Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town (9:00 am to 5:15 pm – Small Group Tour Lyon

If you’re considering a day trip from Lyon that combines wine, history, and picturesque villages, this Beaujolais & Pérouges Small Group Tour might just be your perfect match. It’s highly rated—boasting a 5-star average from 45 reviews—and seems to hit the sweet spot for travelers who want a personal touch without sacrificing the highlights of the region.

What we love about this experience is how it balances fantastic wine tastings with visits to quaint, historic towns that you might not stumble upon on your own. Plus, the chance to enjoy a family-owned winery, with a guide who can share insights about the local terroir, adds authenticity. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour runs about 8 hours, so it’s a full day, but the pace is manageable and well-organized.

A potential consideration is the price—at roughly $161 per person, it’s a sizable investment, but considering it includes private transport, guided visits, and wine tastings, many find it offers good value. This experience tends to attract travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy, love wine, and want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. If you’re after a personalized, relaxed day that hits the highlights of southern Beaujolais and charming Pérouges, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Intimate Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers for a personalized experience
• Wine Tasting: Sample 4-5 wines at a family winery, including white, rosé, and red options
• Historic Villages: Visit scenic medieval towns like Oingt and Pérouges
• Scenic Routes: Drive through villages built of ochre stones and rolling vineyard landscapes
• Cultural Insight: Learn about local wine-making traditions from the winemaker himself
• Flexible Free Time: Enjoy independent strolls and local treats during stops

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour kicks off early, with guides meeting you at Lyon’s Bellecour Square, a central spot easily accessible via public transportation. From there, you board an air-conditioned 8-seater minivan, which makes for a comfortable ride and an intimate setting—ideal for engaging with your guide and fellow travelers.

The Golden Stones Country & Châtillon d’Azergues

Within minutes, you’re whisked away to Châtillon d’Azergues, a small town marked by its 13th-century castles and fortifications. It’s a quick stop, but enough to appreciate the medieval architecture and take some photos of the walls and views.

Exploring Oingt

Next, you cross through a series of ochre-hued villages—Chessy Les Mines and Bagnols among them—until you arrive at Oingt, a highlight of this trip. Recognized as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Oingt offers a perfect snapshot of medieval charm. You’ll stroll along its main street, visit the Saint Mathieu church, and take in spectacular views of vineyards and rolling hills.

Many reviews highlight the beauty of these villages, with one noting, “The view of the misty valley landscape from up on the hills was a beautiful spectacle.” That’s exactly what you’ll find as you walk through these tiny towns, feeling like you’ve stepped back in time.

Visiting a Family Winery in Moire

The tour’s highlight for many is the stop at a family-owned vineyard in Moire. Here, you get to meet the winemaker, see the vineyards firsthand, and learn about the wine-making process. It’s a chance to taste several Beaujolais wines—including white, rosé, and reds—in an informal, friendly setting.

One guest remarked, “The highlight was visiting his family’s winery and learning more about Beaujolais,” which captures how this private visit adds a personal touch to the day. The guide’s knowledge about the terroir and traditions enriches the experience, making the tasting more than just sipping wine—it’s about understanding the story behind each glass.

Lunch in Beaujolais

Midday, you’ll stop for lunch in a traditional bistrot—menus start from 20 euros, so not included in the tour cost. Your guide is there to translate and explain, making sure you get a taste of regional cuisine, which often includes hearty dishes paired with local wines. Many travelers love this part, appreciating the chance to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

The Medieval Town of Pérouges

After lunch, it’s a scenic 45-minute drive to Pérouges, often called a “petite Toscana” for its charming streets and stone houses. This town is essentially a living museum—streets paved with cobblestones, houses dating from the 13th to 16th centuries, and a landscape of rolling hills and vineyards.

The tour allocates around 30 minutes for free exploration, which many guests use to browse craft shops, try the local “galette” (a regional pancake), or just enjoy wandering through the historic streets. If you’re a film buff, you might recognize Pérouges from movies like “The 3 Musketeers,” as it’s been used for filming multiple times.

Returning to Lyon

The day wraps up with a comfortable drive back to Lyon, arriving by around 5:15 pm, giving you the evening free to explore or relax.

What the Reviews Say

The strong praise from previous travelers emphasizes how knowledgeable and personable the guides are. Several mention the extraordinary views and the delicious wines—a mix that keeps the experience engaging. One reviewer said, “Sebastián was very knowledgeable, and we had a wonderful day in the villages,” capturing the tour’s educational and scenic appeal.

Guests also love the small-group atmosphere, which creates a relaxed environment for questions and conversation. The combination of beautiful villages and authentic wine tasting is repeatedly highlighted as making this day trip stand out.

Some noted that the timing was just right—not too rushed, with enough time at each stop for photos, browsing, and tasting. The lunch is often described as enjoyable, with local cuisine that complements the wine-tasting experience.

Downsides & Considerations

The main downside could be the length of the day—at over 8 hours, it’s a full commitment, so if you prefer more relaxed mornings or shorter trips, it might feel a bit long. Also, lunch isn’t included, so budgeting an extra 20 euros or more is necessary. The price point may seem high for some, but it covers private transportation, expert guiding, and wine tastings, which many feel makes it worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is great for wine lovers keen on exploring Beaujolais in a more personal setting. It’s perfect if you like charming villages and history, and want a guided experience that balances education with leisure. Since it’s limited to 8 people, it’s especially suited for travelers who prefer a more intimate, less touristy vibe.

It’s also ideal for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking around small towns. If you’re traveling with friends or a couple who enjoy wine, history, and scenic drives, this tour ticks all those boxes.

FAQ

• What is the starting point for this tour? The tour begins at the Office of Tourism and Congress of Lyon, located on Bellecour Square, Lyon’s central hub.
• Is transportation provided? Yes, you’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned 8-seater minivan, which makes the trip cozy and manageable.
• How long does the tour last? The entire experience runs about 8 hours and 15 minutes, from 9:00 am to around 5:15 pm.
• Are lunch and wine tastings included? Lunch is not included in the price, but wine tastings at the winery are part of the package, with 4-5 wines sampled.
• How many wines will I taste? Expect to taste 4 to 5 different wines, including white, rosé, and red.
• Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for adults, especially given the wine tastings, but older children interested in the scenery and history might enjoy it as well.
• Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.
• What language is the guide in? Guides speak both English and French.
• Do I need to worry about transport back to Lyon? No, the tour ends back at the original meeting point in Lyon, so you can make your own way from there.
• Is the group size small? Absolutely—maximum of 8 travelers—allowing for a more personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded day of wine tasting, scenic villages, and historic towns, this Beaujolais & Pérouges small-group tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate small, intimate group sizes and want to learn from knowledgeable guides. The combination of vineyard visits, delicious regional cuisine, and medieval charm makes for a memorable day outside Lyon.

While it’s a bit of a splurge, many travelers find the quality of the experience—personalized guidance, excellent wine, and stunning scenery—justifies the cost. It’s a chance to really get a taste of France’s countryside and history without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

This tour offers a blend of relaxation, education, and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just love exploring charming towns, it’s a trip worth considering for your time in Lyon.