Robert de Témont mentioned the place in 1240, bequeathing a complete

wine route
Beaujolais
5 The Clémentine Fountain
The history of the name « Clémentine » comes from an anecdote.
In 1831, the mayor of Beaujeu wanted to build a fountain at this same
place, and pure water would come from the hill of Pierre-Aigüe, the hill
in which the castle of the Lords of Beaujeu is located. The mayor wrote
to King Louis-Philippe, who gave him fifty louis (gold coins). Just as the
Beaujolais King was writing back to the mayor, his daughter, princess Clémentine
Quincié-en- was looking over his shoulders. The price for her curiosity was set by the
king to twenty-five louis, which the princess had to take from her own
cash box, as an offering. Since then, the square and the fountain, located
where was the former Pont-Guillot, has been named after her.
+ devoted to the sick and to the Chapel. The hospital is still operational;
CLÉMENTINE OF ORLÉANS
Daughter of King Louis-Philippe, Clémentine of Orléans lived at the end
Durette
Régnié- of the 19th century. She was a brilliant woman, with great beauty and
great ambition. She married a prince from the Saxe-Coburg House.
Her son Prince Ferdinand became King of Bulgaria. He would often
Lantignié send his mother as an emissary to meet with other European courts.
On the ancient girl school frontage, currently a primary school, you can
Beaujeu observe the Lords of Beaujeu blazon and the motto of the city and the
Lords: “All comers, Beaujeu” for the city, and “Fort! Fort!” for the Lords
Morgon (which means a fort but also “strong” in French). The blazon of the Lords
Villié- is: “Or, a lion sable armed and langued Gules”.
bed to the Hôtel-Dieu. This person is mentioned first in the benefactors list,
engraved on the walls of the covered gallery. Two large plaques draw up the
list. Donations through the ages included beds, money but also… vineyards.
In 1792, in the year V of the Republican calendar, the first wine sale of the
Hospices of Beaujeu took place. These sales were called “candle auction”
(the auction stops if there is no higher bid before the end of the candle. If
there is a higher bid before, you light another candle), and took place until
2007. These auctions in the hospital of Beaujeu would have been the oldest
“candle auction” charity sale in the world. 67 years before the famous sale of
the Hospices of Beaune. A reflexion is ongoing to organize it again.
In the hospital, you will find the ancient apothecary shop of the nuns
visits will be organized soon.
+
THE HOSPICES OF BEAUJEU DOMAIN
Since 1240 to nowadays, about 250 benefactors enabled to create
and maintain the general hospital of Beaujeu thanks to their
financial donations, or donations of buildings, vineyards and woods,
expanding the Hospices of Beaujeu Domain over years. The wine-
growing region has been developed especially since the 1730s. With
the transport routes being developed, the wine trade has known a
new rise and the hospital was selling its wine production every year.
The local hospital of Beaujeu is today owner of a winegrowing domain
of about 80 hectares, and of a forestry domain of 90 hectares.

Take the street “Rue des Ecoles”, and you will notice two half-timbering After the hospital, bypass the post office taking the street on the right. Take the
houses on your way, at the street numbers n°153 and n°168. Just before street along the Ardières river (Rue du Dr Giraud), to reach your starting point.
turning left, observe the large house made of stone on your right. It was
built in 1790 with stones from the collegiate church of the Beaujeu Chapter,
Chiroubles
9 Wine in Beaujeu

destroyed during the French Revolution. Take the street “Rue du Pont des
Pénitents” (a reference to the white penitents who gathered there), reach
the “Rue des écharmeaux”, and then turn left along the Ardières river.
HISTORIC CAPITAL OF BEAUJOLAIS (Option: if you turn to the right; after 280m, you will observe a statue of Gnafron:
Originally a puppet from Lyon created by Laurent Mourguet. He takes the centre
BEAUJEU stage on a stone barrel, in front of a fresco all in colour where he appears with
Welcome
On the town hall square (Place de l’Hôtel de ville), the temple of
Bacchus reminds us of the main activity in the region: wine production.
If Beaujolais is written with an “s”, it is because there are 12. From south
to north: Beaujolais, Beaujolais-village, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Régnié,
Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Chénas, Juliénas and Saint-
Amour which indicates the north limit of the Beaujolais region, at the

TO BEAUJEU
Guignol, in a décor where the Beaujolais region and Lyon is mixed). Mâconnais region borders. In the same building, in the town hall cellars,
After 200m, at the street number 122 on the “Rue de la République”, to the discover the Comptoir Beaujolais: a wine cellar where you can taste all
right, take the small street, the “Rue Philippe Burnot”. Beaujolais appellations, including white wine and rosé.

