Ville sur Jarnioux
Clos des Sources Bonave. The sources are all over the villages of the Beaujolais region, which explains their dispersion in hamlets and “lieux-dit”. Clos des Sources Bonave is a lovely and fresh place to rest, a bed and breakfast to watch with five “épis” (ears of wheat ) and a new suite that has been impressively decorated. Wine themed activities. Tel.: +33 (0)4 03 82 41 or +33 (0)6 83 41 01 77
Oingt
In the Pierres Dorées country, Oignt, a village certified, is one of the prettiest in France. The Saint Matthieu church, twelfth century dungeon, fortifications and sixteenth century houses… Guided visits by the learned and fascinating Miss Margand, make sure to follow her. Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 71 19 67
Many art galleries and workshops
Josette’s poteries. 30 rue Tyre-Laine. Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 71 11 73
Picolette’s boutique. An old-fashioned deli.
Villefranche-sur-Saône
The Courts. Almost at the entrance of Lyons, from traboules (covered passageways) to bouchons (typical local restaurants), you have to push some doors to discover the beautiful residences, called “The Courts” on rue Nationale: the House of the Bourbon, the Giliquin House, the Fleurons… Historical houses, architectural treasures from the Middle-Ages and the Renaissance period that we recommend you discover through a guided tour. Tourism Board, 96 rue de la Sous-Préfecture. Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 07 27 40
Rue Nat. As it is locally known by the Caladois, this street has played host to the joyous parade of the conscripts on the last Sunday of January since 1850. A traditional fiery act of bravado and a high colourful spectacle.
The Paul-Dini museum. In the old grain store and in a reinstated textiles factory are exhibited works of art from nineteenth century artists up to the present day all of whom have somehow been connected to the Rhônes-Alpes region. Two temporary exhibitions every year. 2 place Faubert. www.musee-paul-dini.com
The covered market. Goat cheese, Bresse chickens, honey and some must-haves from small local producers: the Etablissements Vauraz Volailler since 1820; the Fromagerie Blanc…
The Brasserie du Théâtre. On the Place des Arts, it is the ultimate lunchtime meeting spot around a good dish. Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 60 43 06
Bagnols
The Château de Bagnols: A Relais & Chateaux property, a prestigious and extraordinary historical monument that transports us in time and fantasy, between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance… Its restaurant proposes a contemporary and revamped cuisine made of local and fresh products. www.chateaudebagnols.fr
Gleizé
The Château de Vaurenard. A superb estate with its own chapel that was originally a hunting lodge for the Lords of Beaujeu. In the same ownership since 1672, it is in the eighteenth century that the estate moves towards the cultivation of vines and agriculture. Champs Clos, woodlands, centenary vines… The Baron Ghislain de Longeviale devotes himself nowadays wholly to sustainable wine growing. Several vintages with whole bunches of grapes in order to better express the wine’s typicity, wines for laying down, top of the range, with airs of Pinot. Worth noting the cuvée Baron de Richemont and the cuvée Quintessence, matured in oak casks and award-winning. Visits by appointment. Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 68 21 86 www.chateaudevaurenard.com
Pommiers
Domaine Albert. Chantal and Eric Bettant produce Beaujolais wines in the three colours as well as a Crémant de Bourgogne. Light, convivial wines, with shiny colours and full of fruity aromas, particularly enjoyable as an aperitif. The estate, which contains several buildings with beautiful vaulted cellars and a gîte, has just welcomed the addition of a glazed wine store of contemporary design. www.domainealbert.com
The Petit-Bourg, a typical Beaujolais bistrot with its small quaint restaurant and terrasse providing the perfect setting for a tasty stop at the heart of the village. 2 Chemin de Neyra, Tel.: +33 (0)4 74 68 56 70.
Saint Romain-au-Mont-d’Or
Maison du Chaos. Peculiar and unbelievable at the same time, this house is a mad creation by its owner Thierry Ehrmann. Over 3,000 works are exhibited over 9,000 square meters in open sky forming a mass of disparate objects. A sombre, dreamlike, Dadaist universe, painted walls, tagged with violent and… chaotic portraits. This is also the headquarters of Artprice, the world leading information service on the art market. Open to the public. www.artprice.com
