It’s spring, the month of June is starting and the vines are getting prettier and greener! If you like good wine, you’ll love admiring the magnificent fields of vines that offer sumptuous panoramas! And for budding influencers, you’ll have plenty to add to your feed with the hundreds of incredible photos you’ll want to take while strolling through the most beautiful vineyards around Lyon!
1. In the Monts du Lyonnais
Just a 45-minute drive from Lyon, Saint-Julien-sur-Bibost offers many bucolic walks through vineyards. The commune is part of the Monts du Lyonnais, a region of the Massif Central (yes, yes!) west of Lyon renowned for its AOC Coteaux-du-lyonnais wines. You’ll find vineyards dotted all around, from L’Arbresle to Brignais!
2. Right banks of the Rhône (Côte-Rôtie/Condrieu region)
As its name might suggest, no, Côte-Rôtie has nothing to do with meat! It’s nothing more and nothing less than the appellation of this wine produced near Ampuis, Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône and Tupin-et-Semons. The Côte-Rôtie AOC covers 235 hectares and refers to the exposure enjoyed by the vines, which are planted in tiers on sloping gardens. A must to photograph!
3. In Beaujolais, of course
Beaujolais is to wine what Hollywood is to film. There’s a plethora of estates (and therefore magnificent vineyards) to visit and photograph, especially along the Saône, from south of Mâcon to (approximately) L’Arbresle. Villefranche-sur-Saône, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, Anse, Beaujeu and Guinchay can all be part of your itinerary, as can the 140 km “Route des Vins” linking Chânes to Limonest.
4. In the Bugey vineyards, to the east
In the Ain department, at the crossroads of the Savoie and Jura wine-growing areas, lies the Bugey vineyard. Its pretty vineyards are grouped into three sectors, around the communes of Belley, Montagnieu and Bugey. The region is ideal for those looking for a change of scenery and gastronomic treasures (Bugey wines go wonderfully with poultry, crayfish and even frogs! *beurk*).
5. In the Rhône Valley (OK, that’s a bit further)
As the Côte-Rôtie region draws to a close, approaching Vienne, the famous Côtes-du-Rhône region is born. All along the river and beyond, you’ll be able to capture your finest vineyard shots (and taste the finest wines) right up to the gates of Avignon (rest assured, you don’t have to drive that far).
And if you feel like it, head even further west to discover the AOC Côte Roannaise and Côtes du Forez vineyards!