Weekend Getaway: The Most Beautiful Wine Estates Less Than an Hour from Lyon

Beaujolais, the new destination for high-end wine tourism

Long associated primarily with Beaujolais Nouveau, the region’s wine industry has considerably reinvented its image. Its ten crus, from Morgon to Moulin-à-Vent and from Fleurie to Côte de Brouilly, now offer a much more nuanced and intimate interpretation of the terroir.

But the revival of Beaujolais is not solely about its wines. It can also be seen in its historic estates.

In recent years, several châteaux have opened their doors to offer a more exclusive approach to the region, combining tastings, heritage and art de vivre. The Châteaux en Beaujolais association now brings together eight historic estates in a renewed 2026 itinerary.

Château de La Chaize: heritage and elegance

In Odenas, Château de La Chaize is one of Beaujolais’ most emblematic addresses. Founded in 1676 and listed as a Historic Monument, the estate brings together architecture, formal French gardens, vineyards and wine-growing heritage.

Designed in part by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and André Le Nôtre, the estate is also home to a historic winery and a 108-metre-long cellar, one of the region’s most remarkable architectural features.

The experience here goes far beyond a simple tasting. Visits allow guests to explore the château’s gardens and heritage before discovering its wines. More intimate formats are also offered periodically, including small-group experiences in the heart of the estate.

Château de Poncié: nature, wine and the art of living

In Fleurie, Château de Poncié offers a more bucolic take on wine tourism. The estate, now farmed organically, stretches across vineyards, meadows and woodland.

A guided tour introduces visitors to the different terroirs of the Fleurie appellation, followed by a tasting of six wines with commentary. Visitors can also explore the estate’s paths independently, on foot or by bicycle.

It is an especially appealing destination for a romantic getaway or a family day out, when the aim is to combine wine discovery with the pleasures of the great outdoors.

Château Bellevue: a timeless escape

Perched above Villié-Morgon, Château Bellevue offers another side of Beaujolais: a characterful residence surrounded by extensive grounds, with views over the Beaujolais Mountains.

The estate offers a range of wine experiences, from discovering biodiversity in the vineyards to tours of the winery and cellars, accompanied by tastings. The property also has guest rooms, making it possible to turn a simple vineyard visit into a genuine getaway.

The estate was also recognised in 2024 by La Revue du Vin de France for the quality of its hospitality in the wine region.

Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu: where steep slopes define the landscape

Heading south, the scenery changes dramatically.

Around forty kilometres from Lyon, the vineyards of Condrieu cling to steep hillsides overlooking the Rhône. Here, terraces, dry-stone walls and slopes sometimes exceeding 50% create a spectacular landscape.

Condrieu is also an especially confidential wine appellation: it covers just over 220 hectares and is made exclusively from Viognier. This rarity contributes to its prestige among fine-wine enthusiasts.

A few kilometres away, the slopes of Côte-Rôtie offer another interpretation of the Northern Rhône Valley, centred around Syrah.

Tastings in an intimate setting

In this part of the wine region, booking in advance is often the best way to discover the estates under the right conditions.

Some winemakers welcome visitors on weekends by appointment, such as Domaine Chambeyron in Ampuis and Domaine de Rosiers, while others organise private tastings subject to availability.

This approach is particularly well suited to enthusiasts who want to take their time, talk with the winemaker, understand the different terroirs and taste several cuvées in a private setting.

When wine meets art

One of the emerging faces of wine tourism around Lyon lies precisely in this combination of wine, heritage and creativity.

Beaujolais boasts remarkable architectural heritage, with numerous historic residences and châteaux set amid the vineyards. Several estates are now developing experiences that bring art, architecture and wine into dialogue.

Château Champ-Renard, for example, has cultivated a particularly strong connection with the arts through exhibitions held in its grounds and events combining heritage, artistic creations and wine tastings. Château Bellevue, meanwhile, celebrates its historical links to the Lumière brothers.

This evolution perfectly illustrates the new face of wine tourism: less showy, more experiential, with as much attention paid to the setting as to what is inside the bottle.

A privileged destination for Lyon residents… and newcomers

For international visitors and families discovering Lyon, this proximity is a genuine asset.

Being able to reach exceptional wine-growing landscapes in less than an hour, arrange a private tasting, have lunch at a historic estate or spend a night among the vineyards all contribute to a distinctive Lyonnais art of living.

It is also one of the geographical features that makes the region particularly attractive: the opportunity to enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich city while retaining immediate access to nature, heritage and exceptional gastronomy.

Three getaway ideas from Lyon

For a day: heritage-focused Beaujolais
Leave Lyon in the morning, visit Château de La Chaize, enjoy lunch in the vineyards, then explore a few plots and taste one of the Beaujolais crus.

For a day in the great outdoors: Fleurie
Take a walk through the vineyards of Château de Poncié, discover the different Fleurie terroirs and taste several cuvées. An ideal option in spring or early autumn.

For a private weekend: Côte-Rôtie & Condrieu
Head towards Ampuis, explore the Côte-Rôtie slopes, enjoy a private tasting by appointment and then continue to Condrieu. The following day, take a walk through the vineyards and discover the heritage of the villages along the Rhône Valley.

The art of living less than an hour from Lyon

Wine tourism around Lyon is no longer simply about tasting wine in a cellar. It is a way of discovering a region: its landscapes, homes, history, expertise and the people who keep these traditions alive.

From the grand châteaux of Beaujolais to the dramatic slopes of Condrieu, the countryside around Lyon offers a collection of getaways in which wine becomes the thread connecting a much broader experience.

A precious proximity for Lyon residents, and a genuine asset for those choosing to make the region their home.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health. Please drink responsibly. Visits and tastings must be booked directly with the estates and may be subject to change depending on the season.