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 get pleasure from golden-stone hamlets, indulgent wine tastings, and connoisseur 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 highway early. The drive into the Beaujolais area took slightly below an hour as we watched the cityscape give strategy to mild hills and luxurious vineyards. The air was cooler, the sky was clearer, and the ambiance 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 slender cobblestone streets, the honey-colored stones distinctive to the realm 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 right introduction to Beaujolais.
Oingt – Most Stunning Village in France
The appeal 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 because of its lovely setting, artists’ neighborhood, and distinctive qualities.
Not like 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 fulfill 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 superb to see how a lot work goes into his artwork. Regardless that 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 fantastic 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 wonderful Beaujolais.
Celia and David Massive Vignerons
The afternoon promised a better take 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 taking good care of the property’s plots. We tried our hand at pruning the vines and tilling the soil. There’s a number 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 means of a tasting of 4 wines, every paired with a neighborhood cheese. The combos had been magical, with the flavors dancing on our palates in good concord. I don’t suppose we have now ever loved a wine pairing that was so thorough. The cheeses matched every wine completely.
Dinner
That night, we made our strategy 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 varieties of chocolate and accented with black truffle.
In a single day
As night time 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 appeal was simple, 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 right 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.
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