If you’re planning to explore the Beaujolais wine route during your trip to France, you’re in the right place. At Winalist, our team is largely based in France and knows the country’s wine regions inside out. Using our experience and local knowledge, we’ve created a detailed guide based on the Beaujolais wine map to help you navigate the vineyards, villages, and famous crus of this remarkable wine destination. Follow this itinerary to discover the best places to visit across the Beaujolais wine region.
Understanding the Beaujolais wine region
The Beaujolais wine region is located in eastern France, just south of Burgundy and north of the city of Lyon. This unique location places Beaujolais at the crossroads between the powerful wine traditions of Burgundy and the vibrant gastronomic culture of Lyon. Stretching across rolling hills and picturesque villages, the region forms a distinct wine region between Burgundy and Lyon, known for its welcoming atmosphere and accessible wines.
Beaujolais vineyards are mainly planted with Gamay, the grape variety that defines the character of the region’s wines. Gamay thrives in the local soils and produces fresh, fruit-driven wines that range from light and vibrant to more structured expressions in the famous crus. These wines are appreciated for their bright red fruit aromas and their ability to reflect the diversity of Beaujolais terroirs.
The vineyard landscape of Beaujolais is also one of its most attractive features. The region is made up of gently sloping hills covered in vines, small wine villages, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Saône valley. Granite soils dominate much of the northern part of the region, contributing to the distinctive personality of many crus. Together, these natural elements create a wine region that is both beautiful to explore and deeply connected to its winemaking heritage.
Map of the Beaujolais wine region
Beaujolais is one of France’s most beautiful winegrowing regions, much alike Piedmont in Italy. Most beaujolais wines are red and made using the Gamay grape, which has notoriously thin skin, thus the wines are often light-bodied and acidic. Discover more about Beaujolais wineries and all of the magic that awaits you there in our dedicated article and import our interactive map onto your cell phone for even easier use.
The following itinerary has been created from South to North but you can choose to do it the way you wish, whether you’re arriving from Paris to Lyon by train (see tickets here), driving there or whether you’re coming from Burgundy (further north).
The 10 crus of Beaujolais
At the northern end of the Beaujolais wine region, the landscape becomes hillier and the wines more structured. This part of the region is home to the famous 10 crus of Beaujolais, the highest classification in the Beaujolais appellation system. Unlike Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages wines, these crus are produced in specific villages and are known for expressing the diversity of the region’s terroir. Most wines from the crus are made from the Gamay grape variety and tend to show more complexity, depth, and aging potential. While the wines remain approachable and fruit-forward, each cru has its own personality depending on the soils, altitude, and vineyard exposure. Granite soils, in particular, play an important role in shaping the character of these wines.
The 10 crus of Beaujolais are spread across the northern part of the region and form the most prestigious vineyards on the Beaujolais wine map:
- Brouilly
- Côte de Brouilly
- Régnié
- Morgon
- Chiroubles
- Fleurie
- Moulin-à-Vent
- Chénas
- Juliénas
- Saint-Amour
Each of these crus offers a slightly different expression of Beaujolais wines, from the elegant floral style of Fleurie to the more powerful and structured wines of Moulin-à-Vent and Morgon. Exploring these villages and their surrounding vineyards is one of the best ways to understand the richness of the Beaujolais wine region.
Your 2-day itinerary to discover Beaujolais
Start in Villefranche-sur-Saône
This medieval town is rich in history and architecture, featuring cobblestone streets and timber-framed houses. You’ll find several wine cellars where you can taste the region’s wines. Make sure to stop by the covered market to sample local products and don’t forget to visit the Notre-Dame des Marais collegiate church, an architectural gem of the city. Discover all the tours and wine tastings in Villefranche-Sur-Saone.
Visit the vineyards Saint Julien
Continue your journey to Saint Julien. This village is famous for producing Saint-Julien wines, but also for its historical heritage. You’ll find the Château de Saint Trys there, a historically listed monument, offering a panoramic view over the Saône Valley. The wines of Saint Julien are renowned for their balance and finesse. Head over to Blacé for a gourmet stroll through the romantic gardens of the Château de Champ-Renard, accompanied by a picnic.
