Beaujeu gave its name to the Beaujolais. The lords of Beaujeu ruled this land of hills and vineyards in the Middle Ages, and the little town in the valley of the Ardières remained its capital until the role passed to Villefranche. Today it is a quiet place, with a Romanesque church, old houses and a hospice with a fine collection of pharmacy jars, and it takes great pride in its wine. Every November, the release of Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated here with festivities that draw crowds.
The landscape around Beaujeu is one of the most beautiful in the Lyon region. To the east, the vineyards of the famous crus, Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent and others, cover the slopes in neat rows, with stone villages and châteaux scattered among them. To the west, the land rises to the forested hills of the Haut-Beaujolais, with pine and fir forests and the summit of Mont Saint-Rigaud, the highest point of the region.
The riding is excellent. Roads wind through the vineyards and climb into the hills over passes like the Col du Fût d'Avenas, with superb views over the Saône valley to the Alps. The surfaces are generally good, but the roads can be narrow and steep, with tight corners. Watch for tractors in the vineyards, especially during the harvest in September, and for cyclists on the climbs.
Beaujeu has fuel, a few shops, cafés and restaurants, making it a good place for a break. For a wider range of services, Belleville-en-Beaujolais lies a short ride away in the Saône valley. Try a glass of the local wine with your meal, but only once the riding is over for the day.