The Beaujolais and the Burgundy regions of France are great spots for adventure and including them in a fabulous river cruise is a great idea!
The Beaujolais Region is nicknamed “Little Tuscany” because of its rolling hills covered with vineyards, quaint villages, great wine and beautiful castles. It reminds visitors of Italy’s lovely Tuscany.
Beaujolais, France
Time slows down and enjoyment ramps up when you take a cruise on the Rhône River through the area. No packing and unpacking, leisurely tours through stunning countryside and exciting dinner fare that reflects what is available in the area. Have we piqued your interest? Good! GetAway Travel advisors can help you pick the best cruise to take you through the Beaujolais area.
Let’s talk wine!
There are wine tours and wine tasting options available everywhere your ship docks, but there’s always something to do if you don’t want to drink wine. The wines are nicely aged reds, easy drinking reds and even some sparkling and white options. The diversity of flavors and textures are due to the different soil types, elevations and microclimates and the gamay grapes. Each wine carries the distinctive influence of the specific vineyard where it is produced.
The Beaujolais region is larger than any single district of the neighboring Burgundy Region. The vineyards here stretch for four miles along the Saône River. The granite-heavy soils and warmer climate make it ideal for producing lighter flavored grapes and fruity, zesty wines.
There are three distinct wine areas in the region.
The granite soil of the Region of the Crus adds a complexity to the wines which are usually aged for several years. The Beaujolais Villages area has granite and sandy soil. Here, more structured and textured wines are produced and they fare well aged between three and six years. The Regional Appellation Beaujolais area produces very fruity red wines with the help of the clay and limestone soil. Beaujolais Nouveau, white Beaujolais as well as sparking wines are produced here.
Golden Stones Country
Thirty-nine villages in the southern part of the Beaujolais Region are in the Pierres Dorées (Golden Stones) area. Ochre colored stones were used to build homes and even castles in this area and when the light hits the golden limestone, they shimmer and glow. Oingt, Ternaud, Marcy, Charnay, Jarnioux, Pommiers and Bagnois are among the villages in this area.
Village Oingt
Oingt, voted one of the most beautiful villages in France, overlooks the Azerques Valley and surrounding mountains. Panoramic views from the village include the Beaujolais vineyards, the Rhône and Lyon.
Window in Oingt
There are perfectly preserved half-timbered homes here and charming artisan shops. More than a dozen artists live and have workshops in the village creating everything from distinctive jewelry to kintsugi, a Japanese pottery. The history of mechanical music instruments is chronicled at the Mechanical Music Centre Museum. There are phonographs, music boxes and mechanical pianos.
Village Oingt
The Fortress from the Middle Ages used to be the home of the Lords of Oingt. The museum has fossils, carved stones, ceramic items, documents from the middle ages and panoramic views of the area.
