5 outings not to be missed this autumn in Beaujolais

This autumn, Beaujolais offers a multitude of experiences to enjoy with family, friends, or on your own. To inspire you, we've selected 5 outing ideas based on different themes: hikes amidst the autumn colours, Beaujolais Nouveau festivities, Vignobles en Scène experiences, unusual accommodations, and wine-related discoveries.

1. Enjoy the autumn colours on the paths of Beaujolais

Rhône Tourism Julie Le Franc

Autumn invites you to explore the paths of Beaujolais and enjoy landscapes ablaze with color. Between vineyards, forests, charming villages, and panoramic views, these hikes offer different ways to discover the region along its trails.

At Porte des Pierres Dorées , start your journey between Jarnioux and Theizé . The route passes through villages, vineyards, dry stone walls, and castles. Crossing the Tacot viaduct offers a particularly beautiful view of the village and its surrounding vineyards.

Further north, Chiroubles invites you to gain some altitude with a 17 km panoramic circuit . From the Terrace, enjoy a view over the Beaujolais vineyards. On a clear day, the panorama extends as far as the Alps and the Mont Blanc massif.

In Ternand , the circuit through the fortified medieval village winds between vineyards and forests. This 8,9 km hike allows you to admire the old town from different perspectives. It also offers beautiful views of the landscapes of the Beaujolais UNESCO Global Geopark.

For a longer hike, head to Chénas and the Gargantua Trail . The 18km route winds through vineyards, woods, and heathland. Along the way, discover the Windmill, a 15th-century historical monument, and then enjoy a 360° panoramic view from the Hunters' Cabin.

Finally, set off on the paths of Sleeping Beauty Castle for a 9,5 km loop. From the castle, perched on a rocky spur, enjoy a view over the Saône valley all the way to the Alps.

5 hikes to discover this autumn

2. Celebrating the Beaujolais Nouveau

In November, Beaujolais celebrates the arrival of the new vintage with festive and convivial gatherings. Tastings, local products, and entertainment punctuate this key period in the region's calendar.

In Chiroubles, an estate opens its doors for tastings of Beaujolais Nouveau, its iconic cuvées, and older vintages of Chiroubles and Morgon . All this is accompanied by a Beaujolais-style snack featuring local charcuterie and cheeses.

In Beaujeu, the Sarmentelles celebrate the arrival of the new vintage with the traditional Percée du Beaujolais. Torchlight procession, sound and light show, fireworks, tasting and grand ball follow one another in the heart of the village.

Under the large tent at Les Sarmentelles, the Wine Fair brings together winemakers from the twelve Beaujolais appellations. It's an opportunity to discover their wines, from the new vintage to age-worthy wines, as well as various local products.

Finally, the Beaujolais International Marathon offers another way to celebrate the region. The routes wind through vineyards, past châteaux and wineries between Fleurie and Villefranche-sur-Saône. Tastings and entertainment are also part of the event.

4 events not to miss this autumn

3. Participate in Vignobles en Scène

From October 16th to 18th, Vignobles en Scène invites you to discover Beaujolais in a new light. Through wine tourism, gourmet, and family-friendly experiences, local professionals offer a chance to experience the vineyards beyond just tasting wine.

In Fleurie, the Discovery Pass , created for the 100th anniversary of the Wine Market, allows you to create your own day from a wide range of activities. On the program: electric bike rides through the vineyards, tastings, wine painting, treasure hunts, food and wine pairings, and cellar tours.

In Saint-Germain-Nuelles, the Domaine des Pampres d'Or offers a family day out featuring a seasonal brunch , walks through the vineyards , creative workshops , games, and activities focused on geology and agroecology . This day also provides an opportunity to meet several winemakers from the Vignobles & Découvertes network.

2 experiences to enjoy with Vignobles en Scène

4Staying in unusual accommodation

What if autumn was the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to an extraordinary night? In Beaujolais, several accommodations invite you to change your scenery for the duration of your stay.

In the heart of the Beaujolais region, the Hobbit House offers an enchanting escape in accommodation inspired by the world of Hobbits. After a night in this unique setting, the Dragon Tavern welcomes guests for a friendly breakfast and a timeless experience.

At an altitude of 550 meters, La Ferme du Planet offers a peaceful stay surrounded by nature. This guesthouse can accommodate up to 15 people. Amenities include a communal dining table, a spa, and hiking trails starting directly from the property.

At Château de Laforest, the CHRYSTAL Tower offers a unique experience in a 16th-century tower. This retreat for two features a private jacuzzi, sauna, and terrace. A getaway dedicated to well-being.

Between Beaujolais Vert and Pierres Dorées, the Cabane du Crêt invites you to gain some altitude. Perched in the middle of the forest, this wooden cabin for four people has two terraces with views of the surrounding landscapes.

Finally, in Régnié-Durette, Villa Alexandre offers a stay in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards. In this charming residence, elegant rooms are complemented by a restaurant and panoramic views of the Alps and Mont Blanc.

5 unusual accommodations to discover this autumn

5. Enjoy wine-related experiences

Beaujolais can also be discovered through experiences that allow you to better understand the wine , its terroirs , and the winemakers' expertise. From château visits to sensory workshops, several activities invite you to explore the vineyards in a different way.

At Château de La Chaize, follow in the footsteps of André Le Nôtre with a tour of the gardens, the historic wine cellar, and the underground cellars. The tour concludes with a tasting of three wines from the estate.

At Château de Pizay, the wine-sensory trail offers eight fun workshops to discover the colors, aromas, flavors, tannins, and aging stages of wine. A tasting of the estate's wines then completes the experience.

For a more indulgent experience, the Choco-Oeno Workshop at Domaine JP Rivière pairs three Beaujolais Pierres Dorées wines with six chocolates. The experience begins with an introduction to the basics of wine tasting and food and wine pairings.

Maison Jean Loron offers a tour of its historic wine cellars and century-old cellars . During the tour, discover historic wine presses, barrels, and old vintages. A tasting of three wines is also available when the shop is open.

Finally, at the Maison des Beaujolais, a Master Sommelier will guide you through the vineyards , introducing you to Gamay and Chardonnay grapes . The visit continues with a tasting of white, rosé, and red wines accompanied by a traditional Beaujolais snack of charcuterie and cheeses.

5 wine-related experiences to discover this autumn