Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town – Private Tour – Full Day from Lyon

A Day of Authentic Charm in Lyon’s Countryside: Beaujolais & Pérouges

This private tour offers a delightful escape from the hustle of Lyon, taking you into the heart of Beaujolais and the medieval wonders of Pérouges. For around $940 per group (up to 4 people), you’ll spend roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes exploring two of France’s most picturesque spots, with the added treat of sampling local wines at a family winery. It’s a well-rounded day that balances scenic vistas, history, and good wine, all led by a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable Mercedes van.

Two aspects particularly stand out: First, the chance to visit Oingt, one of France’s “most beautiful towns,” and its surrounding Golden Stones Country—a landscape dotted with ochre-colored castles and quaint medieval villages. Second, the wine tasting at a family-run winery is genuinely engaging; you get to hear about the terroir and traditional winemaking techniques straight from the winemaker, and taste 4 to 5 wines in a convivial setting. The guide, often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly like Olivier, makes the entire experience feel personal and informative.

A potential consideration is that lunch isn’t included, so if you’re a foodie expecting a sit-down meal, you’ll want to plan ahead. Menus at local eateries start around €20, but you can also pack or budget for picnic supplies. Also, the itinerary’s timing means you’ll spend most of the day on the move—perfect if you love scenery and stories, but perhaps too tight if you prefer relaxed, unstructured days.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenic Drive: You’ll enjoy a comfortable private Mercedes minivan journey through Beaujolais’ rolling vineyards and medieval towns.
• Authentic Experiences: Visiting two towns — Oingt and Pérouges — offers a genuine glimpse into France’s past and its wine culture.
• Wine Tasting: Sampling 4-5 Beaujolais wines at a family winery makes for a fun, educational highlight, especially with a wine connoisseur guiding you.
• Historic Charm: Pérouges is a must-see for history lovers and film buffs alike, with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture featured in movies like The Three Musketeers.
• Expert Guide: Many reviews emphasize Olivier’s knowledge, language skills (French, English, Spanish), and friendly approach, which elevates the experience.
• Flexible & Private: The tour’s private setup means tailored attention and the flexibility to customize parts of the day.

Detailed Review of the Experience

Starting Strong: The Pickup and Transportation

The day begins at 9:00 a.m., with your guide and transport ready to whisk you away in a luxurious Mercedes minivan. This private aspect is one of the tour’s biggest advantages. You’re not part of a noisy group, and the vehicle’s comfort and cleanliness set the tone for a smooth day. Several reviews highlight how the van and driving experience contribute to a relaxed atmosphere—no crowd, no waiting, just your group and your guide.

First Stop: Oingt and the Golden Stones Country

Your first destination is Oingt, a tiny village renowned for its ochre-colored buildings and medieval charm. The views from Oingt are a highlight—imagine gently rolling hills dotted with vineyards, with panoramic vistas that seem almost unreal in their beauty. The town qualifies as one of France’s most beautiful, and it’s easy to see why. Its narrow streets, quaint shops, and stone houses make it feel like a fairy tale come to life.

Walk along the cobblestones, explore the medieval houses from the 13th to 16th centuries, and soak in the atmosphere. The scenery alone makes this worth the trip, but the real treat is the visit to a family-owned winery. This is not a touristy tasting room—it’s a private visit where you get to inspect the vineyards and hear about winemaking traditions from someone who clearly loves what they do. You’ll learn about terroir and taste 4 to 5 wines, including the famous Beaujolais.

According to reviews, many visitors appreciate the personalized nature of this part of the tour. One reviewer mentions that they enjoyed the fun and friendly atmosphere and appreciated the knowledge of the guide, Olivier, who often speaks multiple languages.

Lunch Break? Not Included But Easy to Plan

Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to consider bringing snacks or planning a stop at a local eatery. Menus begin at around €20 per person, offering simple but hearty fare like regional cheeses, charcuterie, or crepes. Alternatively, you might prefer to pack a picnic and enjoy it amidst the stunning countryside. Some reviews suggest that the tour’s timing is quite full, so a quick lunch or picnic would fit well.

Afternoon: Pérouges Medieval Town

After the wine tasting, the focus shifts to Pérouges, one of France’s most well-preserved medieval towns. Walking these cobblestone streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. The architecture ranges from 13th to 16th-century houses, with timber frames and stone facades that have weathered centuries.

This town served as a film location for The Three Musketeers, emphasizing its authenticity. You’ll stroll freely for about 30 minutes, browsing craft shops or trying the local galette, a traditional regional pancake—though not included in the tour, it’s worth sampling if you have a sweet tooth.

Many reviewers mention how guide Julie (or Olivier, depending on the day) brings Pérouges alive with stories and insights, making the experience more than just a walk. The well-preserved architecture and peaceful ambiance make this a genuinely memorable part of the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

The tour concludes around 5:00 p.m., providing enough time to reflect on a day packed with beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and delightful wines. Travelers find the combination of scenic towns, expert guidance, and personalized service to be excellent value, especially given the small group setting and private transportation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for history enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking a laid-back, scenic day outside Lyon. It’s perfect if you appreciate authentic villages rather than touristy spots, and want personal interaction with knowledgeable guides. The flexible, private format makes it suitable for couples, friends, or small families. However, if you’re a foodie craving a full meal or looking for a packed schedule, you might want to adjust your expectations or plan for lunch separately.

The quality of the wine tasting, combined with the stunning villages and your guide’s enthusiasm, makes this a highlight for many visitors. Just remember, it’s a full-day experience, so come prepared for a relaxed yet immersive journey through some of France’s finest landscapes and historical sites.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation in a Mercedes deluxe minivan is included, making for a comfortable and stress-free day.

How many wineries will we visit?
You will visit one small family winery where you’ll taste 4 to 5 wines and learn about the winemaking process directly from the vintner.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, there’s room for some flexibility, depending on your interests and timing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can plan to buy a meal at local cafes, with menus starting around €20, or bring your own snacks.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While the description doesn’t specify seasons, the scenic countryside and vineyards are especially lovely in spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is warm and the vineyards are lush.

How long is each stop?
Oingt and the winery visit last roughly 3 hours combined, with about 1 hour 15 minutes allocated for Pérouges, giving you ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
Yes, the sightseeing in villages and the historical aspect of Pérouges make it enjoyable for all ages, though wine tasting is obviously more appealing to adults.

This private day trip from Lyon offers a balanced dose of scenic beauty, cultural history, and local flavors. Whether you’re into wine, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the calm of France’s countryside, it’s a memorable way to see a different side of this vibrant region. Just prepare for a full, rewarding day that leaves you with stories and perhaps a favorite bottle or two.