Characterful Villages Around the Gîte
Located in Chamelet, in the heart of Green Beaujolais, our gîte is perfectly placed to explore the region’s most emblematic villages. A few minutes by car will take you through the cobbled lanes of Oingt, classified among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, to admire Ternand’s medieval fortifications or gaze upon the golden stone façades of Theizé.
Further afield, be charmed by the refined elegance of Bagnols, dominated by its 13th-century castle, or by the panoramic vistas of Charnay, a true balcony over the Beaujolais hills. Each village offers a unique atmosphere, authenticity, history, and nature, where you can visit family‑run cellars, sample local vintages, meet passionate artisans, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through rolling landscapes.
Whether for a romantic getaway, a family outing, or an oenological retreat, the surroundings of the gîte promise an unforgettable immersion in the Beaujolais way of life.
Which Villages to Visit Around the Gîte?
Oingt – Medieval Village
📍 Oingt, 69620
Oingt, officially classified among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, is a medieval jewel perched in the Pierres Dorées. Its cobblestone streets, golden stone houses, ancient tower, and artisan workshops make it a must‑visit for lovers of authenticity, history, and vineyard landscapes.
Ternand – Medieval Town
📍 Ternand, 69620
Ternand, a preserved medieval hilltop village, captivates with its ramparts, Romanesque church, and cobblestone lanes overlooking the Azergues Valley. Classified as a “Small Town of Character,” it hosts the annual Médiévales de Ternand festival with costumes, performances, artisan markets, and reenactments that bring the Middle Ages to life.
Chamelet – Charming Village
📍 Chamelet, 69620
Located in the lush Azergues Valley, Chamelet is a peaceful village surrounded by hills and forests. Its charm lies in flower‑lined lanes, traditional golden stone houses, and a quaint bridge over the Azergues. It’s perfect for quiet walks, blending discreet heritage and generous nature away from the tourist bustle.
Theizé – Golden Stone Village
📍 Theizé, 69620
Perched on the Beaujolais heights, Theizé is one of the region’s iconic villages of the Pierres Dorées. It enchants with uniform architecture, ochre‑gold façades, and narrow lanes winding between vineyards and hills. The village also hosts art exhibitions in historic venues and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding slopes, blending rural authenticity with discreet elegance.
Château de Bagnols – Bagnols
📍 Bagnols, 69620
Bagnols is a prestigious village whose elegance rests on its architectural heritage, notably the famous Château de Bagnols, a 13th-century fortress converted into a luxury hotel. Cobblestone streets, hillside vineyards, and golden stone houses give it a postcard charm. Perfect for a romantic escape, Bagnols marries refinement, history, and joie de vivre amid the vineyards.
Charnay – Panoramic Village
📍 Charnay, 69380
Nicknamed the “Balcony of Beaujolais”, Charnay offers exceptional views of the Monts du Lyonnais and the Saône Valley. This authentic wine village charms with rolling landscapes, golden stone houses, and tranquility. It’s beloved by hikers, food lovers, and photographers seeking a bright yet serene natural setting.
