Walking in the Rolling Hills of Beaujolais with Inspired Travel - Inspired Travel
In the Beaujolais region ..
Located to the north of the Rhone valley, the Beaujolais villages, set amongst rolling hills, stretch as far as the eye can see. The patchwork of vineyards and tree lined hills form the backdrop to this holiday that is ideal for those walking in France for the first time. Beaujolais was the inspiration for the Cloche merle stories and remains very similar today as stone villages huddle around the church and village square.
Wines have been produced in Beaujolais since Roman times with the Gamay grape growing well on the granite bedrock to give the wines a different character to the Burgundy's of the Cote d'Or further north. There is also a strong culinary tradition which combines with the wines and the landscape to define an area of distinction.
Our itineraries are a little like walking through a wine list, but there is more to the region than this. We have organised accommodation at two comfortable hotels in the north and south of the region to provide as much choice and variety of places to visit as possible. If you prefer to be based in one hotel for the duration of your stay we recommend a centrally located hotel amongst the vineyards.
Some of our suggestions ...
In the north.. Stay at a 2* hotel in the village of Julienas. A friendly comfortable hotel with excellent restaurant.
In the south.. Stay at a 2** hotel in the village of Villie-Morgon. A calm location with swimming pool.
There is also the opportunity to stay at 4* and 3* alternatives.
> Walk to Mont Bessay. 11km gentle/easy walking with a few gentle inclines. This route goes through the vineyards to the summit of Mont Bessay at 478m and includes the "Roches de Solutre" where prehistoric remains have been found. There are panoramic views across to The Alps and Mont Blanc on a clear day.> La Grande Boucle. 19km/ Moderate grade. A walk that departs from the village and includes a stroll along a river the summit of Mont Fetraud with its panoramic view and discover the Cellier de la Vielle eglise for a wine tasting of cru Julienas, the Chateau de Julienas and Chateau du Bois de la Salle (XVIIth century)
> Avenas. 16km/easy. walking Departs from the Col du Fut d'Avenas and takes in Chateau du Sauzet small hamlets and panoramas. There are variations that can extend this route.
> Chiroubles to Villie-Morgon. 12km/easy. Depart from the wine village of Chiroubles and meanders through the vineyards, hamlets and villages to the east of Villie-Morgon and climb Mont-Py.
