Château des Poupets

The Beaujolais Wine Route

An extension of the famed Burgundy Wine Route, spanning 140 kilometres across scenic ridges from Chânes to the outskirts of Lyon.

Inter Beaujolais
Wikipedia
Discover Beaujolais

Venture north: the ten renowned Crus

From north to south: Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte de Brouilly and Brouilly. Do not miss Mont Brouilly and its chapel, Argigny Castle in Charentay — legend whispers of a Templar treasure — or the Tour de la Belle-Mère. Northern Beaujolais also holds La Chaize in Odenas, Corcelles Castle, and Juliénas Castle with magnificent vaulted cellars.

Beaujolais-Villages

Quaint hamlets and cascading vineyards. Stop in Beaujeu, the ancient capital, for Saint-Nicolas Church, the hospices and the remnants of a castle razed in 1611. Continue to Vaux-en-Beaujolais, hometown of Bernard Pivot and muse for Gabriel Chevallier’s Clochemerle, then Salles-Arbuissonnas-en-Beaujolais and its priory, and medieval Montmelas castle.

The Pierres Dorées

Thirty-nine hamlets of radiant ochre stone, glowing at first light: Oingt, fortified Ternand, Marcy, Charnay, Jarnioux, Pommiers and Bagnols. Famously dubbed Little Tuscany, the territory is laced with washhouses, castles and ancient churches among vine-draped slopes.

Suggested stops from north to south

01

Saint-Amour & Juliénas

Begin at the northern gate of the Crus. Taste a lighter Saint-Amour, then climb to Juliénas and Les Poupets — granite, chapel, and the château cellar.

02

Chénas & Moulin-à-Vent

The smallest Cru, then the windmill that gave its name to the most age-worthy wines of Beaujolais. Park and walk the last metres to the sails.

03

Fleurie & Chiroubles

Pink granite, violets, and the highest vines in the region. Fleurie is the natural lunch stop; Chiroubles is cooler, more floral, and worth the extra climb.

04

Morgon & Régnié

Côte du Py for depth and the famous “morgonner” aging. Régnié, the youngest Cru (1988), is cherry-bright and easy at a picnic.

05

Mont Brouilly & Beaujeu

Drive or walk to the chapel on the old volcano, then drop into Beaujeu — former capital, church of Saint-Nicolas, and the wine museum.

06

The Pierres Dorées

Finish in Little Tuscany: Oingt, Ternand, Theizé. Golden stone at last light is the reason the south of Beaujolais is photographed so often.

For first-timers, expect the unexpected. If you are thinking of diving deeper into Beaujolais, this route is the ideal starting point. When are you setting off?