Southern Beaujolais wine country with villages built of golden limestone such as Oingt and Theize; wine tastings at estates, the Chateau de Bagnols and views over the Saone plain. Contact InterBeaujolais for cellar lists.
The Pierres Dorees area of southern Beaujolais lies in the Rhone department of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France, 35 to 45 km north-west of Lyon. It takes its name from the golden limestone used to build villages such as Oingt, whose address on the Place du Marche is the anchor for this trip, and Theize. The vineyards here produce Beaujolais wines, and many estates offer tastings. Getting there is a trade-off. A TER train from Lyon Part-Dieu to Villefranche-sur-Saone takes about 30 minutes and costs around EUR 6 (~$6.70) each way, but a taxi or hired car is then needed to reach Oingt and the cellars. Driving via the A6 and the D338 takes about 45 minutes and is the most flexible option, provided the driver does not drink, so many visitors arrange a designated driver or a local wine-tour operator. A typical day starts with a morning arrival in Oingt to walk the golden-stone lanes, the old market square and the viewpoints over the Saone plain. Late morning is suited to a first tasting at an estate, and lunch can be taken in a village restaurant serving regional dishes such as sausage, local cheeses and Beaujolais reds. The afternoon can include the Chateau de Bagnols or a second cellar, with the drive back to Lyon in the early evening. The best season is April to October; the harvest period in early autumn is lively, while the spring brings fresh green vineyards. Tastings usually need to be arranged ahead, so visitors are advised to contact InterBeaujolais or the estates for cellar lists and opening hours. Roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time, and keep in mind that many cellars close on Sundays or at lunchtime.
| Distance | 35 to 45 km north-west of Lyon |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30 minutes by train to Villefranche; 45 minutes by car to Oingt |
| Getting there | Train (TER from Lyon Part-Dieu to Villefranche-sur-Saone, about 30 minutes, around EUR 6 (~$6.70) each way) then taxi or car hire to the golden-stone villages of Oingt and Theize |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Place du Marche, 69620 Oingt, France |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- About 30 minutes
- Notes
- TER to Villefranche-sur-Saone; local taxis or car hire are needed to reach Oingt and the vineyards.
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 45 minutes
- Notes
- A6 and the D338 to Oingt; best way to visit cellars (designate a non-drinking driver).
Location
Place du Marche, 69620 Oingt, France
45.9272, 4.4635 View on map
Highlights
- Golden-stone villages of Oingt and Theize
- Wine tastings at Beaujolais estates
- Chateau de Bagnols
- Views over the Saone plain from village lanes
- Regional lunch in a village restaurant
Tips for visiting
- Take the TER to Villefranche-sur-Saone only if a taxi or rental car is pre-arranged for the last leg.
- Designate a non-drinking driver or book a local wine-tour operator before tasting.
- Contact InterBeaujolais or the estate ahead to confirm tasting times, as many cellars close at lunch or on Sundays.
- Allow extra time for narrow, winding roads between villages.
- Buy bottles that travel well and carry them in a cool bag in summer.
When to visit
April to October, with late morning tastings and lunch. Autumn harvest is lively but cellars can be busy.
Accessibility
Villages like Oingt have cobbled, sloping lanes, which are difficult for wheelchairs. Some estate cellars have steps; ask the estate in advance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can this area be visited without a car?
Partly: the TER reaches Villefranche-sur-Saone in about 30 minutes, but taxis or a tour are needed for Oingt and the vineyards.
Why are the villages called Pierres Dorees?
They are built of local golden limestone, which glows warm yellow and ochre in sunlight.
Do tastings need booking?
Many estates prefer or require an appointment. Contact InterBeaujolais or the estate directly.