Chénas brings together wine, heritage and nature through a range of different themes. The appellation and the red wine share the same name; other highlights include the Circuit de Gargantua, historic traces, forest education and activities related to winegrowing. For trip planning, it is worth noting how varied these highlights are: routes and landscapes sit alongside tastings, an exhibition and a guided tour by appointment.
Wine Profile and Tasting
The Chénas appellation extends across the municipalities of Chénas and La Chapelle-de-Guinchay. Chénas is a red wine with notes of black fruit, peony and spices. The wine theme therefore has two distinct aspects: an appellation that spans two municipalities and a red wine profile with fruity, floral and spicy notes.
The Cave du Château de Chénas includes a 560 m² vaulted cellar dating from the 17th century and operates a wine shop offering tastings of Beaujolais Crus. The building’s history and wine tasting are thus two distinct aspects of the same place. If you plan to include a tasting in your visit, check the current visitor arrangements in advance.
The Circuit de Gargantua: Vineyards, Forest and Heathland
The Circuit de Gargantua is 18 km long and passes through vineyards, forest areas and heathland. The route therefore takes in several types of landscape rather than focusing on just one. Its stated length provides a practical reference when deciding whether to make the circuit a trip in its own right.
The Moulin à Vent windmill is designated a historic monument dating from the 15th century and lies on the circuit. From the Cabane des Chasseurs, the route offers a 360-degree panoramic view. The same circular route thus brings together different highlights: vineyard scenery, a dated monument and a named viewpoint. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Forest Themes and the History of Winegrowing
The Forest Path near Les Hauts de Chénas is an entertaining and educational trail about forest flora and fauna. Its focus differs from that of the Circuit de Gargantua: here, forest plants and animals are at the heart of the experience, while the 18 km route passes through vineyards, forest areas and heathland.
Les Hauts de Chénas also features an exhibition of winegrowing and winemaking tools from the past century. Guided tours of the vineyards and cellar, with commentary, are available by appointment. The exhibition and the tour offer different perspectives: one presents tools from the history of winegrowing, while the other takes visitors through the vineyards and cellar with explanations. Les Hauts de Chénas also offers an exceptional panoramic view from its grounds.
Some remains of the old settlement of Chénas have also survived and can be discovered by visitors. Sélène’s minigolf offers another way to explore the Cru theme: its ten fun holes are each named after a Beaujolais Cru, with one hole dedicated to the wines of the Mâconnais.
The historical references span different periods: the Moulin à Vent is designated a monument dating from the 15th century, the vaulted cellar at the Cave du Château dates from the 17th century, and the exhibition at Les Hauts presents tools from the past century. If you are looking for a hotel in Chénas, these different highlights can help with planning: wine tasting, a route, a forest theme or cultural sites each offer their own focus. The guided tour requires an appointment.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Didier-Sur-Beaujeu, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Saint-Lager, Les Sauvages, Pontcharra-sur-Turdine, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Villefranche Sur Saône, Le Perréon.
For the broader travel overview: Rhône.
