Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (2:00 pm – 6:30 pm) – Small Group Tour from Lyon

Exploring the Beaujolais Crus wines and castles through this small-group tour from Lyon offers a perfect blend of scenic drives, local wine history, and authentic tastings. Priced at $124.96 per person, the tour lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes and includes visits to a family winery and a larger château. The tour departs from Lyon’s Bellecour Square, starting at 2:00 pm, and is ideal for those eager to learn about Beaujolais wine production while enjoying stunning views and charming towns. The expert guide leads a group of no more than 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate experience.

While the tour is praised for its expert guidance, variety of tastings, and beautiful scenery, it’s also designed for visitors who appreciate structured visits with a focus on local wine craftsmanship. Keep in mind, the tour includes several stops with free admission, and the pace allows enough time to savor different vintages and take in panoramic vistas. This well-reviewed experience suits wine lovers, scenery enthusiasts, and those interested in regional heritage.

Key Points

• Delight in tasting Beaujolais Crus wines at multiple locations, including a family winery and a château.
• Learn about wine production and the semi-carbonic maceration process used in Beaujolais winemaking.
• Enjoy stunning views of the Mont Brouilly volcano and the region’s charming towns like Régnié, Morgon, and Fleurie.
• Visit La Madone Chapel for panoramic views of the wine country, possibly including the Alps and Mount Blanc on clear days.
• Travel in a high-comfort 8-seater minivan with an English and French-speaking guide.
• Experience a balanced mix of scenic drives, informative stops, and tastings aligned with local traditions.

The Departure and Meeting Point in Lyon

The tour begins at Lyon’s Office of Tourism and Congress on Bellecour Square, a central and easily accessible location, at 1:50 pm. The guide will greet you there before a short walk to the minivan. The small group size of up to 8 travelers makes for a relaxed and engaging experience, with air-conditioned transportation for comfort throughout the afternoon.

The tour wraps up back at the Lyon tour office around 6:30 pm, providing a convenient end point for those exploring Lyon afterward or heading to evening activities. The flexible cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, adding peace of mind for planning.

Visiting the Beaujolais “Route des Vins”

The tour takes you along the scenic Beaujolais “Route des Vins”, where your guide explains the “terroir” concept—an essential part of French wine philosophy—while passing through picturesque vineyards. The journey offers many opportunities to appreciate the diversity of the Crus and their unique characteristics.

A standout feature is the drive past Mont Brouilly, an impressive dormant volcano with vineyards clinging to its slopes, offering some of the most striking scenery in the region. This part of the tour gives insight into how volcanic soil influences wine flavor, adding a layer of understanding to the tasting experiences.

Wine Tasting at the Family Winery in Cercie

At Cercie, the tour includes a visit to a small family winery, where a passionate winemaker shares the details of semi-carbonic maceration, a unique process specific to Beaujolais. This stop emphasizes local craftsmanship and offers the chance to sample several Crus wines from different vintages in a cozy, decorated tasting room.

This visit highlights the authenticity of family-run wineries in the region and allows intimate tastings that showcase the variety and depth of Beaujolais wines, making it a highlight for wine enthusiasts.

Panoramic Views from La Madone Chapel in Fleurie

Next, the tour takes you to Fleurie, home to the La Madone Chapel. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Beaujolais wine region. On clear days, the Alps and Mount Blanc may be visible, adding a dramatic backdrop to the scenery.

This stop offers a moment to appreciate the landscape, with photo opportunities and a chance to digest the wine experience amid impressive natural beauty.

Exploring the Château Cellar in Chénas

The final winery visit occurs in Chénas, where the group visits a large château with a cellar filled with oak barrels. The guide explains the aromas, balance, and complexity of Crus wines stored there, with tastings that highlight the varietal differences.

This atmospheric setting allows for an immersive wine tasting, providing a memorable conclusion to the afternoon. The château visit emphasizes regional wine craftsmanship and offers opportunities to purchase wines directly from the estate.

The Scenic Drive and Towns of Beaujolais

Throughout the tour, the scenic drive provides views of quaint towns like Régnié and Morgon, characterized by charming streets and local architecture. The guide shares insights into the history and culture of these towns, enriching the regional context for the wine and landscapes.

The passing scenery combines vineyards, hills, and small villages, giving travelers a true taste of rural Beaujolais life. The careful pacing ensures enough time for sightseeing without feeling rushed.

The Expert Guide and Personalized Experience

The guide, fluent in English and French, is praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. Travelers appreciate how they explain the winemaking process, regional history, and landscape features with clarity and enthusiasm.

With a small group size, the guide manages to personalize the experience, answer questions, and create a friendly atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the day.

Practical Details and Value for Money

The $124.96 price covers all tastings—about 9-10 wines—and transportation in a high-comfort minibus. The free admission to stops, combined with knowledgeable guiding, makes this a value-packed experience for anyone interested in regional wines and scenic drives.

The duration of 4.5 hours strikes a good balance between depth and pacing, offering a comprehensive introduction to the Beaujolais wine region without feeling overly long.

Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles (2:00 pm – 6:30 pm): An Ideal Wine Escape from Lyon

This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Beaujolais through visits to a family winery and a château, complemented by breathtaking views and scenic drives. The small-group format ensures an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to sample excellent wines and learn about local winemaking traditions.

While all stops are free, the tastings are the highlight, with around 9-10 wines offered across different vintages and styles. The guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling make this a top choice for wine enthusiasts and scenery lovers alike.

The tour shines in providing authentic insights and stunning vistas, making it a valuable purchase for those seeking a half-day exploration of the Beaujolais region just outside Lyon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers tastings of 9-10 wines, transportation in a high-comfort minibus, and the guiding in English and French.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, starting at 2:00 pm and ending around 6:30 pm.

Where does the tour begin and end?
It begins at Lyon’s Office of Tourism on Bellecour Square and concludes at the same location.

Is the tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
Yes, the focus is on wine tasting and sightseeing; non-drinkers can enjoy the scenery and views.

What is the group size?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.

Are admission fees included at stops?
All stops have free admission, and tastings are included.

Can I purchase wines during the tour?
Yes, at the château, you have the opportunity to buy wines directly from the estate.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the 8-seater minibus is air-conditioned and designed for comfort.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic drives, expert guidance, and visits to both a family winery and a château makes this tour especially appealing.

Is there any flexibility in cancellation?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for wine lovers, scenery enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed, informative afternoon exploring the Beaujolais region.