Lyon: Self-Guided Hike in the Beaujolais (Train & Picnic)

Nestled between the bustling city of Lyon and the picturistic Beaujolais region lies an enthralling self-guided hike that offers a captivating blend of nature and culture. Kick off your adventure with refreshments at Hostel Slo Lyon Saxe before embarking on a scenic train ride to the countryside. Armed with a geolocation app, you’ll navigate through charming villages and lush vineyards, indulging in a delectable homemade picnic along the way. This experience is perfect for those seeking an active yet immersive exploration of the region’s beauty. But the real question is – are you ready to uncover the hidden gems that await?

Key Points

• Self-guided 1-day hike in the scenic Beaujolais region, starting at Lyon and including a 25-minute train ride, a 5-hour hike, and a return train journey.
• Pricing starts at €1,880 per person with a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required.
• Highlights include a homemade picnic, a geolocation app, and audio guides, while requirements include physical fitness and appropriate attire.
• The hike covers 8-12 km through picturesque landscapes, with a warm welcome at the starting point and a comfortable train journey to the Beaujolais region.
• Participants will explore charming villages, vineyards, and scenic paths, immersing in the local culture and savoring regional specialties during the homemade picnic.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This Lyon self-guided hike in the Beaujolais region offers travelers a one-day experience with train transportation and a picnic lunch.

Priced from €1,880 per person, the hike lasts 1 day and is available with check-in times to be verified. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve a spot.

The starting location is 5 Rue Bonnefoi in Lyon, and the hike concludes at Lyon Part Dieu station after a 25-minute return train journey from the Beaujolais.

Itinerary and Experience

The self-guided hike begins with 30 minutes of welcome refreshments at the starting location, 5 Rue Bonnefoi in Lyon.

Participants then embark on a 25-minute train journey to the Beaujolais region.

The hiking portion lasts approximately 5 hours, traversing scenic walking paths through golden stone villages and vineyards.

Upon completion, hikers board a 25-minute return train to the Lyon Part Dieu station.

The experience includes:

1. Audio guide available in French and English
2. Homemade picnic with local ingredients (sandwich, dessert, fruit, water)
3. Tote bag and reusable water bottle
4. Geolocation app for navigation and audio commentaries.

Highlights and Inclusions

The self-guided hike includes several highlights and inclusions that enhance the overall experience.

Upon arrival, you will receive a hot beverage to welcome them. The regional train trips provide a local experience as they journey to the Beaujolais region.

Along the scenic walking paths, hikers will explore golden stone villages and vineyards. A homemade picnic with a sandwich, dessert, fruit, and water is provided, along with a tote bag and reusable water bottle.

To assist with navigation and audio commentaries, a geolocation app is included. These thoughtful inclusions ensure a well-rounded and enriched self-guided adventure in the Beaujolais.

Important Requirements

The self-guided hike‘s important requirements include that it’s not suitable for children under 6, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with low fitness levels.

Participants should be physically fit enough to complete the 8 to 12 km hiking route.

Suggested items to bring include:

1. Sun hat
2. Camera
3. Snacks and water
4. Charged smartphone

In case of train service failure, private transportation will be arranged for a minimum of 4 participants. Below this, the excursion will be cancelled with a full reimbursement.

Recommendations are to wear comfortable shoes, bring 1 liter of water per person, a picnic, weather protection, and a good attitude.

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Meeting Point and Notes

Gathering at the Hostel Slo Lyon Saxe reception desk marks the starting point for this self-guided hike.

Since it’s a self-guided trip, there’s no guide accompanying the group from the welcome location to the railway station. Guests should be mindful of the late arrival policy – no refunds are provided for late arrivals or no-shows at the welcome place or railway station.

To ensure a smooth experience, the organizers recommend bringing comfortable shoes, 1 liter of water per person, a picnic, weather protection, and a positive attitude.

Following these simple guidelines will help participants make the most of their self-guided hike through the stunning Beaujolais countryside.

Train Journey to Beaujolais

After the warm welcome at the Hostel Slo Lyon Saxe, guests board the regional train for the 25-minute journey to the heart of the Beaujolais region.

This scenic train ride offers a local experience, allowing participants to enjoy the countryside.

The train trip includes the following features:

1. Comfortable seating for a relaxing ride
2. Panoramic windows providing picturesque views of the passing vineyards and villages
3. Complimentary audio guide available in French and English
4. Arrival at the designated train station in the Beaujolais, ready to begin the hiking portion of the excursion.

Once the train reaches its destination, guests can disembark and prepare for the next stage of their self-guided hike through the beautiful Beaujolais landscape.

Hiking Through Scenic Paths

Disembarking the train, participants head out on the self-guided hiking portion of the excursion.

The hiking route covers 8 to 12 km of scenic walking paths through picturesque golden stone villages and lush vineyards. Along the way, the geolocation app provides navigation assistance and audio commentaries, allowing hikers to explore the Beaujolais region at their own pace.

The moderate difficulty level of the hike requires a certain level of physical fitness, but the breathtaking views and charming surroundings make the effort worthwhile.

Equipped with a homemade picnic, reusable water bottles, and a tote bag, participants can enjoy the beauty of the French countryside.

Homemade Picnic Basket

Participants receive a homemade picnic basket filled with delectable regional delights. The basket includes:

• A sandwich made with locally-sourced ingredients
• A sweet dessert showcasing the area’s gastronomic specialties
• Fresh seasonal fruit
• A refreshing bottle of water

This picnic spread allows hikers to savor the flavors of the Beaujolais region as they explore the scenic paths and golden stone villages.

The inclusion of the picnic basket enhances the overall experience, providing a chance to fully take in the local culture and cuisine during the self-guided hike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks for the hike, but the tour includes a homemade picnic with local ingredients. It’s recommended to bring additional snacks, water, and weather protection as needed.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Am Unable to Attend?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Beyond that, there are no refunds for late arrivals or no-shows at the meeting location or during the activity.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The minimum group size is 4 participants. There is no maximum group size specified. If the train service fails and there are fewer than 4 participants, the excursion will be cancelled with a full reimbursement.

Can I Extend My Stay in the Beaujolais Region After the Hike?

Yes, you can extend your stay in the Beaujolais region after the hike. The tour company doesn’t provide accommodation, but they can provide recommendations for nearby hotels, inns, or vineyards where you can extend your visit.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, there are discounts available for seniors and students. Customers aged 65 and over can get a 10% discount, while students with valid ID can receive a 15% discount on the tour price.

Sum Up

This self-guided hike through the Beaujolais region near Lyon offers a delightful blend of nature, culture, and cuisine. Enjoy a scenic train journey, explore charming villages and vineyards, and savor a homemade picnic featuring local ingredients. With the help of a geolocation app, you’ll navigate through breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect adventure for those in good physical shape.

You can check availability for your dates here: