• At a glance
  • Beaujolais & Walks
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Travel options
  • Photos
At a Glance

Your Holiday at a Glance


Holiday
  • Beaujolais - Through the vines and beyond
Dates for 2008
  • 18 – 25 October
Price
  • £530 (Normal price £590) PLACES REMAINING (HOLIDAY GUARANTEED TO GO AHEAD)
Grade
  • grade moderate guided walking holiday Beaujolais France
Profile
  • 8 days: 6 days multi-centre-based, guided walking at low altitude
Highlights
  • Picturesque rolling countryside with summits around 1000m providing exceptional views
  • A region known for its wine and its gastronomic delights
  • Beautiful villages
  • Glorious autumnal colours in October
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
  1. Airport and station transfers from Lyon
  2. Transport to and from the start of each walk
  3. 7 nights' accommodation.
  4. Full Board. (with the exception of lunches on day of arrival and departure and one evening meal)
  5. Services of walking guide for 6 walks
  6. Services of local expert (guide de pays) for one day
What's not included
  1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
  2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure
  3. One evening meal and some drinks in restaurants and guest houses
  4. Transfers, other than those from Lyon
  5. Any excursions or entrance fees
Walks

Beaujolais - Through the vines and beyond

The Beaujolais region, 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) 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.

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

Walks

A couple of the walks are longish and include ascents of up to 650m. However, the terrain is generally gentle and not mountainous and the majority of the walks are less strenuous and are well within the grade. Paths are generally good, although they can be stoney and rough in places.

 

Location Beaujolais France

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 gentle stroll 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. We will be joined by a local guide and expert, passionate about her region, who will bring to life this picturesque region.

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 walk 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 more reminiscent of mid Wales 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. We will also find the time to visit a 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. After a walk taking in some picturesque hills and valleys, we will visit the tower built on top of one of the highest points in the area. At just over 1000m, it offers 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

 

 

Vines Beaujolais France

Village in the region of the golden stones Beaujolais France

 

Notes:

Bed

Accommodation & Meals


We will use at least 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 Domaine de Romarand in the Beaujolais France
Ferme du Planet 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 Ferme du Planet Beaujolais France
La Verriere B&B Large traditional rural house situated in a superb location overlooking the Beajolais hills. Swimming pool. 3 Corns La Verriere in the Beaujolais hills France
Le Chatard Hotel Hotel and restaurant in a pretty village in the region of the golden stones surrounded by vines 3 stars La Chatard golden stones area Beaujolais France
Travel Options

Travel Options


Flight Options

Transfers from Lyon airport

Easy jet: London Stanstead – Lyon
Practical Flight
Going - Departure: 13.40 – arrive; 16.25
Return - Departure: 16.50 – arrive; 17.30

Bmi: Manchester – Lyon
Practical Flight
Going - Departure: 13.00 – arrive; 15.55
Return - Departure: 16.25 – arrive; 17.20

British Airways: London Heathrow - Lyon
Practical Flight
Going - Departure: 08.40 – arrive; 11.15
Going - Departure: 16.00 – arrive; 18.35

Return - Departure: 11.55 – arrive; 12.40

Return - Departure: 19.20 – arrive; 19.55

Please note – This information is correct at the time of publication. High Point Holidays cannot be held responsible for any change in schedules made by the above operators. Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. In addition, we can only guarantee transfers from the practical flights listed above. 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.

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a quick and relaxing journey from London to Lyon.
Transfers from Lyon St Exupery and Lyon Part Dieu.
www.raileurope.co.uk
www.eurostar.com

By Car

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Lyon area takes about 7-8 hours (excluding long breaks). Tolls amount to about 30 euros each way. Controlled parking is available at the airport for 50 euros. Channel crossings are provided by the following companies.

www.speedferries.com

www.poferries.com

www.norfolkline-ferries.co.uk/

www.eurotunnel.com

For general information on routes and bookings see. www.ferrysavers.co.uk/

Photos

Photos


Oingt region golden stones beaujolais France
Region golden stones Beaujolais France
Marchampt Beaujolais Autumn guided walking France
Mont Lyonnais south of Beaujolais France
Oingt Beaujolais France
Autumn colours High beaujolais France