The 10 Best Wine hotels in Beaujolais

Beaujolais may be a small region but it is the biggest name in France’s cellar of light, fruity red wines. Famously drunk when young, Beaujolais wines are made from the Gamay grape which grows well on the granite soils of the hilly countryside to the north east of Lyon. The region sits in the Saône valley, in the pocket between the Rhône to the south and Burgundy to the north, and centres on the towns of Fleurie and Villefranche. Our pick of the best wine hotels in Beaujolais are dotted around these towns and numerous other villages. A very broad rule of thumb is that, in general, the quality of the wines increases as you travel north.

For a romantic stay

If you're looking to woo a loved one at the same time as sampling the best of the reds, then our pick of romantic hotels in Beaujolais are for you; from no-holes-barred luxury to a cosy gypsy caravan.

Surrounded by formal gardens - including some delightful topiary - and 80 hectares of vineyards, Château du Pizay at Saint-Jean-d’Ardières, has a choice of sleek contemporary and romantic beamed rooms. Add a gourmet restaurant, a spa and an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards, and chances are you may never leave.

For sheer wanton luxury, Château de Bagnols, near Villefranche, is as good as the name suggests. A fortified country house, with corner towers, its vast rooms shimmer with antiques, painted panels and rich drapes. Dine amidst candlelight or on the romantic terrace with heavenly views over vineyards and lake surrounded by 100-year-old lime trees.

On the banks of the river Saône, just five miles from Villefranche, Le Clos du Chene is a relaxed country house with rooms are full of rustic romanticism: well-worn antiques, polished floor tiles and pretty drapes. There’s even a gypsy caravan if you want a cosy bolthole. An enormous sitting room, with vast fireplace and minstrels’ gallery, makes the perfect spot for post-prandial drinks.

The Best Boutique Wine Hotels in Beaujolais

To the north of the region, Auberge du Paradis is a country house with airy, contemporary rooms - stripped floors, white-on-white, retro finds - and shady terrace for views over vineyards. Relax in the pool before dining from the smart, innovative menu that, literally, spices up traditional dishes.

The Best Vineyard Hotels in Beaujolais

The Château de Pierreclos is a striking château and working vineyard set in beautifully manicured gardens. Five immaculately styled rooms mix traditional and contemporary design, think: soft hues, exposed beams, minimalist furniture and seriously luxurious bathrooms. Sample the estate's wines and explore the glorious landscape.

The Most Peaceful Wine Hotels in Beaujolais

Vers la Croix in charmingly rural Mâcon, is a four room country house with decor that mixes contemporary and traditional styles - think exposed beams, crisp white linen, simple modern furniture and soft hues. The best bathrooms have free standing tubs, and there's a pretty garden and swimming pool too.

The Best Value Wine hotels in Beaujolais

Not all wine hotels in Burgundy are about luxury and excess, we've found a couple that are perfect for those on more modest budgets.

Auberge du Clochemerle, in Vaux-en-Beaujolais in the heart of the region, is an excellent-value spot from which to explore the vineyards. A traditional village inn, with just seven, light and airy, modern-rustic bedrooms, it has great dollops of charm and an unexpectedly good restaurant.

On the northern boundary of the region, La Ferme du Marie-Eugenie is a traditional 18th-century, timber-framed farmhouse set in glorious gardens. Rooms are stripped-back and contemporary, showing off the lovely beams and wooden floors. There’s a cosy lounge and wholesome, relaxed meals. This property is also a good base for exploring southern Burgundy.

The Best Wine Hotels near Beaujolais

Our selection of wine hotels near Beaujolais will suit those on a wider wine tour. The two recommendations below are ideal if you're also planning to explore Burgundy.

Slip inside the gates and step into a fairy-tale at Château d’Igé, near Cluny. Staircases spiral up stone turrets to vast rooms, gracious with antiques, lavish drapes and huge windows overlooking manicured gardens. Despite the grandeur - there’s a whopping dining room with lavish menus - the atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and warm.

One suggestion to consider is to combine a stay in one of these Beaujolais wine hotels with a night or two in Lyon - a city that is a great wine and food-lovers’ centre. If you can't find a property to suit you in our list of the best wine hotels in Beaujolais, or in our recommendations for the best places to stay in Lyon, then you could:

• expand your search to include the 10 best places to stay in Beaujolais?
• expand your search and check out all our recommendations in Burgundy?
• or take a look at our Ultimate Guide to wine hotels in France?
• Or you could refine yoru search to just the best places to stay in Mâcon?
• Alternatively contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

The 10 Best Wine Hotels in Beaujolais

 

Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 25th May 2021