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Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

The hugely well-known wines of the Beaujolais region are produced northwest of Lyon. The vineyards are set in 14,500 hectares of beautiful hills west of the Saone, in 12 appellations. Many of the wine villages are stunning and well worth a visit alongside the wineries themselves.

The best-known wine areas, such as Fleury, Brouilly or Morgon lie in the north, but the vine-growing areas to the south almost surpass them in beauty. The vineyards are utterly stunning and the area blissfully unspoiled, despite Beaujolais’s famous name.

The official website documents a 140km circular wine route, through the main wine region’s attractions, and a number of lovely routes for walking and cycling.

While you’re there

There are several good wine museums too across the area, including the popular Le Hameau Duboeuf in Romaneche-Thorins. La Maison du Terroir Beaujolais in Beaujeu is also good, one of several smaller poles oenologiques (wine centres). They have exhibitions, tastings, a wine shop and even bike hire, so that you can pedal out into the surrounding vineyards.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

The Beaujolais wine harvest festival (every 3rd Thursday in November) brings boozy and foodie events to cafes, restaurants and wineries all around Lyon, with some celebrations spilling into the street.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 day

When: 3rd Thursday in Nov

Frequency: annually

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Chateau de Julienas

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

view across vineyards to a pretty chateau

Book ahead for tastings at this 18th-century castle known for rose-petal-pink Cuvee Rosana rose, with notes of berries, and Juienas Cuvee le Clos, a deep red with notes of liquorice that goes well with red meats.

Best for ages 19+

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Cave de Fleurie

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Cave de Fleurie

This lovely winery, with vines nestled on a church-topped hillside and views over the village of Chiroubles, makes excellent red, white and rose Beaujolais wines, including a surprising dark-pink sparkling wine, with sweet  fruits notes.

Best for ages 18+

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Cave du Chateau des Loges

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Cave du Chateau des Loges

You can just turn up to this excellent vineyard in the Brouilly region, famed for its berry-red 3 Madones wine, which goes well with duck or lamb, and its sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne, which gives Champagne a run for its money.

Best for ages 18+

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Hameau Duboeuf Wine Museum

Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France

Dark interior of the museums with lighted displays on walls

A vast theme park dedicated to wine production, with interactive attractions, a wine-making centre and an educational wine village as well restaurants and tasting opportunities.

Adult price: £16

Best for ages 13+

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Price: Free
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The region is a 3-minute drive from the city of Lyon. Organised tours are available through the Lyon tourist office website, or with specialist operators (see our recommendations below).

If you want to tour the vineyards independently by (hire) car, allow half a day or more and follow the Beaujolais wine route, which is clearly signposted and works in tandem with free downloadable route maps. Check the maps to see which vineyards require you to book in advance. Not all do.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Beaujolais Segway Tour with Wine Tasting

Lyon

Beaujolais Segway Tour with Wine Tasting
Discover a Beaujolais village and its vineyards in this Segway tour surrounded by nature. Follow your enthusiastic and passionate guide through the Beaujolais' scenic wine route using an innovative and ecological means of transportation. A fun experience to share with family and friends as it is suitable for beginners. Go through the vines with your all-terrain vehicle and finish your tour in a authentic cellar for wine-tasting and local products sampling. A complete oenogical experience.  

Price: €49

Min age: 12

Rating 4.82 / 5 [78 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm - Small Group Tour Lyon

Lyon

Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm - Small Group Tour Lyon
Escape from city and discover Lyon's magnificient countryside and its best sights. Visit Oingt & Pérouges listed among the 157 most beautiful towns in France and taste award winning Beaujolais wines at a small family winery. An educative & fun tour among friends you will remmeber for ever.

Price: €125

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [34 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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