Nestled in the lush landscapes surrounding the vibrant city of Lyon, the Beaujolais and Dombes regions beckon travelers to embark on an immersive full-day adventure. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this shared tour promises to unveil the rich winemaking heritage and captivating natural beauty that have long enchanted visitors. From the grandeur of the 17th-century Château De La Chaize to the meticulously manicured French gardens and underground labyrinth, every moment of this journey promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. But the true highlight? Indulging in the renowned Beaujolais wines straight from the source, a delightful prelude to the charming town of Pérouges that awaits.
Key Points
- Immersive full-day shared trip exploring the Beaujolais and Dombes regions surrounding Lyon.
- Opportunity to discover the rich winemaking heritage and landscapes of the area.
- Visit the stunning 17th-century Château De La Chaize, known as the ‘small Versailles’ of Beaujolais.
- Explore the estate’s meticulously manicured French gardens and impressive underground cellars.
- Taste a variety of renowned Beaujolais wines, including Gamay, Chardonnay, and Rosé, in the historic winery.
Tour Details
This immersive full-day shared trip explores the enchanting Beaujolais and Dombes regions surrounding Lyon, offering travelers a unique opportunity to discover the rich winemaking heritage and picturesque landscapes of this captivating area.
The tour lasts 7.5 hours and is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience led by a knowledgeable live guide.
Guests will visit the stunning Château de la Chaize, often called the ‘small Versailles’ of Beaujolais, and explore its French gardens, historic winery, and impressive cellar while savoring the region’s renowned wines.
The itinerary also includes a stop in the charming medieval village of Pérouges, where you’ll indulge in the famous local sugar cake.
Pricing Information
The tour is priced at a competitive rate of €149.00 per person, making it an affordable and accessible option for travelers seeking to explore the captivating Beaujolais and Dombes regions.
Guests can conveniently reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.
The pricing details include:
- Full-day shared trip with a duration of 7.5 hours
- Small group size, limited to 8 participants, for a more personalized experience
- Live tour guide in English, providing in-depth insights throughout the journey
- Inclusions such as transportation, professional driver-guide, and tastings mentioned in the program, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
Exploring Beaujolais and Dombes
On this full-day excursion, guests embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque Beaujolais and Dombes regions, seeing a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and world-renowned viticulture.
Visitors will marvel at the stunning Château de la Chaize, a ‘small Versailles’ nestled amidst the Beaujolais vineyards, and discover its magnificent gardens, historic winery, and the longest cellar in the region.
The tour then takes guests to the charming medieval village of Pérouges, where they can savor the famous local sugar cake and soak in the timeless allure of this well-preserved gem.
Throughout the day, travelers will delight in the opportunity to taste the renowned wines of the Beaujolais domain.
Visiting Château De La Chaize
Guests begin their exploration of Beaujolais by visiting the impressive Château de la Chaize, a stunning 17th-century estate that has been dubbed the ‘small Versailles‘ of the region.
This magnificent château boasts:
Beautifully manicured French gardens, where visitors can stroll and admire the ornate fountains and meticulously trimmed hedges.
A historic winery, where guests can sample the renowned wines of the Beaujolais appellation and learn about the rich winemaking traditions of the area.
The longest cellar in the Beaujolais region, an impressive underground labyrinth that houses thousands of aging bottles.
A grand interior, with ornate furnishings and architecture that transports visitors back in time to the opulence of the French aristocracy.
Discovering French Gardens and Cellars
Strolling through the meticulously manicured French gardens of Château de la Chaize, visitors marvel at the ornate fountains and precisely trimmed hedges that evoke the opulence of a bygone era.
Venturing into the estate’s historic winery, guests then sample the renowned wines of the Beaujolais appellation, seeing the rich winemaking traditions that have defined the region for centuries.
Descending into the impressive underground labyrinth, they discover the longest cellar in Beaujolais, where thousands of aging bottles bear witness to the unparalleled craftsmanship of the domain’s vintners.
Captivated by the seamless blend of history, nature, and winemaking excellence, visitors depart with a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy of this enchanting French estate.
Tasting Wines From the Domain
Visitors delight in sampling the renowned wines of the Beaujolais appellation as they venture into the historic winery of Château de la Chaize, seeing the rich winemaking traditions that have defined the region for centuries.
While touring the domain, guests have the opportunity to taste a variety of the estate’s acclaimed wines, including:
The signature Gamay grape, which produces light, fruity red wines with notes of cherry and blackberry.
Elegant white wines crafted from Chardonnay grapes, offering refreshing acidity and delicate floral aromas.
Rosé wines that capture the vibrant spirit of the Beaujolais region, with their lively berry flavors and crisp finish.
Limited-production cuvées that showcase the winemaker’s artistry and the unique terroir of the Château de la Chaize vineyards.
Exploring Picturesque Pérouges
After exploring the grand Château de la Chaize, the journey continues to the picturesque medieval village of Pérouges, where cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses transport visitors back in time.
This quaint town is renowned for its well-preserved 15th-century architecture, which includes the old city wall, the imposing church, and charming market square. Wandering through the maze of narrow lanes, one can’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the town’s timeless beauty.
Pérouges is also famous for its specialty, the ‘galette,’ a delectable sugar cake that has become a beloved local delicacy. Tasting this traditional treat is a must for anyone visiting this enchanting medieval gem.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The trip includes an air-conditioned minivan for transportation, as well as a professional driver-guide to lead the journey. Entries and tastings mentioned in the program are also covered, allowing participants to fully enjoy the Beaujolais and Dombes regions.
However, any additional tastings or lunch are excluded from the package price.
The tour’s inclusions provide a comprehensive experience:
- Comfortable and efficient transportation in a climate-controlled minivan.
- Knowledgeable and engaging driver-guide to enhance the journey.
- Access to the highlights of the tour, including the Château de la Chaize, Pérouges, and wine tastings.
- A focus on the core activities, leaving flexibility for participants to explore additional options at their own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement, so it is open to participants of all ages. Children are welcome to join, providing they can remain engaged throughout the 7.5-hour excursion exploring the Beaujolais and Dombes regions.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
Yes, this tour offers a private option for travelers who prefer a more personalized experience. Guests can book a private tour with their own dedicated driver-guide, allowing for a flexible and intimate exploration of the Beaujolais region.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes select wine tastings, so it’s best to enjoy those during the included stops. The driver-guide is happy to recommend local cafes for lunch.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator does not currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, they may consider introducing special rates in the future to make the experience more accessible to a wider range of guests.
Can I Book This Tour in a Language Other Than English?
The tour is only offered in English, but the tour provider may be able to accommodate other language requests. Customers should inquire about language options when booking to ensure the best experience.
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Recap
This captivating full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the Beaujolais and Dombes regions, showcasing the rich winemaking heritage and stunning landscapes.
Visitors will be enchanted by the grandeur of the 17th-century Château De La Chaize, indulge in renowned Beaujolais wines, and uncover the area’s winemaking traditions.
With its meticulously manicured gardens, historic cellars, and picturesque Pérouges, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of French wine country.
