier des Lys, a picturesque trail that winds its way through vineyards for just under four kilometers. Before setting off again, call into Cave des Producteurs de Grands Vins, the region’s oldest cooperative, created in 1927: from Juliénas to Saint-Amour, you can buy all the crus that have put Beaujolais on the map here!

Your trip continues in the direction of Chiroubles, a village perched on the mountains of Beaujolais. At an altitude of 400 meters, its steep slopes and terraced vines offer spectacular panoramic views over the valley. After a morning stroll through the vineyard, take the time to taste the local wines, renowned for their freshness and lightness, seated at a local restaurant: cold meats, Bresse poultry and mature cheeses make the perfect accompaniment to the region’s delicious wines!

The final destination on this road trip is Beaujeu, Beaujolais’ historic capital. With its medieval alleyways and the Romanesque St. Nicholas Church, this small town exudes authenticity and tradition. Take the time to visit the Beaujolais museum, where you can learn all the region’s winemaking history in the museum space and stock up on excellent local produce in the delicatessen one last time.