• Beaujolais Explorer

• 1 April - 31 October

• 7 nights: From £990 / €1095 p/p based on 2 sharing
• Loyalty scheme reduction applies for returning customers (see terms and conditions)

• 7 nights; 6 day's independent walking based at 2 guest houses

• Guest houses in historic surroundings perfectly located for a relaxed stay with moderate walking
• A one week holiday which allows you to discover the best of the central and southern Beaujolais
• The beautiful golden limestone region of the southern Beaujolais with its historic villages and medieval chateaux set in pretty rolling countryside providing exceptional views
• Two centres allowing you time to relax and the chance to adapt your walks to the weather

• New holiday for 2023

• You will stay in two high quality guest houses / hotels located in historic buildings offering very different styles. Both the guest houses offer great French cuisine. A great mix of comfort and authenticity.

1. Transfers from Lyon airport or train station, 7 night's accommodation, all breakfast, 6 picnic lunches, all evening meals, detailed walking notes and maps, transfers to and from 2 walks and between the two bases.
2. Read more information about our independent walking & trekking holidays

1. Travel to Lyon in France, lunches on arrival and departure days, wine with meals in second accommodation, any excursions or visits

1. Take a look at other walking holidays in the Beaujolais
2. Beautiful Beaujolais Trail
3. High Beaujolais Hills
4. Beaujolais Wine Trail: Grand Crus
5. Beaujolais Wine Trail: Chateaux & Medieval Villages
6. Beaujolais Medieval Village Tour
8. Return to list of independent walking holidays
10. Return to Home Page of High Point Holidays

Walking Profile

6 walks based around two centres, averaging about 18km on reasonably good paths, although some rough and stony sections. Average daily ascent is 575m. This holiday is flexible so that you can walk as much or as little as you wish.

Walking holiday day-by-day

Day 1: Arrival

Transfer from Lyon to the Beaujolais and welcome at your hotel in Le Perreon.

Day 2: The ridges above Le Perreon

This walk covers the full range of landscapes of the Beaujolais, with a climb up through the vineyards near Perreon 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 16km +710m

Day 3: High Beaujolais Hills

Today you’ll have a short transfer to Beaujeu, the ancient capital of the Beaujolais. 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 beautiful 11th century church. Expansive views from Croix Rochefort across the whole of the Beaujolais and beyond. 15.5km, +620m

Day 4: Panoramas and Chapel St Bonnet

From your hotel, head south onto vine covered slopes and open ridges with great panoramic views of both the Saone towards the Alps and the higher hills. Your walk takes you through the historic villages of Salles-Arbuissonnas with its old priory. Then head onto the higher ridges and reach the Chapel of St Bonnet with outstanding views. This is followed by a traverse through forest before plunging back to the main valley.
21km, +760m

Day 5: French Tuscany

Transfer to your second guest house in the southern Beaujolais. A walk through the beautiful historic villages of the southern Beaujolais in the region of the “Golden Stones”, including the hill top village of Oingt (classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France), Theize with its elegant buildings, and the local centre of Bois d'Oingt. Expansive landscapes reminiscent of the Tuscany hills span out in all directions. 17.5km, +450m

Day 6: Views of the Azergues Valley

Transfer to either Chamelet or St Cry le Chatoux depending on your choice of walk.
Chamelet
Walk from the medieval centre of Chamelet climbing sharply onto the hills with great views looking down on the Azergues Valley. Your walk takes you from ridges to secluded valleys. A varied walk which finishes via the historic centre of Chamelet with its castle remains, historic market hall and small alleyways 15km, +600m

St Cyr le Chatoux
Starting from the ridgetop village of St Cry le Chatoux this is a walk where the landscape unveils itself over the course of the walk with wonderful panoramic views from the summits
A walk that stays at altitude the whole time, ideal for warm weather. 14km, +525m

Day 7: Chatillon, Charnay & Bagnols

From your guest house this walk takes in 4 wonderful historic golden stones villages including Chatillon d’Azergues which climbs the slopes above the Azergues Valley, Charnay which sits on a ridgetop with great views and Bagnols with its imposing chateau. Your trail includes an enjoyable walk along the banks of the Azergues River. 22km, +350m

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Lyon after breakfast