A two-day itinerary through the châteaux of Beaujolais for the release of Beaujolais nouveau 2026
Beaujolais nouveau 2026: 2 days on the road of châteaux, from Pierres Dorées to crus
For the release of Beaujolais nouveau on 19 November 2026, a two-day itinerary from Bagnols to Jullié: châteaux of golden stone, hilltop fortresses, a mansion attributed to Mansart, and estates where tastings end in the cellar.
Editorial journal · Carte des Châteaux ·
Troisième jeudi de novembre
On Thursday 19 November 2026, just after midnight, Beaujolais nouveau will officially be released. Every year, tens of thousands of visitors flock to the vineyards north of Lyon. Yet most see only the Beaujolais counters and marquees, while its hills conceal one of France’s most surprising landscapes of châteaux: fortresses of golden stone that seem to have captured the autumn light, a classical mansion attributed to Mansart’s designs, a neo-medieval château renamed after a sprayer, and estates where visits end in the cellar. Here is a two-day itinerary, from south to north, from the land of Pierres Dorées to the crus, perfect for the Beaujolais nouveau weekend but enjoyable all autumn.
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The route on the map
From the land of Pierres Dorées to the crus of Beaujolais
The itinerary climbs the vineyards from south to north: the three stops on day one are clustered around Porte des Pierres Dorées, while day two follows the slopes up to the crus.
Markers follow the suggested visiting order. Select a castle to open its page.
Sources
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Day by day
The itinerary
Day 1, morning — Bagnols
Wander through the village of golden stone and admire from the outside the pentagonal fortress of Guichard d’Oingt, now reserved for private events.
Day 1, midday — Jarnioux
The château with six towers and its thirty-metre keep; guided tours at weekends until 31 October 2026, tastings at the estate to be confirmed in November.
Day 1, afternoon — Liergues, château de l’Éclair
Visit and tasting by appointment on weekdays at the former estate of Victor Vermorel, now an experimental domaine.
Day 2, morning — Montmelas
Guided tour of about 1½ hours by appointment, then tasting in the vat room of 1842.
Day 2, midday — Odenas, château de La Chaize
Gardens attributed to Le Nôtre, 108-metre cellar and tasting of three cuvées, by reservation.
Day 2, late afternoon — Beaujeu then Jullié
Sarmentelles wine fair in Beaujeu, then sunset in front of the château de La Roche, best admired from the outside.