Discover the Brouilly Cru
Continue your journey to Brouilly, a renowned cru known for the quality of its wines. Here, Gamay grape varieties thrive on granite soils, producing Brouilly wines with aromas of red and black fruits. The region is also famous for Mont Brouilly, a volcanic hill that dominates the landscape. Its summit is crowned with a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for the area’s winemakers. Stop along the way to discover the wonderful Estate of Chateau de la Chaize and follow in the footsteps of the Marquis de Montaigu through a tour of the Chateau’s surroundings, its gardens, as well as the estate’s winery and historic cellar.
Discover more of winemaking at Maison Jambon
Just a bit further, you can also indulge in a culinary break in Cercié and visit the Maison Jambon winery, followed by a wine tasting and a Beaujolais “mâchon” (a traditional light meal).
Explore Régnié vineyards
Régnié wines are renowned in the Beaujolais region, produce in the area spanning the towns of Régnié-Durette and Lantignié. Régnié, like the other ten Beaujolais crus, offers a unique and beautiful expression of the Gamay grape, with a vibrant color ranging from cherry to ruby. Nice place to stop by.
Taste Morgon wines
Morgon is famous for its robust and structured wines. A cellar tour and wine tasting in Morgon is a must-do for if you appreciate full-bodied wines and miss it since the beginning of this trip. The village also marks the start of several hiking trails through the areas known as the famous “Morgon.”
Stop in Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais
Continue to Beaujeu, the ancient capital of the Lords of Beaujeu and the true cradle of the region’s wine. Here, traditions blend with history. Enjoy a guided tour at the Musée du Terroir to dive into the region’s wine past. Also, discover its Saint-Nicolas church and the Beaujolais terroir house to learn about the different appellations. Visit Domaine Frédéric Berne, true artisan winemakers in Beaujolais, for an exceptional tour, walk, and tasting that will teach you a great deal about the region and its winemaking expertise. Book your cellar tour at no cost:
Admire the views in Chiroubles
With its exceptional view from the church’s terrace, Chiroubles is a must-visit. This village, the highest of all the crus, offers wines of great finesse. The vineyards there are primarily composed of granite soils, giving Chiroubles wines their unique and distinctive character. The vines are terraced, maximizing sun exposure and optimizing grape maturation. In Chiroubles, don’t miss to visit Christophe Savoye wine estate to meet passionate winemakers:
Discover the elegant wines of Fleurie
Beaujolais Fleurie is known as “the most feminine of wines” from its region. This famous wine designation mainly covers the commune of Fleurie, whose hillside panorama covered with vine shoots offers views of the Saône valley up to the outskirts of Mont-Blanc on clear days. There you should visit the Château des Bachelards wine estate and get to discover (if you don’t already know it) the main principles of biodynamic viticulture:
Take a breat at Hameau Duboeuf
You can then make a detour to Hameau Duboeuf, largest wine park in Europe, perfect for exploring the world of vineyards and wine with family. You’ll be able to educate yourself about winemakers’ craft through exhibits and audiovisual shows, and cap off the visit with a tasting of 4 wines from different appellations. Book your ticket now:
Visit Moulin-à-Vent
If you’re looking to learn more about Moulin-a-vent wines in a fun way, consider taking a detour to Romanèche-Thorins to visit the famous mill that we often see in photos of the region.There, don’t forget to visit the Moulin à vent Château for a rich experience and a discover of the Beaujolais terroir!
Explore the vineyards of Juliénas
The history of wine intertwines with that of the Romans. Juliénas gets its name from Julius Caesar, and Roman ruins are plentiful. The Julienas wines are known for their structure and aging potential. Visit the Romanesque church or stroll through the narrow streets to feel the soul of this village. During your visit to the city, take the opportunity to explore the vast and magnificent cellars of the Château de Juliénas.
