Vauxrenard can be explored through its winegrowing, walking trails and architectural history. The Chemin de Vigne puts the work of a Beaujolais winemaker in the spotlight; trails of different scales lead through the commune or across the Montagne des Aiguillettes. Also worth discovering are the Romanesque church and the protected Domaine du château du Thil. This gives you several different themes to consider when planning your stay: winegrowing, longer hikes, geology and historic buildings.

Wine Trail and Hiking Paths

The 2.8-kilometre Chemin de Vigne was created by local winemakers. Ten information panels explain the work of a Beaujolais winemaker. You can explore the trail independently or with local residents. If you would like a guide, it is best to check in advance whether this option is currently available.

The Sentier Victor offers a different scale: this 100-kilometre hiking trail crosses the Beaujolais, including Vauxrenard and eleven other villages. Three route options let you shorten the full distance and create loops of different lengths. As trail markings should be checked locally, confirm the route before setting off.

The Circuit Par Monts et par Vauxrenard loop starts in the village centre, near the church. For this trail too, it is advisable to check the latest access information locally. The starting point, the Chemin de Vigne’s 2.8-kilometre length and the Sentier Victor’s route through several communities clearly distinguish these trails by their starting points and scope.

A Geological Perspective

The Montagne des Aiguillettes rises to 845 metres and overlooks the commune. A path through the mountain area reveals remarkable geological formations that bear witness to more than 300 million years of Earth’s history. Hiking here therefore offers a geological focus as well as a choice of routes.

The Pierre de Saint Martin adds another point of interest: the sandstone block weighs almost 60 tonnes, is about 240 million years old and is linked to a local legend. Here, a specific geological context and a local tradition come together, though they tell different stories.

Church and Château History

The Église Saint-Martin de Vauxrenard is a Cluniac Romanesque church dating from the 11th century, built by monks from Cluny. It is listed as a historic monument and features stained-glass windows. The church thus combines a clear historical date with a distinctive architectural feature.

The Château du Thil was built in the 15th or 16th century, restored under the Second Empire and fitted with a modern winemaking facility. The Domaine du château du Thil is also protected as a historic monument. This protection covers the château, the stables, the façades and roofs of the outbuildings, as well as the terraces and their retaining walls. The estate therefore encompasses more than the château alone, complementing the church’s architectural history with a different kind of ensemble.

Discover more destinations: Anse, Saint-Jean-Dʼardières, Saint-Nizier-D'azergues, Écully, Pommiers, Saint-Jean-Des-Vignes, Lucenay, Liergues.

For the broader travel guide: Rhône.