Walking Holiday in the Beaujolais, France - Guided

Your Holiday at a Glance


Guided walking holiday	Beaujolais Discovery
Dates for 2020	From the beginning of April to the end of October (depending on availability) Also see our two other guided holidays in the Beaujolais: Beaujolais Vintage Wine Trails & Medieval Village Tour
Price	Please contact us for a quote for your group
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 Wonderful guest houses in historic properties Glorious autumnal colours in October See photos from our 2009 holiday
Testimonials	"Wonderful walking days with the very knowlegeable and friendly William - could not be bettered! The Beaujolais area must be France's best kept secret walking area. It is not a place I had ever connected with walking but it has enchanted me with its high hills, vineyards, beautiful villages and friendly locals. William has captured all of this to perfection" A. Tutin, UK Find out what other customers thought about our guided walking holidays in the Beaujolais
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
	See full list of guided walking holidays See All French Walking Holiday Destinations Go to Home Page

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 this guided walking holiday in France 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 of up to 500m in a day. Average ascent in a day is about 380m. Shorter and longer days will be alternated. Paths are generally good, although they can be stoney and rough in places.

Location Beaujolais France guided walking

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome and pick up at Lyon and short drive to the Beaujolais hills.

Day 2: 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. 16km, +400m

Day 3: 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 19km, +520m

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. 12km, +150m

Day 5: High Beaujolais Hills

Explore the high Beaujolais hills for amazing panoramic views of upland pasture dotted with farms and historic villages such as Avenas with its rustic stone cottages and 11th century church. Expansive views from Croix Rochefort across the whole of the Beaujolais and beyond. 17km, +420m

Day 6: The Azergues Valley

Discover a number of historic villages, the Azergues Valley and vast panoramic views all on one walk. You’ll explore the charming hill-top villages of Chatillon d’Azergues and Charnay, walk along the pretty Azergues River and follow a picturesque ridge-line. 16km, +300m. We will also find the time to visit a wine cave to sample a selection of the local wines.

Day 7: Jarnioux

Our trail takes us past a number of chateaux including the amazing 13th century castle at Jarnioux. Follow an old railway line over viaducts and across beautiful valleys lined with vines. Visit the pretty historic village of Cogny. Wine tasting. 14km, +350m

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

Beaujolais hills and vines France guided walking holiday

Oingt village Beaujolais

Village in the region of the golden stones Beaujolais France

High Beaujolais Hills

beaking bread guest house le planay Beaujolais France guided walking holiday

Vines Beaujolais France

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. They are small, very comfortable chambre d'hôte style guest houses that allow us to mix with the hosts and other guests and immerse into the French way of life. The guest houses or hotels we use will depend on availability and the size of your group.

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 gourmet lunches including quiches and salads served with a number of local wines. Six evening meals will be taken at your guest houses with your hosts, where you will be treated to local delicacies. One meal on this French walking holiday 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 des Averlys	B&B	Wine producers house, in a wonderful setting near the pretty village of Cogny. Wine tasting with friendly and welcoming hosts.	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

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.

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 arrangements 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 in our travel store 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, Eurotunnel and DFDS Seaways.

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.

Photos

Oingt region golden stones beaujolais France

Hills and vines Beaujolais France guided walking holiday

Hills and ridges Perreonp Beaujolais guided walking France

Mont Lyonnais south of Beaujolais France