3 ways to discover the Beaujolais in the summer
The beautiful weather is finally back! Beaujolais wine estates and their vineyards under the sun, as far as the eye can see, make the ideal setting for a rejuvenating holiday. If you are a die-hard fan of delicious wine, historical exploration, creative cuisine, and captivating landscapes, you will most definitely enjoy touring the enchanting wine routes of the Rhône and the Saône-et-Loire departments. Keen on finding inspiration for your itinerary of discovery? Look no further: here are 3 great ways to visit Beaujolais this summer.
The Châteaux in Beaujolais summer travelogue- your guide to discover exceptional vineyards
Travel the route of the emblematic Beaujolais châteaux in the summer for an unforgettable experience of the region’s remarkable history, architecture, and wine-growing tradition. Each estate embodies the region’s world-renowned heritage to be explored without moderation.
So here’s a priceless first idea to discover the many nuances of Beaujolais and learn about the secrets behind crafting its famous bottles: the Châteaux en Beaujolais Association has imagined a new summer travelogue to guide you through ten of its most iconic estates.
To use it, simply download and print the two-page guide and take it with you on your summer vacation. From your second château visit onward, you can also take advantage of exclusive privileges: a complimentary bottle of wine, the opportunity to taste an aged vintage, or maybe even gain access to a location typically kept hidden from the public… To fully enjoy these benefits, present your travelogue at each castle you visit, so they can stamp it for you.
This trip through the Beaujolais region is certainly not set in stone: it’s up to you to create your itinerary based on your preferences and the schedule of your stay. For total peace of mind, don’t forget to book your visit. Contact each château at least two days in advance, letting them know that you have a Beaujolais travelogue.
The Château de Corcelles, a unique stop in the heart of the Beaujolais vineyards
As the first visit on your wine tourism journey, don’t miss the Château de Corcelles, a classified Historical Monument – a fantastic getaway and guaranteed change of scenery! Thanks to its ideal location just 54 km from Lyon, you can easily plan this break during your stay in the City of Gones.
Nestled in the middle of the Beaujolais vineyards, the sublime architecture of the Château de Corcelles testifies to its long and rich history. Built in the 15th century on an old medieval fortress, visitors are impressed by the harmonious silhouette of the castle’s many majestic towers. On the vineyard side, the estate’s wines reveal a range of unforgettable, refined, and fruity aromas. To bring its vintages to life, the Château relies on a true mosaic of terroirs. Its 92-hectare vineyard extends across magnificent Beaujolais appellations: Brouilly (jewel of the estate), Fleurie, Morgon, or Beaujolais-Villages. Thanks to a wide variety of landscapes, its Gamay and Chardonnay vines also enjoy incredible biodiversity and are certified Terra Vitis and HVE (high environmental value).
This summer, Château de Corcelles opens its doors to you for an exceptional guided tour. On the agenda? An immersion in nine centuries of history, as you explore the château’s kitchens, chapel, and 17th-century cellar, or even its dungeons. You can also enjoy the tranquility of this verdant setting by strolling through its two-hectare wooded park. Under the great blue sky brightened by the sun, the view of the fortress and its vineyard is breathtaking! Finally, take time for a commented tasting of Beaujolais wines, and capture every nuance of the domain’s elegant style.
Our favorite addresses to eat and stay in Beaujolais this summer
Of course, Beaujolais rhymes with wine, but also extraordinary culinary experiences … Located north of Lyon, in the Valley of Gastronomy, the region is full of delicious spots for your gourmet getaways.
So, after a stroll at the Château de Corcelles, delectable restaurants await you less than ten minutes away by car. Among them: l’Auberge de Corcelles (Corcelles-en-Beaujolais), la Maison Blanche (Romanèche-Thorins), l’Atelier du Cuisinier (Villié-Morgon), la Maison des Beaujolais and Bistrot Brigitte (both in Belleville-en-Beaujolais). Epicureans looking for even more sophisticated gastronomic excursions can also enjoy other restaurants such as La Robe Rouge (Villié-Morgon), l’Ecume Gourmande (Cercié), Rouge et Blanc (Romanèche-Thorins), and the Michelin-starred l’Auberge du Cep (Fleurie).
After days full of delightful outings, Beaujolais also has no shortage of comfortable and welcoming hotels where you can rest and relax like the Château de Bellevue (Belleville-en-Beaujolais), the Château de Bellevue (Villié-Morgon), les Maritonnes (Romanèche-Thorins), les Maisons du Bonheur or the lovely Hôtel des Grands Vins (Fleurie). And if you prefer to meet up with your family for a reunion or a fun group vacation, the Château des Tours guesthouse is the ideal venue!
You now have all the cards in hand to ace a fabulous summer exploration of the cellars and vineyards of Beaujolais. To add variety to your enjoyment each season, check out our suggestions for a lovely winter stay in the fabulous Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region.