• Beaujolais Medieval Village Tour

• From the beginning of April to the end of October (depending on availability)

• Please contact us for a quote for your group

• grade explained

• 7 nights: 6 days guided walking circuit moving between guest houses
• Minimum group number of 4

• Historic villages made from a warm golden limestone including Theizé, Chatillon and Oignt classified as one of the prettiest villages in France
• Varied walking through vines, pastures and forests
• Sweeping views across rolling Beaujolais countryside reminiscent of Tuscany
• Lovely B&B's where a warm welcome and great food is guaranteed
• Wine tasting in local vineyards and visiting historic monuments
• Great autumn colours

• 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 6 evening meals

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

1. Travel between the UK and Lyon, France
   
2. Lunches on the day of arrival and departure
3. Transfers, other than those from Lyon.
   
4. Any excursions or entrance fees
5. Travel insurance

1. Similar holidays in the Beaujolais:
2. Beaujolais Discovery - Beaujolais Vintage Wine Trail
3. Return to list of guided walking holidays
4. Return to home page

Walking profile

This guided walking holiday is made up of a 6 day circuit, walking between guest houses. The walks average about 16km with limited ascents and descents which total between 200 and 460m in a day. The paths are generally good although some sections can be rough and stoney in places with the odd steeper section. This walking holiday includes easier and longer days.

Day 1: Arrival

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

Day 2: Cogny - Pommiers

Today's trail passes through vines and the beautiful limestone village of Jarnioux with its amazing multi-towered chateau. Our trail then climbs to the lovely hill-top village of Pommiers, offering great panoramic views of the Beaujolais and the Alps. Short transfer to B&B with wine tasting. 15km, +360m

Day 3: Pommiers - Chessy

Today your walking route takes you through the forest of Alix and up to a picturesque ridgeline separating the Beaujolais hills from the Saone Valley. The walk passes through the historic and beautiful ridge top villages of Marcy with its ancient communications tower and Charnay with its small winding lanes. From here the walking trails descends to the fortified village of Châtillon d'Azergues with its historic chateau and chapel, before the short walk to your guest house in a historic property in the village of Chessy. 16km, +200m

Day 4: Chessy - St Verand

This day's walk starts with a visit of the village, before climbing out out of the valley to reach the historic village of Bagnols with its impressive chateau and great views of the Mont Lyonnais hills. The walking trail then follows a former railway line making for a gentle descent to the village of Bois d'Oingt which acts as an important local centre. The walking trails then passes through the village of Legny before traversing the wildlife trail in the forest of Flachère. Your next guest house is located on an organic farm overlooking the Azergues Valley. 20km, +340m

Day 5: St Verand - Oignt

Today's walk takes us along a ridge offering great panoramic views of the hilltop villages on the opposite side of the valley, before descending to the small and quaint historic centre at Ternand, once an important fortified outpost for the Lords of Lyon. After crossing the Azergues Valley, the route climbs to the village of St Laurent d'Oingt with its isolated hill-top chapel. You'll then climb to Oingt, classed as one of the prettiest villages in France. Here you can explore its narrow alleyways and admire the amazing views of the southern Beaujolais from its promenade. Ridge walk to your guest house in the small village of Moiré. 17km, +460m

Day 6: Oingt - Cogny

Your walk climbs onto a picturesque ridge that leads to another quiant medieval village: Theizé. Take a path that contours beneath the higher hills crossing secluded valleys including one which harbours the pretty village of Ville sur Jarnioux. Wine tasting visit at guest house with detailed explanations from Etienne, who is very passionate about his wines. 12km, +400m

Day 7: Tour from Cogny

There is an easier and harder walking option possible. The longer route explores the deep valleys and ridges north of your guest house where the granite replaces the limestone. Here you can ascend to the Chapel St Bonnet which provides unparalled views of the eastern Beaujolais and the Saône Valley. With either option, your return route passes several medieval buildings including chapels and chateaux. 8.5km or 14km, +180m or +450m

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Lyon and return from France