While Lyon’s urban charm is undeniable, some of the region’s most magical moments require leaving the city limits. Just a short drive away lies a countryside that feels suspended in time, where medieval history and rolling vineyards meet.
If you are looking to escape the crowds and experience the breathtaking French countryside on your own terms, this custom day trip combines a perfectly preserved medieval fortress with the warm, sun-drenched hills of the Beaujolais “Pierres Dorées” (Golden Stones) region.
Here is how to experience this stunning area like a true insider.
Part 1: Step Back into the Middle Ages in Pérouges
Perched on a hill northeast of Lyon, Pérouges is a spectacular walled medieval village that looks so authentic it has served as the backdrop for numerous historical films. Entering through its heavy stone gates feels like stepping straight into the 14th century.
Exploring the Quiet Cobblestones
To truly appreciate Pérouges, timing is everything. Arrive mid-morning before the day-trippers arrive. Walk along the double ring of ramparts, admire the timber-framed houses, and make your way to the central square, home to a majestic linden tree planted during the French Revolution.
Because the streets are paved with uneven, rounded river stones (galets), a private guide is highly recommended to help you navigate the village’s hidden corners and share the fascinating stories of the weavers and craftsmen who once made this village thrive.
The Signature Treat: You cannot leave Pérouges without trying the Galette de Pérouges. This local delicacy is a thin, warm yeast pastry topped with caramelized butter and sugar, often served straight from a wood-fired oven. Pair a slice with a glass of Cerdon, a light, sparkling rosé from the nearby Bugey region, for the perfect mid-morning pause.
Part 2: The Warm Glow of the “Pierres Dorées”
After a morning in the Middle Ages, head west into the southern Beaujolais region. Often referred to by locals as “The French Tuscany,” this area is famous for its rolling hills, winding roads, and villages built entirely from a unique yellow limestone that glows a brilliant ochre-gold in the sunlight.
Oingt: A Golden Jewel
Your main stop in this region should be Oingt, officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This medieval hilltop hamlet is a haven for local artists, potters, and sculptors who have set up cozy ateliers in the golden-stone houses.
- What to do: Climb to the top of the 12th-century keep for a panoramic, 360-degree view of the Azergues Valley and the surrounding vineyards.
- The Custom Experience: Enjoy a quiet, gourmet lunch on the terrace of a local bistro overlooking the valley, featuring seasonal dishes paired with a crisp, refreshing Beaujolais Blanc (made from Chardonnay).
Part 3: An Exclusive Tasting with a Boutique Winemaker
To round out your day, bypass the commercial estates and let a private driver take you down the quiet backroads to a small, family-owned vineyard.
Forget what you might know about cheap, mass-produced “Beaujolais Nouveau.” The passionate, independent winemakers of the region are producing incredibly elegant, expressive, and terroir-driven wines—mostly using the Gamay grape for reds and Chardonnay for whites.
During a private cellar tour, you will have the chance to descend into cool, vaulted stone cellars, taste directly from the oak barrels, and discuss the nuances of the local soil with the winemaker. It is a deeply personal, unhurried experience that highlights the true spirit of French hospitality.
