Explore the villages of the Rhône! 

With 6 towns classified, the Rhône department is recognized for the wealth and the preservation of its heritageDiscover Beaujeu, Oingt, Riverie, Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise, Ternand and Villefranche, and let yourself be seduced by their captivating history and timeless charm.

Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais

Beaujeu is the historical capital of Beaujolais, a region to which the local lords gave their name. The village is strategically located on the border between the Beaujolais vineyards and the Beaujolais fir forests. Beaujeu has retained from its past very beautiful and remarkable buildings, especially in the central district surrounding the church Saint Nicholas, dated 11th centurye and XIIe centuries. You will be able to discover there: a Renaissance house (Beaujolais Sources Wine Center), a 17th century residence (city hall), the Tower Hotel who is said to have hosted Louis XI during one of his stays in Beaujolais, and the Marius-Audin Museum, dedicated to the folk arts and traditions of the region. Beaujeu is an ideal starting point for exploring the Beaujolais wines, making a first stop at Temple of Bacchus, the city's wine cellar.

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Beautiful stone building where the Riverie town hall is located on the right and a view of the Monts du Lyonnais opposite.riverie

Riverie, one of the small cities of character

Located on a rocky spur at an altitude of 730 mThe village of Riverie offers beautiful panoramas on the Mornant plateau of the Coteaux du Lyonnais and Bozançon valleyRiverie is a former fief of a powerful barony which 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

Historical capital of the Monts du LyonnaisLocated on the border between Lyon and Forez, 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 on which an imposing Gothic church is built, ce fortified village has always been a strategic and commercial crossroads. Leaving their weary animals here, the farmers heading to Lyon gave rise to two activities that strongly influenced the local economy: the tannery and the delicatessen. The village visit with the 18th century tanners' houses, the collegiate church and the remains of the ramparts offer a journey back in time from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

15th-century collegiate church in St Symphorien sur Coise, a listed village Julien Bourreau
Distant view of the village of Oingt, listed among the cd69-Julien-Bourreau

Oingt, one of the most beautiful villages in France

Perched on a hill in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards, le Oingt fortified and medieval village offers a timeless and colorful stroll, with its golden stone houses which earned him the nickname of "Golden Village". The visit of 12th century castle and patrol path offers extraordinary panorama, which allows you to contemplate the Beaujolais and Lyonnais mountains, and on a clear day, to glimpse the Jura and the Alpine massif as far as Ventoux and Mont Blanc. Oingt is also renowned for its living heritage and artists and craftspeople who live there. Stroll through the narrow streets of old Oingt and head to the exploring exhibition galleries or workshopswhere enthusiasts will share their expertise with you. Vineyards are also very prominent in this village, which is home to the headquarters of the dynamic brotherhood of the Golden Stones Grappers.

Villefranche-sur-Saône, Land of Art and History

As its name suggests, Villefranche-sur-Saône preserved its identity and the autonomy that earned it a place at Middle Ages: A liberated cityThis seemingly unassuming city is home to a surprising number of old Gothic and Renaissance houses which, with their elegant architecture and rich decor, are just as impressive as those of Old Lyon. Villefranche-sur-Saône is also a town steeped in tradition and has hosted the festivities every January for over a century. the conscripts' festival "The Wave". 

  • Etienne Ramousse – Beaujolais Tourist Office
ETIENNE RAMOUSSE – Beaujolais Tourist Office

Ternand, one of the small towns of character

Former summer residence of Archbishops of LyonTernand is located in the heart of the Beaujolais des Pierres Dorés region. The village is built on a rocky promontorythus dominating the vineyards or wooded hillsides of the Azergues valley. Ternand has preserved many traces of its past. Walking through the old streets of the city and along the castle's rampartsIt is possible to see traces of marble, Ternand's unique geological feature.

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