Discovering Le Beaujolais, from Magical Wine Châteaux to Breathtaking Hilltop Villages

Every third Thursday of November, the world raises a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, the only young French wine allowed to be sold early. What began as a clever 1980s marketing scheme turned into a global phenomenon, unfairly giving Beaujolais a reputation for quick-drinking, lower-quality wines. But the truth is far from this.

This region produces some truly exceptional wines and even boasts more historic wine castles than Bordeaux. Beyond the vineyards, Beaujolais charms visitors with storybook villages, gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor adventures, and unforgettable gastronomy – all without the crowds found in other French wine destinations. This guide can help you have a deliciously underrated wine escape to Le Beaujolais.

The vineyards of the Beaujolais. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

The pretty landscape of the Beaujolais. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

Discover the complexity of Beaujolais wines during unique tasting experiences 

The Onetheque of the Chateau de Pizay. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

To shake off its “lightweight wine” image, Beaujolais’s serious winemakers are tempting visitors with an array of unique tasting experiences. The best place to start is at the Château de Pizay’s Oenothèque, an interactive wine museum that takes you through the winemaking process and ends with a tasting of their wines. Don’t miss the château’s elegant gardens, originally designed by Versailles’ famed landscaper André Le Nôtre.

Next, step into history at the 13th-century Château de Champ-Renard, where the “Life of a Château” experience includes a cellar tour, a vineyard stroll, and finishes with a wine-and-cheese workshop inside the private quarters of the castle.

Chateau de la Chaize, one of the most prestigious vineyards of the Beaujolais. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

For something truly exclusive, visit the lavish Château de la Chaize, created by Versailles architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, with gardens also by Le Nôtre. Winemakers for over 350 years, you can partake in a range of tasting options, including a VIP tasting within their most prestigious plot. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own vineyard, join natural wine-producers Célia and David Large for their “Step into the Shoes of a Winemaker” workshop, a half-day immersion in vineyard life that ends with a tasting overlooking endless vineyards.

Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

Lastly, for a fun twist, head to the Château de Juliénas, where you can explore its medieval cellars before hopping into a vintage VW van for a vineyard tour and tasting paired with charcuterie and cheese.

Wine tasting van at the Chateau Julienas. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

Wander through Charming Medieval Villages

France is full of storybook villages, and the Beaujolais has some of the prettiest – minus the crowds you’ll find in Provence or the Côte d’Azur. Perched on a hill and wrapped in vineyards, Oingt is pure magic. Listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, it’s a maze of cobbled lanes, flower-covered houses, and artisan workshops perfect for a leisurely wander.

Nearby, Charnay’s golden stone buildings delight just as much as its hilltop vistas stretching across endless vines. Be sure to visit its thousand-year-old Romanesque church or the Maison du Pressoir, a 16th-century wine press that illustrates the village’s deep wine roots.

The lovely Medieval village of Ternand. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

For a quieter, lesser-known gem, take a detour to Ternand, a hidden medieval hamlet with 11th-century ramparts, a tiny Romanesque church, and half-timbered houses that feel frozen in time.

Sample Exquisite Gastronomic and Farm-to-Table Cuisine

The Beaujolais sits along France’s Vallée de la Gastronomie, a 620-kilometer (385-mile) culinary route extending from Dijon to the Côte d’Azur. There are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the region’s exceptional cuisine, from elegant Michelin-starred dining to cozier farm-to-table bistros.

For a gourmet lunch with a view, stop by La Table du Donjon in Oingt, where creative, locally sourced dishes are served with soaring vistas over vine-covered hills. Or pop into Le Cox à Juliénas, an alluring century-old bistro where chef Marie Dias crafts vibrant, seasonal fare using top-quality local ingredients.

Chef Marie Dias of le Coq à Julienas. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

When evening falls, treat yourself to L’Auberge du Cep, a Michelin-starred establishment nestled in the heart of the vineyards, or La Robe Rouge, where inventive bistronomique dishes pair perfectly with the surrounding vines.

Hike or bike through vineyards, valleys, and forests  

Recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for its remarkable geology, Beaujolais isn’t just about wine, it’s also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The diverse soils that shape its wines also create a stunning landscape of rolling vineyards, pristine forests, and rolling valleys, ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.

With 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) of hiking trails, there’s something for every pace. For a shorter trek, meander around the peak of Mont Brouilly for a jaw-dropping 360° panorama over the Saône plain. Alternatively, spend a half or full day tackling one of the 12 scenic loops weaving through picturesque villages, vineyards, and untouched woodland.

Cyclists will love the region’s bike routes, including self-guided e-bike excursions that come with a map, a picnic, and, of course, a bottle of Beaujolais.

Sleep within the Vines at Luxurious Vineyard Hotels

historic gardens of the Chateau de Pizay. Courtesy of Je t'aime me neither.

For the ultimate Beaujolais immersion, stay right in the vineyards. The Château de Pizay offers elegant two-story suites with private terraces overlooking the vines. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to its wine experiences, wander its gorgeous gardens after hours, or relax next to the pool with the vineyards beyond.

For something more intimate, check into Hotel Villa Alexandre, an 18th-century manor with sweeping vineyard views. Named after different French wine appellations, its stylish rooms ooze French charm with toile de Jouy wallpaper and wooden beams. Unwind in the pool or the wine barrel sauna, the perfect way to end an adventurous day in the Beaujolais.

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