Destination Beaujolais Pierres Dorées
POMMIERS
The site of Pommiers, on the west and east slopes of the last hill in the Beaujolais area, is one of the most pleasant in the whole region and was settled as early as the 10th century. The visit takes in two parts of the commune; first of all start in the village and admire the 12th - 14th century church, the narrow streets and the old houses, then go up to Mont Buisante where you’ll find a 19th century chapel decorated with paintings by Pierre Bruno. While you are on the top of the hill you will be able to drink in the fantastic view that sweeps across the Sa.ne valley and the Monts du Beaujolais.
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 65 63 90contact@mairie-pommiers.fr
JARNIOUX
Château built in golden stones, in the middle of the vineyards, in the late thirteenth century. Very elegant Renaissance building, flanked by seven fourteenth and seventeenth century towers. Open from 07/01 to 07/13 and from 08/16 to 09/30. Visits on mondays, wednesdays and fridays at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm. On tuesdays and thursdays at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am.
Adults : 5€. Children (7 to 15 yrs) : 3€. -7 yrs : free.
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 03 80 85gabclav@wanadoo.fr
COGNY
This fortified house probably dates from the 13th century and occupies a dominant position in this village situated in the heart of Golden Stone Beaujolais country. It is a private residence but the owners will show you round, if you make an appointment, as they are proud of their award winning restoration work. Open Days on the following dates: 5th, 6th April, 1st, 24th, 25th May, 19th and 20th September 2015 from 2 pm to 6 pm. And by appointment, from Easter to November 1st. For schools and groups by appointment.
Adult : 3€. Free : -18 yrs.
Mairie
Tél : 06 80 81 66 44manoir.d.epeisses@gmail.com
OINGT
Oingt is the only village in the county to have been awarded the French accolade ‘Most Beautiful Village’. Dating from the middle ages this fortified hilltop settlement takes the visitor back in time. You can wander through narrow medieval streets and fall under the charm of its classified and beautifully restored monuments. If you go through the gate, Porte de Nizy, you’ll discover streets with romantic sounding names lined with sumptuous golden stone dwellings. Artists and craftspeople abound and there is an Exhibition Centre in the village to showcase their works. Be sure not to miss the tower, the church dedicated to St Matthew and the Mechanical Music Centre. Make a note in your diary of these annual events: Mechanical Music Festival the first weekend in September, Christmas Cribs on display throughout the village from 8th December, temporary exhibitions in the Maison de la Commune (a 15th century grand residence).
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 71 21 24mairie.oingt@free.fr
THEIZE
Perched on the hillside of Mont Bansillon, the village of Theiz. seems to sparkle like a jewel in the sun in the middle of its vine covered italianate landscape. The village has a wealth of stones of all ages: neolithic people left flints, the Romans paving stones, the Medieval population left castles, chapels and sculpted crosses. In the centre of the village you will see the famous Stonemasons’ Guild Cross and the Gothic church. Then if you wander through the narrow streets you will reach the old church and the Ch.teau de Rochebonne with its attractive fa.ade. Several footpaths take you through areas rich in Theiz.’s heritage: 16th century Chapelle St Hippolyte, the hamlet ‘Hameau du Boitier’, Clos de la Plati.re ( where Jean-Marie Roland, Minister of the Interior, lived with his wife Manon. He was guillotined with his Girondin friends in 1793). There are ‘cadoles’ which are small dry stone shelters, a wash house, and a section of the old railway line, Voie du Tacot, which used to link Villefranche to Tarare. Furthermore, don’t forget to visit the Ch.teau de Rapetour.
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 71 22 27secretariat@theize-en-beaujolais.com
BAGNOLS
Only the shape of the village is a reminder that it used to be fortified. Stroll through the village and admire the 15th and 18th century Beaujolais houses with their typical porches, the panoramic views over the surrounding hills. You will also see: the 15th century church, the wash house named after St-Aigues, wells, a dovecote and 12 wayside crosses, the oldest of which (in front of the chapel Saint-Roch) dates back to 1607. Last but not least the magnificent ch.teau dating from the 13th century, between 1217 and 1221 now converted into a luxury hotel and restaurant.
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 71 70 17mairie@bagnols.org
SALLES-ARBUISSONNAS
Le Prieuré
Discover this museum which recounts the beautiful history of Salles Arbuissonnas. Last roman cloister of the Rh.ne ! In march and november, every wednesday, thursday and friday from 2 pm to 5 pm. In april and september, every wednesday, thursday, friday, saturday and sunday from 10 am to 12.30 am and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
Mairie
Tél : 04 74 07 31 94musee.leprieure@agglo-villefranche.fr
Château de Fléchères
Located about an hour's drive north of Lyon, and one of the better-known sites on the Route des Chateaux en Bourgogne du Sud, Flecheres is well worth the visit.
Constructed in the 1630's by a Protestant noble family from Lyon, the chateau was designed to incorporate a protected place of worship as its centrepiece and with living quarters in its wings.
Over the centuries since, the chateau stayed within family hands and was only sold for the first time in the early 1990's. For a brief period of time after that, the chateau was abandoned but it is now In the process of being lovingly restored to its former glory.
Of particular interest are the various frescoes and optical illusions dating from the 1630's. As well, the kitchen, pantries and cellars of the chateau provide an interesting glimpse into the practical aspects of life in times past.
Our guided tour was first-rate: clear, informative, and entertaining.