For some, their knowledge of Beaujolais is limited to the third Thursday in November, when Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated. This is a mistake. For the wine, first of all. Beaujolais deserves better than its reputation as a wine that tastes of strawberries or bananas. Then there are the landscapes, because anyone who has never visited the rolling hills of Beaujolais, stretching between southern Burgundy and the Lyon metropolitan area in the Rhône, doesn’t know what they’re missing. We Love Camping invites you to take a stroll through the vineyards of Beaujolais.
Itinerary through the 10 Beaujolais wine regions
All Beaujolais red wines are made from the same grape variety, Gamay. However, they do not all have the same appellation. Although it covers only 15,000 hectares, the Beaujolais vineyard has 12 AOCs. These include two regional appellations (Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages) and 10 communal appellations, the 10 crus of Beaujolais. These ten crus are concentrated in the northern part of Beaujolais, in an area barely 20 kilometres long and only 5 kilometres wide. These appellations run from north to south: Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte-de-Brouilly and finally Brouilly. To explore these 10 crus, forget the main roads and take the winding hillside roads. They will lead you to breathtaking views, especially between Fleurie and Chiroubles. Above the village of Fleurie, the Madone chapel awaits you, accessible on foot from the village or by car. A magnificent panorama encompasses the north of the Beaujolais region and the Saône valley. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and Mont Blanc in the distance. A little further south, towards Chiroubles, the Chiroubles terrace offers one of the most beautiful views of the Beaujolais region from its altitude of 760 metres. There you will find an orientation table and, above all, picnic tables where you can enjoy a meal in a sumptuous setting. Be sure to save some room for dessert, though. The restaurant La Terrasse du Beaujolais offers pastries that are as delicious as they are generous. Be sure to try them during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais region. The Maison du Cru de Chiroubles awaits you on the terrace of Chiroubles. From here, you can set off on the panoramic trail of the 10 crus. This 2 km walk is punctuated by viewpoints overlooking the Beaujolais vineyards.
Another iconic landscape among the 10 Beaujolais crus is Mont Brouilly. Although it is not the highest peak in the region – that honour goes to Mont St Rigaud at 1,009 metres – Mont Brouilly, with its rounded shape and vine-covered slopes, has a highly recognisable silhouette. As you stroll through the 10 Beaujolais crus, take the time to stop at the winegrowers’ to taste their wines. You will always receive a warm welcome and discover delicious, fruity wines that deserve much better than the unflattering reputation inherited from Beaujolais Nouveau. Among our favourite addresses, we recommend Château Thivin, which produces wonderful Côte de Brouilly wines. For something different, don’t miss a visit to Château de la Chaize. Many famous names have gathered at this estate. The château is the work of Jules Hardouin-Mansart, architect of Versailles, and the gardens were designed by André le Nôtre, who also designed those of the Château de Versailles. The winery and its historic 108-metre-long cellar date back to the 18th century. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, wineries in the Beaujolais region.
Beaujolais Museum
Georges Dubœuf is one of the leading figures in Beaujolais. He is particularly known for promoting the tradition of Beaujolais Nouveau outside the Beaujolais region. He is also famous for his Hameau en Beaujolais, a fun museum about vines, wine and the Beaujolais region. This museum in Romanèche Thorens is just as interesting for adults, who will learn a lot about wine-making, as it is for children. For children, the museum offers various fun activities such as an interactive investigation to be carried out with a tablet in hand in the museum’s rooms. Not to mention the dynamic cinema room where you can follow two bees through the landscapes of Beaujolais and southern Burgundy. A great visit during your camping holiday in Beaujolais with your tent, caravan or motorhome.
Golden Stones Beaujolais
In the south of Beaujolais, on the outskirts of Lyon, the villages of Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées await you. The villages in this region are distinguished by their golden-hued stone. It is the presence of iron oxide in this limestone that gives it its unique colour. The rolling hills covered with Beaujolais vineyards provide a stunning backdrop for these medieval villages. The scenery is reminiscent of Tuscany. Make the most of your camping holiday in Beaujolais to visit these charming villages: Ternand, Châtillon d’Azergues and Charnay. However, if you only have time to visit one, it should be Oingt, the only village in the Rhône region to be listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Perched on top of a hill, Oingt was responsible for guarding the passage between the Loire and Saône rivers. It has preserved many vestiges from this period, including the Nizy gate and the 12th-century keep. From the top of the keep, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the southern Beaujolais region.
Hiking in the Beaujolais Vert region
Although Beaujolais remains irrevocably associated with wine, vineyards cover only part of the region. As you leave the Saône Valley behind and head west, you enter Beaujolais Vert. In this low mountain range, vineyards have given way to fir trees, creating landscapes ideal for hiking and mountain biking. In this natural setting, Lac des Sapins is a jewel with emerald reflections. This artificial lake is home to the largest biological swimming area in Europe (fee required) as well as a beach on the lake. At the other end of the lake, you will find a water sports centre where you can hire paddleboards, pedalos and canoes. A nature destination that will appeal to sports enthusiasts! The ideal place to relax on hot summer days during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais region.
Touring Pitches in the Beaujolais Region
A selection of campsites with pitches for your holidays in a tent, caravan or motorhome in the Beaujolais region.
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