End in Saint-Amour-Bellevue
Saint-Amour-Bellevue, with its evocative name, is the perfect spot for couples seeking romance. Enjoy a stroll through the vineyards before indulging in a wine tasting at one of the village’s estates. Nestled in the heart of Beaujolais, Saint-Amour-Bellevue offers an unforgettable experience for nature and wine lovers. The lush vineyards, stretching as far as the eye can see, are a feast for the senses. They provide a spectacular view, especially during the harvest months when the ripe grape clusters are ready to be picked. The village itself is an architectural gem, with its stone houses and cobblestone streets. It’s easy to get lost in its narrow lanes, discovering hidden treasures along the way. The Saint-Amour church, with its colorful stained glass and pointed bell tower, is a must-visit. Saint-Amour is the most northern of
Why the Beaujolais wine region is unique
The Beaujolais wine region is known for its vibrant wines and beautiful vineyard landscapes. Most wines are made from the Gamay grape, which produces fresh, fruit-driven styles that reflect the diversity of the local terroir. When exploring a Beaujolais wine map, you’ll notice that the most prestigious vineyards are located in the northern part of the region, where the famous crus of Beaujolais reveal more complex and structured expressions of Beaujolais wine.
Best villages to visit in the Beaujolais wine region
Beyond the famous crus, the Beaujolais wine region is home to several picturesque villages that reveal the charm of the local vineyard landscape. As you explore the Beaujolais wine map, consider stopping in places like Oingt, a beautiful golden-stone village often listed among the most beautiful in France, or Vaux-en-Beaujolais, better known as Clochemerle, famous for its historic streets and lively wine culture. Another lovely stop is Romanèche-Thorins, located near the vineyards of the northern crus and home to several wine experiences. These villages offer a different perspective on the region, combining history, architecture, and easy access to the surrounding vineyards.
Good to know for the Beaujolais wine map
How many crus are shown on the Beaujolais wine map?
A typical Beaujolais wine map highlights the famous 10 crus located in the northern part of the region. These include well-known appellations such as Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, and Brouilly. Each Beaujolais cru reflects a specific terroir and produces wines with distinct styles and aging potential.
What type of soil defines the Beaujolais vineyards?
Much of the northern vineyard area is characterized by granite soil, which plays a key role in shaping the personality of the wines. This type of soil allows the Gamay grape to express bright fruit flavors and structure. Many of the best wines of Beaujolais come from vineyards planted on these granite hillsides.
What appellations exist in the Beaujolais wine region?
The Beaujolais AOP system is divided into three main levels. At the base is Beaujolais AOP, followed by Beaujolais-Villages, and finally the prestigious Beaujolais crus. These appellations help define the different wines made across the region and highlight the diversity of the vineyards.
Who produces the wines in Beaujolais?
The Beaujolais producers range from small family wineries to historic estates spread across the region. Many producers focus on expressing the terroir of their vineyards, creating wines that reflect the character of each village and appellation.
What other wines are produced in the Beaujolais region?
While the region is best known for red wines made from Gamay, some producers also make Beaujolais blanc, a white wine produced from Chardonnay. These wines are less common but offer a fresh and elegant expression of the Beaujolais vineyards.
Where to stay in the Beaujolais wine region?
The region offers everything from elegant château hotels to cozy guesthouses surrounded by vines. Here are some excellent places to stay in Beaujolais:
Château de Pizay – A beautiful château hotel surrounded by vineyards, featuring a spa and wine experiences.
Château de Bagnols – A luxurious medieval castle hotel known for its historic architecture and scenic views.
Auberge du Paradis – A charming boutique hotel and restaurant located in the countryside near the vineyards.
Hôtel Villa Alexandre – A comfortable hotel close to Villefranche-sur-Saône, ideal for exploring the wine route.
Where to eat in the Beaujolais wine region?
Many restaurants in the area highlight local products and traditional cuisine while pairing dishes with regional wines. In recent years, a new generation of chefs has helped transform the food scene, combining classic Beaujolais dishes with modern gastronomy. Here are some great restaurants to try during your Beaujolais trip:
La Robe Rouge (Villié-Morgon) – A creative restaurant offering refined dishes paired with Beaujolais wines.
Auberge du Cep (Fleurie) – A traditional restaurant serving classic regional cuisine.
Restaurant Les Maritonnes – (Romanèche-Thorins) – A refined restaurant located near the vineyards of northern Beaujolais, offering creative cuisine inspired by local products.
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