Your Holiday at a Glance

Holidays	Beaujolais - Wine, Walk, Talk
Dates for 2008	9 – 13 October
Price	£415
Grade
Profile	5 days: 3 days single centre guided walking at low altitude. Emphasis on talking French whilst discovering the area's cultural heritage and trying the local wine
Highlights	Plenty of opportunity to sample the local wine and food in a region famous for its gastronomic delights Practice your French with a bilingual local in a convivial atmosphere. Picturesque rolling countryside with summits around 1000m providing exceptional views A rich architectural heritage
Accommodation and Meals	4 nights’ accommodation in 2 and 3 star (equivalent) guest houses, double and twin rooms with own bathrooms. All breakfasts included, 2 packed lunches and 2 evening meals
What's included	Airport and station transfers from Lyon. Transport to and from the start of each walk 4 nights' accommodation. All breakfast, three evening meals and two picnic lunches Services of walking guide and French language expert for 3 walks
What's not included	Travel between the UK and Lyon, France Lunches on the day of arrival and departure One lunch including drinks in a restaurant One evening meal including drinks in a restaurant Transfers, other than those from Lyon Any excursions or entrance fees

Beaujolais - Wine, walk, talk

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.

Find out more about the Beaujolais region

Walks The walks are gentle with no more than 4 to 5 hours walking per day. The paths are generally good, but sometimes stoney and uneven . A pair of walking boots is recommended.   Day 1: Arrival Welcome and pick up from Lyon. Short drive to Beaujolais area. Day 2: The Grand Crus An enjoyable 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. Plenty of occassion for tasting the local varieties. Day 3: 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. It will also take us into the hills beyond the vineyards. Among the sights are a number of fortified, hill-top villages, secluded valleys and some giant pine trees. We will also find the time to visit a cellar or two to sample a selection of the local wines. We will dine in an excellent local restaurant for lunch. Day 4: 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 dine in a traditional local restaurant for dinner. Day 5: Departure Depending on departure times, there may be time for a small walk or visit, before we drive back to Lyon

Notes:

Accommodation & Meals

We will use one or two, 2 and 3 star (equivalent) charming and traditionall guest houses, all with private bathrooms. Below is a representative selection of the guest houses we use. A Hotel may be used for the Saturday night.

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, with the exception of one lunch taken in a local restaurant. (This lunch is not included in the price of the holiday). Three evening meals will be taken at your guest houses with your hosts, where you will be treated to local delicacies. One meal will be eaten 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 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
La Verriere	B&B	Large traditional rural house situated in a superb location overlooking the Beajolais hills. Swimming pool.	3 Corns

Travel Options

light Options

Transfers from Lyon airport

Easy jet: London Stanstead – Lyon
Practical Flight (based on flights for summer 2008)
Going - Departure: 13.40 – arrive; 16.25
Return - Departure: 16.50 – arrive; 17.30

Bmi: Manchester – Lyon
Practical Flight
Going - Departure: 10.30 – arrive; 13.15
Return - Departure: 13.50 – arrive; 14.45

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/