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

A comprehensive look at the Beaujolais & Pérouges Medieval Town Tour from Lyon

This small-group tour from Lyon is a delightful way to spend a day exploring France’s most picturesque wine region and one of its best-preserved medieval towns. For around 8 hours and just $161.39 per person, you’ll visit charming villages, taste local wines, and step back in time with a guided walk through Pérouges. The tour is designed for small groups — a maximum of eight people — which means you get a more intimate, personalized experience.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to enjoy private wine tastings at a family winery — an experience that feels authentic and behind-the-scenes. The second highlight is strolling through medieval Pérouges, where cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses make you feel like you’ve traveled to a different era.

A possible consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of driving, including a 45-minute ride to Pérouges, so if you’re sensitive to long periods in a van, it’s worth considering. Still, if you’re keen to combine scenic countryside, wine, and history in one day, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate local culture, love wine tasting, and want a relaxed way to explore beyond Lyon’s city limits. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy small-group tours, where the guide’s attention and flexibility add a lot of value.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Authentic Wine Tasting: Visit a family-owned winery and sample multiple Beaujolais wines, including whites, rosés, and reds.
• Charming Villages: Explore picturesque medieval towns like Oingt with panoramic views and authentic architecture.
• Historical Pérouges: Walk through cobblestone streets with houses dating from the 13th to the 16th centuries, and learn about French history.
• Flexible Free Time: Enjoy 30 minutes in Pérouges for independent exploration, shopping, or tasting local specialties.
• Comfortable Transportation: The 8-seater air-conditioned minivan makes the journey comfortable and intimate.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Departure

The tour begins early at the Lyon Office of Tourism at Bellecour Square, one of the city’s most iconic spots. Meeting there at 8:50 am, you’ll get introduced to your guide, who will be your companion for the day. The group size is intentionally kept small — just up to eight travelers — which allows for a more flexible and engaging experience.

The Scenic Drive to Beaujolais

Once on board the comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, the journey kicks off with a short drive to Châtillon d’Azergues, a charming medieval town surrounded by walls and 13th-century castles. It’s a quick stop, just 10 minutes, but enough to admire the history and architecture that set the tone for exploring the region.

Discovering Oingt: One of France’s Most Beautiful Villages

After Châtillon, the route winds through medieval towns built in ochre-colored stones, including Chessy Les Mines and Bagnols. The highlight is Oingt, a village listed among the 157 most beautiful in France. As you wander its main street, you’ll see quaint houses, visit the Saint Mathieu church, and enjoy sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards.

This stop, lasting about 35 minutes, is perfect for photos, strolling, and soaking up the authentic atmosphere. Many reviewers rave about Oingt’s unique charm, with comments like, “the villages on the route to the vineyard were unique,” and “the view of the misty valley landscape was a beautiful spectacle.”

Visiting the Family Winery: Tasting Beaujolais

Next, you’ll visit Moire, a family-run vineyard where the owner welcomes you with warmth. Here, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at wine production, from inspecting vineyards to understanding the terroir — the soil, climate, and traditions that give each wine its character.

Your guide will facilitate tastings of 4-5 wines, including white, rosé, and red Beaujolais. Many guests mention how this personal touch makes the experience special, “visiting his family’s winery and learning more about Beaujolais,” as one reviewer puts it. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it feel less like a commercial stop and more like visiting friends.

Lunch in Beaujolais

The tour pauses for a traditional regional meal in a “bistrot” restaurant, with menus starting around 17 euros. While lunch isn’t included in the price, your guide will help translate and explain the dishes, which typically feature local ingredients and flavors. This is a great opportunity to savor the region’s culinary side and ask your guide about regional food traditions.

Afternoon in Pérouges

After lunch, the journey continues with a scenic 45-minute drive to Pérouges, a well-preserved medieval town that has been used as a backdrop for films like The Three Musketeers. As you walk on cobblestone streets, you’ll see houses from the 13th to 16th centuries, each telling its own story.

You’re given about 30 minutes of free time to explore independently. Many visitors comment on how the town feels like a living museum, perfect for photos and souvenir shopping. You might try a local pancake called “galette” — a sweet treat not included in the tour but popular among visitors.

Return to Lyon

At 5:15 pm, your guide will take you back to Bellecour Square, completing a day filled with scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious wines. Many reviews mention how smoothly the day runs, with “the amount of time at each place being perfect” and “the van being very good.”

The Value of This Tour

While the price of around $161.39 may seem modest compared to private experiences, it offers significant value. You get expert guiding, which enhances understanding and appreciation of the region’s history and wine. The small group size fosters a relaxed, personal atmosphere, ideal for conversations and questions.

The wine tasting alone, featuring 4-5 different wines, is a highlight that many find worth the cost, especially when compared to the high prices of tastings in larger wineries. Plus, the chance to explore authentic villages and a medieval town on foot makes this a well-rounded experience.

Considering the included transportation, guide, and tastings, you’re getting a comprehensive look at Beaujolais and Pérouges without the hassle of self-driving or organizing logistics — perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy small-group settings and want to combine wine, history, and scenic countryside. If you appreciate authentic experiences over large bus tours, you’ll find this more meaningful. It’s perfect if you’re interested in regional wines, medieval architecture, or simply want a leisurely day outside Lyon with plenty of opportunities for photos and conversations.

It also suits those who prefer guided commentary to enrich their experience. Reviewers emphasize how knowledgeable and attentive the guides are, making the day both educational and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 9:00 am and returning around 5:15 pm.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Lyon Office of Tourism in Bellecour Square and ends back there, making it easy to connect with other city activities.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are regional menus starting at around 17 euros in local restaurants. The guide can help translate and explain dishes.

How many people are in the group?
The maximum is 8 travelers, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

What is included in the price?
Transportation in a comfortable 8-seater minivan, guiding in English and French, and wine tastings of 4-5 wines.

Are the wines tasted locally produced?
Yes, they are from a family-owned winery in Beaujolais, offering authentic and high-quality options.

Can I explore Pérouges on my own?
Yes, you get about 30 minutes of free time after the guided walk to explore shops, try local treats, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While wine tasting is part of the experience, the focus on sightseeing and history makes it suitable for most travelers, but non-drinkers should notify the guide beforehand to tailor the experience if needed.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a day trip that combines Scottish countryside charm, historic villages, and excellent wine, this tour from Lyon offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience. You’ll appreciate the small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and the authentic taste of Beaujolais wines. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to relax, learn, and indulge in local culture without the stress of self-planning.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast eager to learn about regional varieties or a history buff eager to walk through centuries-old streets, this tour provides a taste of everything in a friendly, manageable package. Just remember to bring your curiosity and a camera — the views and stories will stay with you well beyond the day.