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The 10 Best Wine hotels in Beaujolais

Chateau du Pizay

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.

Chateau du Pizay

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.

Chateau de Bagnois
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.

Le Clos du Chene

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.

Auberge Du Paradis

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.

Chateau de Pierreclos

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.

Vers la Croix

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.

Auberge du Clochemerle

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.

La Ferme du Marie Eugenie

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.

Chateau dIge

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:

The 10 Best Wine Hotels in Beaujolais

  • Auberge de Clochemerle Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Burgundy 7 rooms from €110

    Contemporary  -  Despite the historic exterior, interiors are chic and contemporary with a pared-back colour palette and simple modern furniture
    Good wine list  -  Expect a particularly good selection of Beaujolais wines from local grape varieties. A food and wine pairing is a must
    Foodies  -  The restaurant is the real highlight. Here Michelin starred chef Romain Barthe creates innovative regional cuisine
    Value chic  -  With contemporary design and gourmet dining, the rooms here are very reasonably priced
    TennisRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessViews

    A characterful village inn with an excellent gourmet restaurant in Southern Burgundy. The ten rooms are simple but chic and ooze understated charm; all boast vineyard or garden views. A more affordable spot to explore the Beaujolais region from. See More

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  • La Ferme de Marie-Eugenie Bruailles, Burgundy 4 rooms from €135

    Full of character  -  Expect whitewashed beams, shabby-chic leather chairs, and exposed limestone walls in this characterful country stay
    Country Escape  -  A charming rustic rural retreat with characterful interiors and lovely homemade cuisine
    Short break  -  Set near A39 in eastern France, this is an easy place to break on a trip to the Alps
    Groups  -  With just four rooms, this is a good option to rent out in its entirety
    GardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Traditional 18th century timber frame farmhouse with stunning garden and terrace. Beautiful interiors combine period features with contemporary furnishings. Classic local dishes, regional home cooking and large breakfasts. A cosy lounge and very welcoming - an ideal hideaway for exploring the area. See More

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  • Chateau de Pizay Saint-Jean-d'Ardières, Burgundy 62 rooms from €175

    Spa  -  Large spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, hammam, multi-sensory shower and wide range of treatments
    Wine tasting  -  The property offers a wine history walk in the park and wine-initiation course in the vineyard
    Foodies  -  The restaurant serves innovative modern dishes using produce from the region
    Garden  -  The formal gardens set amid 80 hectares of vineyards are a real highlight
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A historic chateau surrounded by acres of vineyards in the heart of Beaujolais territory. It has everything - a spa, a gourmet restaurant, fabulous rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and a beautifully manicured garden. With wine tours on site, this is a classic Burgundy stay perfect for couples. See More

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  • Château de Bagnols Beaujolais, Burgundy 27 rooms from €263

    Spa breaks  -  Indulge yourself with a steam in the Hammam followed by hot stone massages, mud wraps and eye masks — what more could you want?
    Romantic Break  -  The French formal gardens, stunning views, couples' spa treatments and fairytale interiors ooze romance and glamour
    Foodies  -  The Michelin-starred 1217 serves up inventive and exciting dishes with a local influence
    Cooking classes  -  Cooking classes are available from the in-house world class chefs
    TennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Relais & Chateaux

    Medieval Château oozing romance and elegance making a hideaway luxury hotel. Celestial views over the vines and towards the lake from beautiful bedrooms. Enjoy the dishes at the restaurant, explore the spa treatments and walk under the 100-year-old lime trees on the terrace. A romantic's paradise. See More

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  • Vers La Croix Mâcon 5 rooms from €140

    Self catering  -  There is the option of renting a separate self-catering cottage that sleeps up to nine people — ideal for groups or families
    Wine tasting  -  Set between the crossroads of the Beaujolais and Burgundy vineyards, there is plenty to choose from on a tasting trip
    Local exploring  -  Boasting a tranquil rural location yet still within easy access of Mâcon, Cluny, Lyon, Tournus and Beaune
    Artworks  -  The hotel holds a permanent exhibition of street-art from the Mathgoth Gallery
    Swimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A charming country house set in a picturesque part of rural Burgundy. Rooms mix contemporary and traditional styles with exposed beams, crisp white linen, simple modern furniture and soft hues. The best bathrooms have free standing tubs. There's a pretty garden and swimming pool too. See More

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  • Château de Pierreclos Mâcon (Burgundy) 5 rooms from €190

    Wine tasting  -  The hotel has been making wine for generations. Take a guided tour of the vineyards & cellar before enjoying a sampling session
    Families  -  There are two family suites, the larger of which comfortably sleeps five across two rooms — an easy base for families
    Country Escape  -  An elegant chateau set within beautifully kept grounds and vineyards, a classic rural French escape
    Cycling  -  The quiet lanes and off road tracks are ideal for cycling enthusiasts
    Swimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    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. See More

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  • Auberge du Paradis Mâcon 9 rooms from €170

    Quirky  -  From the funky design to the innovative cuisine, this hotel is something a little different to your classic Burgundy stay
    Contemporary  -  A traditional house that has hade a contemporary makeover; expect modern furniture and eclectic décor
    Cycling  -  The quiet roads and picturesque countryside make this a great base for a cycling holiday
    Local exploring  -  Well placed to explore Tournus and the vineyards of southern Burgundy
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    A lovely country house hotel surrounded by vineyards and flower fields. Contemporary chic interiors feature modern furniture and pale wood floors. An innovative restaurant uses lots of spice with traditional ingredients. Complete with a swimming pool, wine tasting, and lovely gardens. A chic stay. See More

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  • Château d'Igé Igé, Burgundy 16 rooms from €119

    Sights nearby  -  Just 12km from Cluny in Southern Burgundy and its Romanesque churches, vineyards and highly acclaimed local produce
    Foodies  -  Regional cuisine is excellent here with delicacies including the likes of pan-fried escalopes of duck foie gras
    Historic  -  A grand medieval chateau built in the reign of King Saint-Louis (in 1235) that's been beautifully renovated
    Total relaxation  -  Pamper yourself with spa treatments, impeccable service, luxurious four-poster beds and wonderful food
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    A fortified château with pristine gardens and friendly service. Fairytale turrets with spiral staircases and stone-flagged floors house pretty pastel bedrooms with vast beds and antique furnishings. Fantastic food best enjoyed on the leafy terrace. An idyllic country escape. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 25th May 2021