Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

An In-Depth Look at the Private Full Day Wine and Food Tour from Lyon in Beaujolais

If you’re dreaming of a day immersed in France’s renowned wine country, this private Beaujolais tour from Lyon offers a compelling mix of scenic drives, authentic tastings, and local charm. Priced at about $561.73 per person, and booking well in advance (around 85 days), this roughly 8-hour journey is designed for those who want to enjoy the region in a relaxed, personalized setting. The tour utilizes vintage Land Rovers for transport, which adds a layer of fun and style that you won’t find on typical bus excursions.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the personalized nature — it’s a private tour, so your group’s interests shape the day, from wine stops to scenic hikes. Second, the knowledgeable guides and curated stops, like the iconic Château du Moulin-à-Vent and the boutique vineyards of Chénas and Julienas, offer a deep dive into the local terroir. You’ll also appreciate the flexible approach—whether it’s a picnic among the vines or a leisurely lunch in a quaint restaurant, the day can adapt to your mood and weather.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience is quite full, with multiple stops and a fair amount of walking and driving, so a good level of mobility and interest in wine and food are helpful. The tour’s price reflects the private nature and high-quality experiences, but it’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included, so budget accordingly. This tour offers an excellent way to see and taste Beaujolais in style, with plenty of authenticity to satisfy curious travelers.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Private tour tailored to your interests with flexible stops.
• Cultural and scenic highlights: Visits range from historic sites to scenic viewpoints and renowned vineyards.
• Expert guides: Guides like Alex bring fascinating stories, making each stop engaging.
• High-quality tastings: Multiple wine tastings, often with local cheese and cured meats, create a genuine tasting experience.
• Authentic local flavor: Stops include family-run wineries and historic villages like Julienas, not touristy spots.
• Value for money: The comprehensive itinerary, private transportation, and included snacks make this a well-rounded experience.

Detailed Review of the Beaujolais Private Tour

A Warm Welcome and First Impressions

Starting at the Gare de Belleville-sur-Saône at 9:00 am, this tour is designed for those who prefer an intimate, personalized approach to wine country exploration. The vehicle—a vintage Land Rover—sets the tone immediately as fun and slightly nostalgic. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of style with their sightseeing, and the small group size (since it’s private) guarantees you won’t be rushed or herded through like cattle.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Vergisson in Mâconnais

Your journey begins with a stop in Vergisson, a small village famous for its white wines. Whether you visit a winery or just open a bottle in the vineyards, this first taste gives you a gentle start. The fact that admission is free here and the setting is so peaceful makes it a relaxing introduction. Interestingly, as Kathy G’s review points out, this private tour allows you to engage deeply with local producers — “the best way to feel like your engaged with the locals.”

Stop 2: La Roche de Solutre

Next, you’ll visit the famous hill of La Roche de Solutre, a site with prehistorical significance and a striking viewpoint of the landscape. For those with some energy, a 30-minute hike to the top offers fantastic views, but if walking isn’t your thing, the site can be appreciated from afar. The historical and cultural weight of the site—used by prehistoric natives and a symbol of French resistance—adds a layer of meaningful storytelling to your day.

Stop 3: Solutre-Pouilly

This charming village is perfect for a wine tasting with a professional or a visit to another producer. The reviews highlight how the stops here are “fantastic,” and the town itself feels as if it’s straight out of a postcard, with cozy streets and a genuine local vibe. Expect to sample more of the region’s signature white wines or learn about specific techniques from friendly vintners.

Stop 4: Leynes

On the border with Beaujolais, Leynes boasts a young, innovative winery run by a couple passionate about their craft. Tasting their wines offers a glimpse into the new generation of French wine-makers who combine tradition with modern techniques. It’s a highlight for those interested in current trends in winemaking.

The Beaujolais Experience: Saint-Amour-Bellevue

The first cru of Beaujolais is Saint-Amour, which claims a romantic name (“Love”) and some serious wine credentials. Lunch here can be a local restaurant meal or a picnic in the vines, making the experience flexible and casual—perfect for those who want good food paired with their wine. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, with views over the vineyards. As pinkpiratepants notes, “this is one of the highlights of the entire France trip,” especially given the welcoming local ambiance.

