Photo: Filipp Romanovski / PexelsBeaujolais Wine Regions Guide
Discover Beaujolais, a continental wine region in France known for Gamay, Chardonnay. Best visited in April, May, June. Complete travel guide with wineries, best time to visit, and tips.
Beaujolais is a continental wine region in France, celebrated for producing Gamay, Chardonnay. With a high density of wineries, the region offers wine lovers an exceptional destination for exploration and discovery.
Wines & Grape Varieties
Vine Cycle — Beaujolais
Full calendar →Beaujolais harvest is famously festive — Gamay is hand-picked (mandatory in the crus) and rushed to whole-cluster fermentation. The race to make Nouveau by the third Thursday in November starts here. Golden-stone villages dot the rolling vine-covered hills.
The dominant grape varieties grown in Beaujolais include Gamay, Chardonnay. The region specialises in elegant red, crisp white styles, reflecting its unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Many wineries offer complimentary tastings, making it an accessible destination for all wine enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Climate — Beaujolais
Full explorer →The ideal months to visit Beaujolais are April, May, June, September, October, November. Harvest season runs from September, October, when the vineyards are at their most vibrant and many estates open their doors for harvest experiences. Peak tourist season falls in July, August, November, while the shoulder months of May, June, September, October offer a quieter, more relaxed visit.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), approximately 50 minutes' drive from the region. Beaujolais has limited public transport options, so hiring a car is advisable. A minimum stay of 2 days is recommended to experience the region properly.
Travel Budget
Daily Costs — Beaujolais
Full calculator →💡 Far more affordable than neighbouring Burgundy with increasingly serious wines
Budget travellers can expect to spend around $70 per day in Beaujolais, while mid-range visitors typically spend $140 per day. A luxury trip can cost $320 or more per day. All figures are approximate and in EUR/local currency.
Getting There
LYS — Lyon-Saint Exupéry
50min drive
2h TGV from Paris to Lyon, then 30min regional train north
goodCar rental recommended
Where to Eat
French — Lyonnaise & Beaujolaise
- €€€
Auberge du Cep
fine dining
- €€€
Château de Pierreux
winery restaurant
Where to Stay in Beaujolais
- Fleurie€-€€
Arguably the prettiest cru, charming wine village
- Villefranche-sur-Saône€-€€
Largest town, gateway to Beaujolais crus
- Brouilly€
Mont Brouilly views, affordable domaine stays
Beaujolais Nouveau release (3rd Thursday November) is a lively celebration
Booking.com
Tours & Experiences
Beaujolais, France
Beaujolais cru wine tour
Taste through Fleurie, Morgon, and Moulin-à-Vent crus at family domaines
Beaujolais vineyard cycling tour
Cycle through golden stone villages and Gamay vineyards
Wine Experiences
Visiting Wineries
Beaujolais is France's most relaxed wine region for visitors. Most Gamay producers in Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, and Morgon welcome walk-in visitors at their cave. The Beaujolais Nouveau release (third Thursday of November) is a festive, visitor-friendly event.
Book ahead: Same day
Planning tools & local info
Getting There
LYS — Lyon-Saint Exupéry
50min drive
2h TGV from Paris to Lyon, then 30min regional train north
goodCar rental recommended
Where to Eat
French — Lyonnaise & Beaujolaise
- €€€
Auberge du Cep
fine dining
- €€€
Château de Pierreux
winery restaurant
Where to Stay in Beaujolais
- Fleurie€-€€
Arguably the prettiest cru, charming wine village
- Villefranche-sur-Saône€-€€
Largest town, gateway to Beaujolais crus
- Brouilly€
Mont Brouilly views, affordable domaine stays
Beaujolais Nouveau release (3rd Thursday November) is a lively celebration
Booking.com
Tours & Experiences
Beaujolais, France
Beaujolais cru wine tour
Taste through Fleurie, Morgon, and Moulin-à-Vent crus at family domaines
Beaujolais vineyard cycling tour
Cycle through golden stone villages and Gamay vineyards
Wine Experiences
Visiting Wineries
Beaujolais is France's most relaxed wine region for visitors. Most Gamay producers in Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, and Morgon welcome walk-in visitors at their cave. The Beaujolais Nouveau release (third Thursday of November) is a festive, visitor-friendly event.
Book ahead: Same day
Best Time to Visit Beaujolais
June-September
September-October
High during Beaujolais Nouveau (third Thursday of November)
Average Monthly High (°C)
Moderate (750mm/year)Wines of Beaujolais
Key grape varieties and wine styles produced in the region
Primary Grape Varieties
Wine Styles
Food & Dining in Beaujolais
French — Lyonnaise & BeaujolaiseMust-Try Dishes
- Quenelles de brochet
- Cervelle de canut (herbed cheese spread)
- Grattons (fried pork rinds)
Where to Eat
- €€€
Auberge du Cep
Michelin-starred restaurant in Fleurie, refined Beaujolais cuisine in a vine-covered auberge
- €€€
Château de Pierreux
Brouilly cru estate with terrace dining and pairing menus featuring the estate's Gamay
Beaujolais Nouveau (third Thursday of November) brings huge crowds — book everywhere well ahead that week.
Where to stay in the vineyard
Sleep among the vines — our pick of vineyard hotels and estate stays in France.
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Where to Stay in Beaujolais
Make the most of your Beaujolais wine trip by staying in the heart of wine country. From luxurious vineyard estates to cozy B&Bs, find the perfect accommodation near world-class wineries.
Top areas to stay
- Fleurie€-€€
Arguably the prettiest cru, charming wine village
- Villefranche-sur-Saône€-€€
Largest town, gateway to Beaujolais crus
- Brouilly€
Mont Brouilly views, affordable domaine stays
Beaujolais Nouveau release (3rd Thursday November) is a lively celebration
Booking.com
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