Get to know a UNESCO heritage site: the Beaujolais! The United Nations Education Science and Culture organisation (UNESCO) chose our very own Beaujolais region as a part of world heritage. Our office is in the village known as Lacenas. This is a great honor for the mini region that we live in, but more than that it highlights the great (and precious) elements that exist here. This article will examine why it chose the Beaujolais hills and what this means for the area. I will also explain why folks compare it to Tuscany! Finally I will also give you a run-down on the nicest things to do in the area.
Also, France has so many towns, villages, cities and hamlets that have the wow factor, like those in the Beaujolais. Without further ado, check out our chooses of the 10 most charming villages in France.
UNESCO placed worldwide recognition on this area Beaujolais, just north of Lyon, with the World Geopark label in 2018. The remarkable geological heritage highlights sites of geological interest, in connection with nature or culture, and they are protected and valorized under this label. The 37 sites (such as Mt Brouilly) feature remarkable geological and culture treasures. The Beaujolais’ complex geology, formed over 500 million years ago, underpins a diversity of landscapes, natural habitats and building stones used in local construction. The geological heritage and history of the Beaujolais has influenced the lives and culture of its inhabitants, in the past and continues to do so through the importance of ‘terroir’ or environment, for winemaking.This label shines a light on the cultural and geological heritage on this mini-region. The label is supposed to energize, promote and develop the tourism industry to grow and support the local economy. Located between two other territories labellized by UNESCO, (Burgundy and Lyon), this helps stimulate the local economy and bring tourism to this region somewhat landlocked between two famous French destinations.
Furthermore (!) this is an area that has really, honestly and frequently been compared to Tuscany, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Given that the Beaujolais has wonderful natural slopes, ridges and valleys, comparisons with Tuscany are not fanciful. The gentle undulating landscapes of rolling vine hills, some cypress trees amidst vineyards and olive groves – the area does truly evolve the sight of a quintessential Tuscany signature landscape, right here in France! So that we avoid copying a trope, here are the reasons why I think that it can objectively be compared to Tuscany: Beautiful architecture with atypical building materials (The Golden Stones), numerous superb castles, rolling hills and a passion for wine. While there are no Strade Bianché white roads and the cities do not have the same history or acclaim as Siena, let’s say, I can see the similarity when the sun is rising over a beautiful vineyard providing the sun-kissed tones to the nearby stone work…
While the area has some stunning hotels, and guest house, this is an idea for a simple day-trip in the Beaujolais. The area is easy to visit from out of Lyon and provides outstanding sites such as dozens of vineyards, the Mont Brouilly or the Lac des Sapins, many castles (such as Chateau de Montmelas) and some of the most beautiful villages in France.
This is a full day itinerary:
Arriving in the stunning south of Beaujolais, the villages of Theize, Bois D’Oingt, Oingt and Bagnols are just splendid to stroll through. If the light is right will use half a memory card to taking photos of the golden stones in these places. The coffee, ice creams, cold drinks and ambiance in Bois D’oingt is quite special, especially on Tuesday and Friday during market day. Hop back in the car (or electric bike) and meander north along the ‘wine route’ stopping at spots like Cogny, or Montmelas. You should stretch the legs with a mile long walk to the stunning uninterrupted views from Chapel de St Bonnet, before lunch somewhere traditional (plat du jour!) and beautifully located like the Relais de Parasoir with panaromic views towards the Jura. Gastronomic places are available nearby too (like Pizay, or Clochemerle). The afternoon could include a tasting somewhere local and traditional (Chez Fellot in Rivolet) or a place with the exceptional built heritage (Like Chateau de la Chaize). The final stop after this tasting should be the Mont Brouilly, a perfect place to cap off the day. Drink and Drive responsibly, or ask us for a private guide.
So even if you are a ‘rock fan’ or not, and even if you are not searching for Tuscany in France, I am sure that you will find something you are looking for in this UNESCO heritage site: the Beaujolais. The climate is great, and there are so many activities to do. Most don’t need reservations, nor do they include entry tickets. We know first-hand all of the great experiences in this area.
