• Beaujolais - Golden Stones

• Starts Saturdays and Sundays every weekend during April, May, June, September and October and the following dates during July and August: 5, 6, 19, 20 July, 30 & 31 August.

• £495

• +

• 8 days: 6 days independent walking moving between guest houses every couple of days

• Varied walking through vines, pastures and forests
• Sweeping views across rolling countryside reminiscent of Tuscany
• Wine tasting visits
• Region famous for its gastronomic delights
• Historic villages including Oignt classified as one of the prettiest villages in France

• 7 nights accommodation in several charming guest houses, double or twin rooms with own bathrooms (2 and 3 star equivalent). All breakfasts included, all lunches with the exception of arrival and departure days and 4 evening meals

1. Airport and station transfers from Lyon.
2. 7 nights' accommodation.
3. All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 evening meals
4. Full walking notes and maps
5. Transport of luggage between guest houses

1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
   
2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure and 3 evening meals in restaurants
   
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon.
   
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
   
5. Drinks to accompany evening meals in restaurants (A glass or 2 of wine is usually included with the meal in most guest houses.)
6. You can hire the services of a local expert guide for a half or full day – cost about 50 pounds per person per day

Walks

This holiday is made up of 3 walks moving between guest houses and 3 days where you have the choice of walks starting from your base. These days can, of course, be used to rest and relax. The 3 principal walks are upto 20 km, and include only moderate ascents and descents of no more than 350m at a time. The paths are generally good, although they can be rough and stoney in places.

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome, drive to Oignt and settle in to your first guest house.

Day 2: Walks around Oignt

You have the choice of several walks exploring the heart of this beautiful region. Explore the nearby villages including Theizé, with its magnificent chateau, Bagnols, and of course Oignt. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the fortified village of Oignt perches astride a ridge at 500m. Its tower, positioned over the villages dungeon, provides magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. (Open Sundays - very small charge)

Day 3: Oignt to Cogny/Rivolet

You have a choice of two walks to get to your next guest house. The gentle walk takes the ridge north of Oignt offering panoramic views across the Beaujolais in all directions. Despite only reaching a modest height of 550m the sense of domination over the vineyards, which stretch out below, is amazing. The other walk takes in a few exceptional hamlets and the forested hills beyond rising to over 700m, before descending through the vineyards to a small hamlet in the Parish of Cogny.

Day 4: Walks from Cogny/Rivolet

You have the choice of several walks on the steep slopes north of Rivolet. Take a relatively relaxing walk up to a remote col or extend it to include the Chapel of St Bonnet. For those who take up this challenge, the view across the Beaujolais and Saone valley is unparalleled. Of course you could simply choose to relax and visit some nearby vineyards and try the local wine.

Day 5: Cogny/Rivolet to Pommiers

A relatively gentle walk through the rolling Beaujolais vineyards which cover the valley slopes. You will have time to explore the historic buildings en route. You will then climb onto the ridge where the picturesque village of Pommiers is located, overlooking the Saone Valley.

Day 6: Pommiers to Oignt

A fantastic walk which, for part of its journey, takes the ancient railway track traversing the Beaujolais region from west to east. This track passes through one of the prettiest villages in the region – Jarnioux - with its imposing chateaux, built from deep rich golden stone. After, a gentle climb onto an open ridge will take you back to the parish of Oignt.

Day 7: Walks around Oignt

For your last day you have, once again, the choice between a number of walks of different lengths, including a visit to the ancient fortified village of Ternand in the Valley d'Azergues. You could finish your holiday by simply relaxing and taking in the tireless Beaujolais views. There is also the possibility of a trip to the local town of Villefranche with its pretty high street.

Day 8: Departure

Return to Lyon and transfer home

Montgelin

La Villa Toscana

Clos de Pomeir