Beaujolais Festival

Every third Thursday in November, the festival of the new Beaujolais wine takes place throughout France. From this day on, the wine is ripe and sales are allowed. For this occasion, countless events are held in the land of Beaujolais. Traditionally, the first sale begins at the festival in Beaujeu, where the first barrels are tapped at midnight. Winemakers open their wine cellars late into the night to present their best wines to the many visitors.

Day 1 | Arrival in Mâcon

Departure in the morning and drive to France. In the afternoon, you will reach your hotel in Mâcon. Located on the banks of the Saône River, the city presents a southern character with its colorful facades and roofs made of round tiles. After room allocation, enjoy a joint dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 | Mâcon – Cluny – Beaujolais Festival

In the morning, you will walk with your tour guide towards the historic center. There, you will learn many interesting facts about the history and present of Mâcon. At lunchtime, our bus driver will pick you up in the old town and take you to Cluny. There, you will visit the world-famous Benedictine Abbey, which influenced not only religious life but also politics and art throughout Europe. Then, continue along small country roads to Curbigny, where you will visit the beautiful Château Drée with its magnificent 10-hectare park. In the evening, drive to Beaujeu for the highlight of the trip. You will attend the Beaujolais Festival. Accompanied by accordion music, you will enjoy a typical Beaujolais dinner with fruity Beaujolais red wine in the festival tent. Around 11:00 PM, the torchlight procession of the winemakers' guild will begin to the village center, where the wine barrel will be tapped at midnight. Afterwards, return to the hotel in nearby Mâcon.

Day 3 | Beaujolais Wine Route

Today is all about sleeping in. After a late breakfast, you will start your excursion to the Golden Beaujolais around noon, to the charming medieval village of Oingt, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The “Vignerons des Pierres Dorées” at the entrance to the village sell the rare and affordable white Beaujolais. In the late afternoon, you will visit the Hameau du Vin (Wine Museum). Its owner, Georges Duboeuf, is one of the most renowned wine merchants in France with an annual turnover of 30 million bottles. Experience a wonderful journey into the world of vines and wine. A tasting, of course, must not be missed! For dinner, you will return to your hotel.

Day 4 | Return Journey

Perhaps with some wine in your luggage – but definitely with many beautiful memories – you will leave Mâcon after breakfast and begin your journey home.

• Travel by modern coach
• 3x overnight stays including breakfast at the
  4-star Mercure Hotel in Mâcon
• 2x dinner at the hotel
• 1x typical Beaujolais dinner with self-service in Beaujeu including wine and accordion music
• Full-day tour guide on the excursion
  "Mâcon – Cluny – Beaujolais Festival"
• Admission to the Abbey of Cluny
• Admission to the Château Drée in Curbigny
• Full-day tour guide on the excursion "Beaujolais Wine Route"
• Visit to the Hameau du Vin wine museum in Romaneche including tasting
• City tour in Mâcon
• City tax
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment

The hotel is easily accessible on the wine route between Maconnais and Beaujolais. The comfortable rooms are all equipped with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, telephone, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and safe. The restaurant treats you to seasonal cuisine with local products. Additionally, a pool invites you to relax after an eventful day.