A distinctive way to discover Ampuis is through the wine-growing landscape of Côte-Rôtie. The cultivated terraces on the steep slopes are called “chailles” or “Chayets”; the stone walls that support them are known as “cheys”. The terms refer to two elements of the same landscape: the terraced plots and their retaining walls. This makes it possible to understand wine-growing in Ampuis both as work on the slopes and as a defining feature of the landscape. Events, wineries and a museum explore the subject further, while a cycling route and architectural history offer other perspectives.

Wine-making traditions: market, history and visits

The Marché aux vins d'Ampuis lasts four days and takes place at the salle polyvalente in Ampuis. Since 1928, it has been held on the Sunday in January closest to the feast of Saint Vincent. As the exact date varies each year, check the dates and event details for that year's edition before travelling. If you are making the market the focus of your trip, plan around this changing January date rather than a fixed calendar day.

Domaine Guigal was founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal. Domaine Gallet offers winery tours and wine tastings; check booking arrangements before travelling. The distinction is useful when deciding what to focus on: Domaine Guigal is notable for its historic founding in Ampuis, while Domaine Gallet offers a specific visitor experience.

Tours and cultural history

The Côte-Rôtie Tour explains the terroir and wine-making know-how along a guided route. If you plan to take this tour, check the current route details, as its content may change. This offers a way to explore wine-making traditions not only through a winery or tasting, but also through the themes covered along the route.

The Musée du Caveau traces the history of wine-growing, oenology and cooperage over the centuries. Its tasting area showcases wines from four major Rhône Valley houses. The museum's history and tasting area therefore offer two different perspectives: the long history of cultivation and craftsmanship, and wines from different houses. As access, participating houses and tasting arrangements may change, check the details before your visit.

The ViaRhôna cycling route passes through Ampuis, offering a way to discover the town's landscape, vineyards and gastronomy. It brings these themes together along a cycling route, rather than focusing solely on wine-growing. Route conditions can change; check the latest information before setting off.

The Église Sainte-Baudille also adds a cultural and historical dimension: it was built between 1572 and 1577. This extends Ampuis's appeal beyond wine landscapes and gastronomy to include architectural history.

Route No. 3, “Les Châtaigniers”, in Ampuis is listed as taking 3 hours and 45 minutes. This specific time estimate can help with planning; it may be revised, so it is worth checking again before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Vauxrenard, Saint-Bonnet-Le-Troncy, Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, Courzieu, Orliénas, Dommartin, Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, Saint-Didier-Sur-Beaujeu.

For the broader travel overview: Rhône.