For some, knowledge of Beaujolais is limited to the 3ᵉ Thursday in November when Beaujolais nouveau is celebrated. This is a mistake. For the wine, already. Beaujolais deserves better than its reputation as a wine that tastes of strawberries or bananas. Secondly, for the scenery, because anyone who has never visited the rolling Beaujolais countryside that stretches between southern Burgundy and the Lyon conurbation in the Rhône doesn’t know what they’re missing. We Love Camping invites you to take a stroll through the Beaujolais vineyards.

Our selection of campsites with pitches for caravans, tents and motorhomes in Beaujolais

itinerary through the 10 Beaujolais crus

All red Beaujolais wines are made from the same grape variety, Gamay. However, they do not all have the same appellation. Although it only covers 15,000 hectares, the Beaujolais vineyards have 12 AOCs. These include two regional appellations (Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages) and 10 local appellations, the 10 crus du Beaujolais. These ten crus are concentrated in the northern part of Beaujolais, in an area barely 20 kilometres long and only 5 kilometres wide. The appellations range from north to south: Juliénas, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Moulin-à-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Côte-de-Brouilly and Brouilly. To discover these 10 crus, forget the main roads and take the hillside roads. They will take you to some breathtaking viewpoints, particularly between Fleurie and Chiroubles. Above the village of Fleurie, the Chapelle de la Madone awaits you, accessible on foot from the village or by car. A magnificent panorama encompasses the north of the Beaujolais region and the Saône valley. On a clear day, you can see the Alps and Mont Blanc in the distance. A little further south, towards Chiroubles, the Chiroubles terrace offers one of the finest views in the Beaujolais region from its 760-metre altitude. There’s an orientation table and picnic tables where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal. But don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Terrasse du Beaujolais restaurant serves pastries that are as delicious as they are copious. Be sure to try them during your camping holiday in Beaujolais. The Maison du Cru de Chiroubles awaits you on the terrace of Chiroubles. From here you can follow the panoramic trail of the 10 crus. This 2 km walk is punctuated by belvederes overlooking the Beaujolais vineyards.

Another of the emblematic landscapes of the 10 Beaujolais crus is Mont Brouilly. Although it is not the highest peak in the region – that title goes to Mont St Rigaud at an altitude of 1,009 metres – Mont Brouilly, with its rounded shape and vine-covered slopes, has a highly recognisable silhouette. As you stroll through the 10 crus of the Beaujolais region, take the time to stop off at the winegrowers’ to taste their wines. The welcome is always very friendly and you’ll discover delicious, fruity wines that deserve much better than the unflattering reputation inherited from Beaujolais Nouveau. One of our favourites is Château Thivin, which produces wonderful Côte de Brouilly. In a different vein, be sure to visit Château de la Chaize. Many great names have made this their home. The château was built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect of Versailles, and the gardens were designed by André le Nôtre, who was also responsible for the gardens at the Château de Versailles. The winery and its historic 108-metre-long cellar date back to the 18ᵉ century. It is undoubtedly one of the finest, if not the finest, cuverie in Beaujolais.

Beaujolais Museum

Georges Dubœuf is one of the great figures of Beaujolais. In particular, it was he who introduced the Beaujolais Nouveau tradition beyond the borders of the Beaujolais region. He is also known for his Hameau en Beaujolais, a fun museum about vines, wine and the Beaujolais region. This museum in Romanèche Thorens is just as interesting for adults, who will learn a great deal about the wine trade, as it is for children. For the latter, the museum offers a range of fun activities, such as an interactive investigation to be carried out with a tablet in hand in the museum’s rooms. And don’t forget the dynamic cinema room, where you can follow two bees through the landscapes of Beaujolais and southern Burgundy. A great place to visit during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais with your tent, caravan or motorhome.

Le Beaujolais des pierres dorées

In the south of the Beaujolais region, on the outskirts of Lyon, the villages of the Pierres Dorées Beaujolais await you. The villages in this region are characterised by their stone with a golden sheen. It is the presence of iron oxide in this limestone that gives it such a distinctive hue. The rolling vine-covered hills of the Beaujolais region are the backdrop for these medieval villages. A setting reminiscent of Tuscany. So make the most of your camping holiday in the Beaujolais to visit these characterful villages: Ternand, Châtillon d’Azergues and Charnay. However, if you had to visit just one, it would be Oingt, the only village in the Rhône to be classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Perched at the top of a hill, Oingt’s role was to watch over the passageway between the Loire and Saône rivers. It has preserved many remains from this era, including the Nizy gate and the 12ᵉ century keep. From the top of the latter, admire a beautiful view of the southern Beaujolais region.

Hiking in the Beaujolais Vert

Although Beaujolais is irrevocably associated with wine, the vineyards only cover part of the region. Moving westwards away from the Saône valley, you enter the Beaujolais Vert. In this low mountainous region, the vines have given way to fir trees, creating landscapes ideal for hiking and mountain biking. In this natural setting, Lac des Sapins is a jewel with emerald reflections. This man-made lake is home to Europe’s largest biological bathing area (for a fee), as well as a beach on the lake. At the other end of the lake, you’ll find a water sports centre where you can hire paddleboats, pedalos and canoes. A natural destination that’s sure to appeal to sports enthusiasts! The ideal place to relax on hot summer days during your camping holiday in the Beaujolais region.

Campsites in Beaujolais

A selection of campsites with camping pitches for your holidays in a tent, caravan or motorhome in the Beaujolais.