Independent Walking
Beautiful Beaujolais Trail ( traverse )
T his self-guided traverse of the Beaujolais region explores the full range of beautiful landscapes found throughout this relatively quiet French area . Starting in the north , the walk crosses the luxuriant High Beaujolais hills where fields of rich pasture give way to forest on the highest hills with breathtaking views . You ' ll then descend to cross some of the famous Beaujolais vineyards , before crossing a series of deep valleys and panoramic ridges .
Further south you ' ll pass into an area known as the “ Golden stones country ”, so called due to the warm colour of the limestone used in the buildings . Here , you will find some of the prettiest villages in France , set in a sumptuous landscape of interlocking hills .
Walks : day-by-day
Independent Walking
Day 1 : Arrival – Welcome , pick up from Lyon .
Day 2 : Ouroux - Chiroubles Superb start to the week , with a gentle climb through the lush green pastures of the Carelle Valley . Rise onto a series of hills and ridges each one slightly higher than the last , taking you to the Croix Rochefort for vast panoramic views . Your guest house is at a wine growers property with great views . Wine tasting of the Chiroubles cru . 13 – 21km , + 450m
Day 3 : Chiroubles - Beaujeu Descend gently through vines and pretty villages to reach the ancient capital of the Beaujolais , Beaujeu . This is where the lords of Beaujeu reigned over a large part of the Beaujolais region from the 10th century for over 400 years . Wine tasting . 15km , + 280m
Day 4 : Beaujeu - Vaux en Beaujolais A day of upland ridges & great panoramic views . Relax and admire the birds of prey gliding in thermals before descending to your beautiful guest house in village centre with stunning views and heated pool . 22km , + 650m
Day 5 : Vaux en Beaujolais - Cogny A great day packed full of interest . Your trail starts by following a picturesque ridge with great views up onto the higher hills . You ’ ll then have the option between two trails , one following the ridgeline with great views of the Alps , the other takes you past the fairy-tale Chateau de Montmelas . Delightful descent through the picturesque village of Cogny to your beautiful guest house . 21km , + 600m .
Day 6 : Cogny - Moiré Visit some of the prettiest villages in the region , starting with Jarnioux , with its wellpreserved 13th century chateau before following a former railway line to the historic village of Theizé . Afterwards , climb a picturesque ridge to reach the medieval hill-top village of Oingt ( classed as one of the prettiest villages in France ). 17km , + 400m
Day 7 : Moiré - Chatillon d ’ Azergues Your final day traverses gentle vine covered slopes to pass through the local centre of Bois d ' Oingt and the picturesque village of Bagnols . Descend to the beautiful village of Chatillon d ' Azergues with its hill-top chateau and 12th century chapel . 16km , + 300m
♦ Varied walking , experiencing the full range of Beaujolais landscapes
♦ Wine tasting at different vineyards across the Beaujolais
♦ High Beaujolais hills with their deep valleys , wonderful ridges and beautiful views
♦ In the south , wonderful historic villages & chateaux built from a golden limestone
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price :
At a Glance
Grade : Profile : Dates : March
See Price List
October
Day8 : Departure - Transfer to Lyon after breakfast
Price P / P See Price List or Web Site for details
Walking Profile
Holiday Profile
What ’ s included
What ’ s not included
6 walks moving between guest houses . The days range from about 14km to 22km in length and have daily ascents ranging from 250m to 720m & is at the upper end of the moderate grade . There are options on a couple of days . The paths are generally good , although they vary greatly in character . Some sections of the trail are rough and stony
Starts every day of week subject to availability . 7 nights : 6 days independent walking moving between guest houses
Airport and station transfers from Lyon , 7 nights ' full board accommodation . All breakfasts , 6 picnic lunches and 7 evening meals . Walking notes & maps , transport of luggage
Travel to Lyon , France ; lunches on the day of arrival and departure , any excursions or entrance fees , travel insurance
contact @ highpointholidays . co . uk
Accommodation
7 nights in delightful small B & B style guest houses , full of local character where you ' ll receive a genuinely warm welcome . Very comfortable rooms . Great local cuisine and wine . Full board . At some overnight stops there are no alternative B & B ’ s available , so please book early to avoid disappointment . Example : Le Monde de Dom is a beautiful guest house with heated pool & great views .
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