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BEAUTIFUL BEAUJOLAIS TRAIL (TRAVERSE)

Highlights

Varied walking as you progress south on this traverse through the beautiful Beaujolais hills ranging from vast panoramic views to delightful secluded valleys. Wine tasting at different vineyards across the Beaujolais.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

Beaujolais Traverse . This self-guided walking holiday in the Beaujolais explores the full range of beautiful landscapes found throughout this relatively quiet region of France . Starting in the north, the walk crosses the luxuriant High Beaujolais hills where fields of pasture give way to forest on the highest hills with breathtaking views. You’ll then descend to cross some of the famous Beaujolais vineyards on the slopes of the Saone Valley, before crossing a series of deep valleys covered in vines. Despite the relatively gentle nature of their slopes, the scale of the peaks and the depths of the valleys create a landscape of great panoramas and rich contrasts. Your experience quickly changes from secluded intimate valleys to panoramic ridges and back again. Further south and you’ll pass into an area known as the “Golden stones country”, so called due to the 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 receding to the horizon. Wherever you look, you’ll find fortified remains, chateaux or churches adorning the vine covered slopes. This picturesque wine growing area is often referred to as the local Tuscany due to the similarities in their expansive landscapes. At the end of each day you’ll be welcomed with open arms at your small, quaint guest houses where the hospitality is excellent and you’ll be treated to great local food and wine. Holiday Profile . 7 nights/8 days: 6 days independent walking moving between guest houses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome and pick up from Lyon and transfer to first guest house in the remote northern Beaujolais.. .

Day 2: Ouroux - Chiroubles

Your first day is a superb start to the week, with a gentle climb through the lush green pastures of the pretty and peaceful Carelle Valley, with its small fields, hedgerows and winding stream. You'll then 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 of the ridges and valleys you'll be crossing later in the week. Your next guest house is at a wine-growers property in a lovely spot on the upper limit of the vines on the slopes of the Saone Valley. There are a number of variations to vary the length and difficulty. Wine tasting of the Chiroubles cru.. Overnight: near Chiroubles, Walk: 16-21.5km, +520-620m . .

Day 3: Chiroubles - Regnie-Durette

Today is an easier day. After an initial climb back up onto a ridge with far-reaching views, you'll descend gently through vines and pretty villages. First stop is St-Joseph and its way and stations of the cross. Its double-spired church overlooks the vines through which you now descend to reach the Ardieres Valley and the village of Regnie-Durette and a second double-spired church designed by the same architect that designed the Fourviere Basilica in Lyon. Your beautiful guest house is close by. . Overnight: near Beaujeu, Walk: 14km, +280m . .

Day 5: Vaux en Beaujolais - Blacé

Another fairly long day packed with interest. Your day starts by climbing to the pretty village of Vaux-en-Beaujolais (Clochemerle) before following a picturesque ridge with great views all the way and the option of going via the summit of the Pyramid at 888m with views to the Alps. Descend passed the fairy-tale-like Chateau de Montmelas, to reach your hotel in a former winemakers vineyard.. Overnight: Blacé, Walk: 22km, upto +600m. .

Day 6: Cogny - Theizé

Short transfer to the picturesque village of Cogny to start your walk. Today you'll pass through a number of the prettiest villages in the region. But first, you have a climb back into the hills and a wonderful summit with breathtaking views. Traverse along a broad ridge as you enter the Golden Stones region to reach the medieval hill-top village of Oingt, classed as one of the prettiest villages in France. Explore its restored alleyways and enjoy the wonderful panoramic views from its promenade. Your next village on route is Theizé with the imposing Chateau de Rochebonne and its pretty village square. Descend to your wonderful guest house. A great day's walking with interest throughout. . Overnight: Nr Theizé, Walk: 19km, +570m . .

Day 7: Theizé - Chatillon d'Azergues

Your final day's walking of your holiday traverses gentle vine-covered slopes to pass through the picturesque village of Bagnols with its pretty square and chateau. Great views across the Azergues Valley of the Mont Lyonnias hills and beyond. Choice of walks via the picturesque hilltop village of Charnay or via a pretty river walk alongside the Azergues. Descend to the beautiful village of Chatillon d'Azergues with its hill-top chateau and 12th-century chapel.. Overnight: Chatillon d'Azergues, Walk: 14-21km, upto +350m . .

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast transfer from your guest house to Lyon . Please note that the tour may vary slighty depending on the availability of accommodation at the time of booking. .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

Transfer from Lyon station and airport if required
7 nights' accommodation FULL BOARD accommodation in B&B style accommodation
Transport of luggage between guest houses
Detailed walking maps and notes including information about the places through which you'll be walking

Excluded:

Travel to and from Lyon, France
Lunches on your day of arrival and departure
Travel insurance
Any entrance fees

Optional:

Extra Nights
City Breaks
Combining walking holidays
Tailor-made trips

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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