by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe

One thing France is famous for many varieties of wine including the Bordeaux, Burgundy Loire Valley and Champagne wines to name but a few. One of the smallest wine regions by area also happens to be one of the biggest wine producing regions volume wise is the legendary Beaujolais Region, just north of Lyon.

The Beaujolais wines are well known throughout the world, but the smooth, mellow, fruity tones of the Beaujolais wines are a clear favorite of not only the locals who produce it, but the French as a whole. The locals and the entire country (as well as wine connoisseurs the world over) eagerly anticipate the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November every year.

The wine is however only one of the draw cards to this part of the world as the whole region is filled with beautiful green rolling hills covered in romantic French vineyards while the laid back lifestyle of the locals and the fresh, flavorsome food also draws people in from all over the world.

The Chateau is Contiki’s own property is hidden in the heart of the Beaujolais Region and is often one of our most popular stops on Concept/Budget Tours while many other tours stop by the Chateau for wine tasting and continue on to stay in Lyon on the southern border of the region. Lyon is considered the home of what is easily the best food in France and one of the worlds great culinary centers.

Places Contiki visits in the Beaujolais Wine Region

• The Chateau
• Lyon