Your Holiday at a Glance

Guided walking holiday	Beaujolais Discovery
Dates for 2010	1 - 8 May 25 September - 2 October 16 – 23 October Selected alternative dates available for 2 or more
Price	£595
Grade	grade explained
Profile	8 days: 6 days multi-centre-based, guided walking at low altitude Discover more about how our guided walking holidays work
Highlights	Picturesque rolling countryside with summits around 1000m providing exceptional views over the valleys carpeted in vines Day walks in a series of different regions with their own distinct character A region known for its wine and its gastronomic delights Beautiful historic villages Glorious autumnal colours in October See photos from our 2009 holiday
Accommodation and Meals	7 nights’ accommodation in two or more beautiful guest houses (2 or 3 star equivalent), double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. All breakfasts included, 6 packed lunches and 6 evening meals
What's included	Airport and station transfers from Lyon Transport to and from the start of each walk 7 nights' accommodation. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and departure and one evening meal) Services of walking guide for 6 walks
What's not included	Travel to Lyon, France Lunches on the day of arrival and departure One evening meal Transfers, other than those from Lyon Any excursions or entrance fees Travel insurance
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Beaujolais Discovery

Our guided walking holiday in the Beaujolais region of France explores the full range of beautiful landscapes found throughout this relatively quiet French area. The Beaujolais, located to the north and east of Lyon, is a series of rolling hills summiting around 1000m above sea level. Despite the relatively gentle nature of their slopes, the scale of the peaks and the depths of the valleys create a landscape of great panoramas and rich contrasts. The character of the Beaujolais hills changes with altitude as the vines give way to forests and pastures on the higher slopes.

One region not to be missed (but less frequented than the area of the grands crus) on our week's walking is the area known as the “Golden stones”, so called due to the colour of the limestone used in the buildings. Here you will find some of the prettiest villages in France, set in a sumptuous landscape of interlocking hills receding to the horizon.

During your guided walking holiday we will also explore other areas such as the high Beaujolais and the Mont Lyonnais, allowing you to discover, not only the world famous vineyards of the Beaujolais, but also the rich variety of beautiful landscapes that lie beyond.

Find out more about the Beaujolais region, its wines and its average weather conditions

See photos from our 2009 holiday

Walking profile The walks on this guided walking holiday will be adapted to the interests of the group. The average walk is moderate in grade, averaging 15km with some moderate ascents onto summits at around 900m. Shorter and longer days will be alternated. Paths are generally good, although they can be stoney and rough in places.

Day 1: Arrival Welcome and pick up at Lyon and short drive to the Beaujolais hills. Day 2: The ridges above Perréon This walk is an ideal introduction to the varying landscapes of the Beaujolais, with a climb up through the vineyards near Perréon within a picturesque, secluded valley. The ascent finishes on a ridge partly covered by protected moorland and pastures providing great panoramic views across the rolling hills Day 3: The French Tuscany A great walking circuit through the beautiful historic villages of the southern Beaujolais in the region of the “Golden Stones”, including Oingt (classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France), Theizé and Bagnols. Expansive landscapes reminiscent of the Tuscany hills span out in all directions. Day 4: The Grand Crus A shorter walk amid the vines that make up the most famous Beaujolais Crus. Small hills and ridges allow us to climb above the vineyards and gain great views across the sea of grapes that spread towards the Saône. Day 5: A tour from the ancient capital A great day's walking that starts and finishes at “Beaujeu” the ancient capital of Beaujolais. The path winds its way through the vines and up to the pine covered ridges above where an upland landscape of rolling hills is revealed. A tour of the ridges above allows us to experience a number of fascinating views across the Beaujolais hills. Day 6: The Azergues Valley We will take the time to discover a number of secret treasures easily accessible from the Azergues valley by doing several small walks. Among the sights on offer are a number of fortified hill-top villages, some secluded valleys and a stand of giant Douglas pine trees - the tallest conifer trees in Europe. We will also find the time to visit a wine cave to sample a selection of the local wines. Day 7: An excursion into the Mont Lyonnais In the South, the Beaujolais region merges with the hills of the Mont Lyonnais. This walk will provide you with an insight into this parallel landscape where the rows of vines are replaced by grazing cattle and fields of fruit trees. The hills offer amazing panoramic views stretching from the Massif Central to the Alps.   Day 8: Departure Depending on departure times, there may be time for a small walk or visit, before we drive back to Lyon Contact us about this guided walking holiday

Please Note: Further information about the walks on this French guided walking holiday in the Beaujolais will be sent to you prior to your holiday. We will endeavour to keep to these walks as far as possible on our guided walking tour; however they are subject to change. In addition, we like to maintain a certain degree of flexibility to take account of the group’s abilities and interests, and the local conditions. The final selection of walks will be made by your guide during the week after consultation with the group.

Once you have booked on this guided walking holiday in France, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you. We do have a web page dedicated to what clothes and equipment you should bring. In addition, our travel shop has direct access to all the top walking and travel retailers. Please contact us if you need any further information.

Accommodation & Meals

During your guided walking holiday we will use two, 2 and 3 star (equivalent) charming and traditional guest houses, all with private bathrooms. Below is a representative selection of the guest houses we use.

A hearty and healthy continental breakfast provides the perfect opportunity to discover the local specialities such as home-made jams and local cheeses. At midday you will eat packed lunches prepared by your hosts. Six evening meals will be taken at your guest houses with your hosts, where you will be treated to local delicacies. One meal will be taken in a local restaurant where you will have a choice of menus. (This meal is not included in the price of the holiday). Local specialities will be available to try every evening.

Name	Type	Details	Rating
Domaine de Romarand	B&B	Beautiful farm house built from local stone in a great setting among the vineyards at Quincie en Beaujolais. swimming pool.	3 Corns
Ferme du Planay	B&B	18th century farm of great character at 550m in the northern Beaujolais. Great rooms with original wooden features and stone walls.	3 Corns
Castel de Valrose	B&B	Large 1920's house situated in a quiet village on the banks of the Saône. Lovely original guest house with great decor and indoor pool.	3 Corns

Travel Options

Transfers between Lyon Airport or Lyon train station and the Beaujolais region of France are included in the price of your guided walking holiday.

Flight Options

Transfers from Lyon airport

The airlines Easy jet, BMI and British Airways have scheduled flights from the UK - Manchester, Stanstead and Heathrow to Lyon St Exupery airport. You can use the price comparison site Wegolo to compare the routes and prices for different low-cost airlines.

Please visit our travel shop for links to useful sites for reserving airport parking or booking train tickets to the UK airports

Note: Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you. We would be happy to book travel arrangents to Lyon, France on your behalf.

 

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu changing at Lille. Please use Rail Europe's train finder to organise your train journey.

There is a practical train time leaving London at 9am and arriving in Lyon at 3pm. Please contact us before booking to check for other practical times.

Self Drive

Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including:

P&O Ferries 

Norfolk Line

 

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Beaujolais area takes about 7 hours (excluding long breaks).

Tolls amount to about 35 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Other secure but non-surveilled parking is available free of charge.