In popular culture, Beaujolais ranks among France’s most famous wines. In Lyon, even more so. This is due not only to its geographical proximity, but also because it pairs so well with Lyon’s culinary traditions that it can be found on the tables of all the city’s finest restaurants. Every third Thursday in November, all eyes are on the arrival of the famous Beaujolais Nouveau, and the festivities are in full swing in its epicenter, Beaujeu, during the famous Sarmentelles festival.
Beaujeu, the historic capital of the Beaujolais region
A charming little town surrounded by vineyards, Beaujeu lives up to its name perfectly. But come to think of it, do we talk about Beaujolais before we talk about Beaujeu? Well, no. Before it became a town, Beaujeu was actually the name of a very important seigneury that would eventually build the town of Beaujeu, the seat of its administration. As was customary at the time, the territory controlled by this seigneury eventually took the name of its capital. The suffix “-ais” is used to denote a geographical affiliation (as in Lyon and the Lyonnais).
Today, the town of Beaujeu invites you to immerse yourself in this rich past with its first-rate historical heritage. The 12th-century Saint-Nicolas Church and the 16th-century half-timbered Renaissance house are not to be missed; both are listed as historic monuments. If you’d like to learn more about the local culture, head to the Maison du Terroir museum to discover all its treasures.
Beaujolais, a UNESCO-designated Global Geopark
In 2018, the Beaujolais region joined the very exclusive circle of UNESCO-designated global geoparks. Ecology, archaeology, history, culture… the organization scrutinizes every criterion. As for the Beaujolais, in addition to its dazzling beauty, we learn that its soils are particularly rich and varied. From a geological standpoint, the Beaujolais is a gold mine.
And people have known this since time immemorial: the wine produced here is enjoyed just as much at our tables in Lyon as in the finest restaurants around the globe. Moulin-à-Vent, Côte-de-Brouilly, Juliénas, Chénas, Chiroubles… these are just some of the wines that put Beaujolais on the map worldwide. And to combine business with pleasure, there are plenty of extraordinary hiking trails and wonderful places to explore, such as the Pays des Pierres Dorées with the village of Oingt, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