Historic & Cultural Stops: The Church and Chenas

A quick visit to the church in Saint-Amour offers a chance to travel back in time, learning about the area’s history. Later, at Chenas, you can visit a coop that’s now a castle, where you’ll sample red wines in a genuine setting. The fact that it’s a cooperative means you’re drinking in the stories of local growers working together—authentic and genuine.

Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie

The “lord of Beaujolais wines,” Château du Moulin-à-Vent, features an authentic 15th-century windmill—a photographer’s dream. The story of how this wine competed with Romané-Conti in the 19th century adds a fascinating historical layer. Fleurie, known as the most “feminine” cru, is often highlighted in reviews for its delicate wines and charming atmosphere. You might enjoy a tasting at a local cooperative or simply a picnic overlooking the vineyards.

Final Stop: Julienas

The last cru, Julienas, has a rebellious spirit, with a quirky setting—an old building that used to belong to the church—and a tasting of very affordable Julienas wine. This final stop encapsulates the tour’s authentic feel, with local growers and a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The guide, whether Alex or others, clearly has a passion for sharing their love of Beaujolais and its stories. Multiple reviews praise the knowledgeable guides — “they tell you all the things we discovered,” says one reviewer. This personal touch, combined with carefully selected stops, ensures that you won’t feel like just another tourist.

The vintage Land Rover is a unique touch that makes the transportation part of the fun. It’s not just about getting from A to B but enjoying the ride and the scenery along the way. Plus, with Wi-Fi on board and bottled water, the comfort levels are higher than most group tours.

Food and Drink

While lunch is not included, the tour makes up for it with wine tastings paired with cold cuts and cheese. It’s a simple but effective way to enhance the tasting experience. For those not drinking alcohol, the option of locally made grape juice is available, making the day inclusive.

Price and Value

At about $561.73 per person, this tour is a significant investment, but it includes private transportation, multiple tastings, snacks, and a personalized experience. Professional guide service and exclusive access to vineyards and historical sites offer value for those keen on a genuine, immersive experience.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate small-group or private tours, authentic settings, and wine. It’s ideal for those interested in historical sites, scenic drives, and tasting the region’s best wines—and who prefer a relaxed pace that allows for genuine engagement rather than hurried sightseeing.

The Sum Up

This full-day private tour from Lyon in Beaujolais offers an excellent balance of scenery, history, and authentic wine tasting. The vintage Land Rovers, personalized stops, and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable way to explore this underrated wine region. While the price is on the higher side, you’re getting a tailored experience that includes multiple stops with excellent wine selections and the chance to see local producers in action.

The tour’s highlights—such as the historic Château du Moulin-à-Vent, the scenic viewpoint at La Roche de Solutre, and the charming villages—add depth that many group excursions lack. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone seeking an authentic taste of rural France away from touristic crowds.

If you’re prepared for a full day of scenic driving, tasty wines, and engaging stories, this tour gives you a meaningful, enjoyable way to discover Beaujolais. It’s best for those who want a more personalized, immersive experience rather than a quick snapshot.

FAQs

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. You have the option to visit a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in the vineyards, depending on your preference and weather.

What is the starting point for the tour?
The tour begins at Gare de Belleville-sur-Saône, located at 15 Bd Gambetta, Belleville-en-Beaujolais, France.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the same meeting point.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible, and guides tailor stops based on your interests and weather conditions, making each day unique.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, you’ll travel in a vintage Land Rover, which adds a fun and stylish twist, and features Wi-Fi and bottled water for your comfort.

What type of wine will I taste?
You’ll sample various local wines, including white wines from Mâconnais and reds from Beaujolais crus like Chenas, Fleurie, and Julienas, along with local cheeses and meats.

This Beaujolais tour offers a true taste of rural France—authentic, friendly, and full of stories waiting to be discovered. Ideal for curious travelers who want more than just a sip of wine but a full experience steeped in local flavor.