Beaujolais Wine Route: The Complete Guide

Why not take a drive through the Beaujolais region to discover its wine appellations? With 140 km of scenic routes winding through valleys and hillsides, the Beaujolais Wine Route is sure to delight your eyes… and your taste buds!

The Beaujolais Wine Route has something for everyone!

A rich and diverse tourist destination

Shades of green in the vineyards; ochre in the villages with their golden stone buildings; red, white, and rosé in your glasses… The Beaujolais Wine Route will treat you to a whole spectrum of colors!

With its diverse terroirs and landscapes, the Beaujolais region is a highly popular tourist destination. Situated along the Burgundy Wine Route and just outside Lyon, its rolling hills and scenic viewpoints make it a delightful route for exploring the region and the surrounding vineyards.

And there’s no shortage of things to do: exploring the region’s heritage and the charming villages nestled among the vineyards, savoring local cuisine in Beaujolais restaurants and bistros, and enjoying festive, friendly events celebrating the local terroir… Not to mention tours and tastings at the many wineries, where you can meet the region’s 2,000 winemakers and discover its 12 appellations.

Discovering the 12 Beaujolais appellations

Traveling along the Beaujolais Wine Route is, above all, a chance to discover the richness and diversity of Beaujolais wines.

While the region is best known for its red wines, you might be pleasantly surprised by the fruity character of a white or the crispness of a rosé during a break on a terrace. Produced under the Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages appellations, Beaujolais white and rosé wines are becoming increasingly popular among connoisseurs.

Known for their lightness and freshness, Beaujolais wines are nonetheless quite complex. Made from white-juiced black Gamay and Chardonnay for the whites, these wines are fruity and light, yet capable of great complexity. Their freshness is particularly appreciated in the summer.

Three itineraries along the Beaujolais Wine Route

A Journey Through the 10 Wine Regions: Northern Beaujolais

The northern section of the Beaujolais Wine Route, from Saint-Amour to Mont Brouilly, offers a rich and varied journey through the 10 Beaujolais crus.

History buffs can explore chapels, churches, and castles. You’ll also find fantastic panoramic views of the Beaujolais vineyards from the terrace in Chiroubles or the Chapelle de la Madone, which overlooks the Fleurie appellation. From its height of 484 meters, Mont Brouilly offers breathtaking views of the Beaujolais region’s geological diversity.

And don’t forget the tasting breaks, where you can discover 10 wines made from Gamay Rouge à Jus Blanc, the iconic grape variety of the Beaujolais region. And what better way to taste these wines than by meeting the winemakers at the many wineries you’ll pass along the way?

In northern Beaujolais, red wine reigns supreme! From the cherry-red hue of Régnié to the deep purple of Saint-Amour, take the time to savor the diversity and richness of these 10 Beaujolais crus. Whether you prefer the freshness of a Chiroubles or the full-bodied character of the Côte de Brouilly, Chénas, or Moulin à Vent vintages, you’ll always find something to toast with!

The Beaujolais Villages region: at the heart of Beaujolais’ history

This is where you’ll find the steepest vineyards in Beaujolais! By the way, did you know? The vineyards of Beaujolais are often called “heroic”! The sloping landscapes and hillsides of Beaujolais truly pose a real challenge for the winemakers who work there.

One of the must-see stops along this route is Beaujeu, the historic capital of the Beaujolais region. There you’ll find the Maison du Terroir Beaujolais, which is well worth a visit to learn more about the history and terroir of the vineyards.

What do people drink there? Beaujolais Villages wines, of course! Fruity and well-balanced, Beaujolais Villages reds have a very pleasant finish. It’s also a great chance to quench your thirst with a refreshing white or rosé!

Southern Beaujolais and the Villages des Pierres Dorées

Nicknamed “Little Tuscany” because of its villages built of ochre-colored stone, southern Beaujolais has no shortage of cultural heritage: here you can visit picturesque villages, chapels, churches, and castles, including Rochebonne Castle.

For a city break, stop in Villefranche-sur-Saône, the capital of the Beaujolais region. If you prefer the charm of medieval villages, don’t miss the fortified village of Oingt, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Take the time to wander through its narrow streets lined with golden stone and enjoy the panoramic view from its 18th-century keep.

The Beaujolais appellation region offers some truly delightful wines to taste. Whether red, white, or rosé, Beaujolais wines are wonderfully fresh and a pleasure to drink. Rich and approachable, they’re perfect for enjoying in the shade of a cellar on a hot summer day!

Now you’re all set to hit the Beaujolais Wine Route! All that’s left is to wish you a safe trip… and happy tasting!