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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