Explore the villages of the Rhône!
With six listed villages , the Rhône department is renowned for the richness and preservation of its heritage . Discover Beaujeu, Oingt, Riverie, Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Ternand, and Villefranche, and let yourself be captivated by their fascinating history and timeless charm.
Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais
Beaujeu is the historic capital of Beaujolais , a region named after its lords. The village is strategically located on the border between the vineyards of Beaujolais and the pine forests of Beaujolais. Beaujeu has preserved many beautiful and remarkable buildings from its past , especially in the central district surrounding the 11th and 12th-century Church of Saint - Nicolas . There you can discover: a Renaissance house (now the Beaujolais Wine Center), a 17th-century residence (the town hall), the Hôtel de la Tour, which is said to have hosted Louis XI during one of his stays in Beaujolais, and the Marius-Audin Museum , dedicated to the arts and folk traditions of the region. Beaujeu is an ideal starting point for exploring the Beaujolais wines , with a first stop at the Temple of Bacchus, the town's wine tasting cellar.
Julie lfr
riverie Riverie, one of the small cities of character
Perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of 730 meters , the village of Riverie offers beautiful panoramic views of the Mornant plateau, the hills of the Lyonnais region , and the Bozançon valley . Riverie is a former fief of a powerful barony that occupied a stronghold in the Middle Ages. The remarkable heritage of this village still bears witness today to the different periods of the history of the Kingdom of France, from the Middle Ages to the Wars of Religion.
Saint-Symporien-sur-Coise, one of the most beautiful detours in France
The historic capital of the Monts du Lyonnais , on the border between the Lyonnais and Forez regions, Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise boasts a rich and well-preserved heritage and retains numerous traces of its history. Nestled at the foot of a rocky spur upon which stands an imposing Gothic church, this fortified village has always been a strategic and commercial crossroads. Here, livestock farmers leaving their weary animals on their way to Lyon gave rise to two activities that profoundly shaped the local economy: tanning and charcuterie. A visit to the village, with its 18th-century tanners' houses , the collegiate church, and the remains of the ramparts, offers a journey back in time from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.
Julien Bourreau
cd69-Julien-BourreauOingt, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Perched on a hill in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards, the fortified medieval village of Oingt offers a timeless and colorful stroll, with its golden stone houses earning it the nickname "Golden Village ." A visit to the 12th-century castle and the rampart walk offers an extraordinary panorama , allowing you to contemplate the Beaujolais and Lyonnais hills, and on a clear day, glimpse the Jura Mountains and the Alps, all the way to Mont Ventoux and Mont Blanc. Oingt is also renowned for its living heritage and the artists and artisans who reside there. Wander through the narrow streets of old Oingt and discover the galleries and workshops , where passionate individuals will share their expertise. The vineyards are also a prominent feature of this village, which is home to the headquarters of the dynamic Confrérie des Grapilleurs des Pierres Dorées (Brotherhood of the Golden Stone Grape Harvesters).
Villefranche-sur-Saône, Land of Art and History
As its name suggests, Villefranche-sur-Saône has preserved its identity and the autonomy that earned it the status of a free town in the Middle Ages . This seemingly unassuming town boasts a surprising number of old Gothic and Renaissance houses whose elegant architecture and rich decoration are just as impressive as those of Old Lyon. Villefranche-sur-Saône is also a town steeped in tradition and has hosted the "Vague" conscripts' festival every January for over a century .
Etienne Ramousse – Beaujolais Tourist Office
ETIENNE RAMOUSSE – Beaujolais Tourist OfficeTernand, one of the small towns of character
Once the summer residence of the Archbishops of Lyon , Ternand lies in the heart of the Beaujolais region known as the "Golden Stones." The village is built on a rocky promontory , overlooking the vineyards and wooded slopes of the Azergues valley. Ternand has preserved many traces of its past. Wandering through the old town's narrow streets and along the castle's ramparts , one can glimpse traces of marble , a unique geological feature of Ternand.