•FREE VISIT GUIDEBOOK• 6 The Paradis Bridge
You are now on the Pont Paradis (literally meaning “Paradise bridge” in
French), across the Ardières river. Taking advantage of the motive force of
the river with mechanization during the 19th century, many industries settled
here, especially tanneries. This hand-crafted activity was also closely related
to shoemaking. The evolution of production entrained the loss of many
artisans, mainly replaced by factories. The last factory shut down in 1956.
Up there, the viaduct enables to bypass the city by car. It was built for
Contact us the railway line of Beaujolais, inaugurated in 1901 to transport travellers
and merchandises between Villefranche-sur-Saône and Monsols
+33 (0)4 74 07 27 40
(and then the Saône-et-Loire department), up to 13 km north-west of
Beaujeu. Wagons were carrying products from the sawmill of the North
contact@destination-beaujolais.com
Beaujolais, coal, stones from the quarries, manure, stock from Charolais
@destinationbeaujolais farming, manufactured products… The railway stopped in 1934, for lack
of profitability. Another line, extension of the line PLM (Paris-Lyon-
www.destination-beaujolais.com
Marseille), opened in 1869 to transport wine. Nowadays, this line has
@destinationbeaujolais been transformed into a walking and cycling path which links Beaujeu to
@destinationbeaujolais Belleville (La Voie verte). The railway station of Beaujeu was known for
#destinationbeaujolais its many exchanges between these two lines.
Destination Beaujolais
If you keep going, you will reach the courtyard of the Chapter (you can
Your tourist information admire the entrance porch and the fountain) and the site of Château Saint-
Jean, higher up on the hillock, offering a beautiful point of view and also a
centre in Beaujeu
very nice spot for a picnic. Up there is the starting point for a walking path,
8, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville accessible to all the family to discover local fauna and typical geology.
APRIL TO JUNE Turn around and come back to the “Rue de la République” street. You
& SEPT. TO 3rd SUN. OF NOV.
will pass the church, and go straight to the street number 473.
Wed. to Sat. 9:30am-12:30pm /
2:30pm-6pm.
Sun. 9:30am-12:30pm 7 436 & 473, rue de la République
JULY & AUGUST At n°436, the plaque on the frontage of the building attests the French
Daily 9:30am-12:30pm / 2:30pm-6pm Resistance activity in Beaujeu during World War II. Indeed, the city was
Cross over the temple of Bacchus’ square to reach the car park of the
Lords of Beaujeu. On the wooden platforms, you can see the history of
the Lords of Beaujeu who turned their province into one of the three
baronies of the Kingdom of France between 1000 and 1400.
The city of Beaujeu is the historic capital of the Beaujolais region. Its
first sovereigns were the Lords of Beaujeu, and Lord Bérard is the first
known. They built a fortress at the top of the hill of Pierre Aigüe, where
was the ancient Collegiate Church Notre-Dame, consecrated around
1076.
Today, unfortunately very few elements remain from the castle (access
from 6 ). It has been destroyed from 1611 by order of the governor
of Lyon: the marquis of Halincourt, because several armed groups had
found refuge in the Beaujeu surrounding area during French wars of
Religion. The collegiate church has been destroyed during the French
Revolution.
From this period, only the Saint-Nicolas church remains, consecrated
in 1132 by Pope Innocent II. Afterward, the city of Beaujeu has been
constructed all around the church.
From the top of this hill, the Lords controlled one of the principal trading
routes between the south and Paris, through the Bourbonnais province,
before its replacement by the Saône route. That is how they gave rise
to the cities of Belleville and Villefranche.
As brilliant politics but also as redoubtable warriors, the Lords of
Beaujeu extended their territory progressively. In the 12th century, they
controlled lands from the Saône plains to the far reaches of Loire.
Later, they extended up to the gates of Lyon: Brotteaux, Île Barbe,
Miribel… and on the other side of the Saône coast to control all the
land which was called “Beaujolais à part d’empire” (separated from the

The
Open on bank holidays a place of reunions for the founders of the newspaper ‘‘Combat’’, source empire) at this time.
of information of the French Resistance during the German occupation

of France, and also of reunions of the Clandestine government from June
1941 to September 1943. On July 27th in 1944, at 8:30 pm, in response
to sabotages and attacks from the local Maquis (French Resistance
fighters), the Germans bombarded the city of Beaujeu. Further, facing
the 473 street number, another plaque attests to secret army activities.
On the same building, on the side of the street “Montée des Étoux”,
another plaque reminds the home where Joseph Frantz was born: he
won the first international aerial combat on 5 October 1914.
Keep going straight on the “Rue Général Leclerc” to the hospital.
8 The Hôtel-Dieu - General Hospital
Through the metal gate, you can observe the old entrance of the general
hospital (Hôtel-Dieu). The Hôtel-Dieu was founded by the Lords of
Beaujeu and by the powerful Chapter of Beaujeu in the 13th century. The
exact date of its foundation is unknown, but a will and testament of Messire
Beaujolais
NOUVEAUX
Discover Beaujeu in a new way by celebrating the local festive moments!
The Sarmentelles: a 5-day festival to celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveaux!
On the 3rd Wednesday of November, the clock strikes midnight and
gives the go-ahead for the emblematic opening of the first barrel of
Beaujolais Nouveau, with a sound and light show.
The Guinguette Village: every Saturday night in July and August, behind
the city hall, enjoy a convivial open-air dance hall around Bacchus. Meet
the winegrowers and taste the local products through a festive night
with music!
The Lords of Beaujeu only recognized the authority of the King; their
influence grew all along the Middle Ages, so much so that they even
entered the Royal family, up to the leading roles. For example, Guichard
IV: brother-in-law of Philip Augustus and of the Constantinople
Emperor, or Humbert V: Grand Constable of France and head of the
Saint Louis armies, his cousin. This story forged the identity and the
singularity of a region that now will bear the name of the Beaujeu
seigneury... Beaujolais!
In 1400, after Edouard II, the last Lord of Beaujeu without direct
descendant, Beaujolais got under the control of the Dukes of Bourbon.
This visit invites you to discover Beaujeu’s heritage. Along the
streets, relive the history of this city through the ages. During your
visit, please stay on the pedestrian pavement and please be careful
with the road traffic.
 1 Saint-Nicholas Church 2 A house from the 14th and 16th century
To Rochefort

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1 km - 20 min. on foot U of the floor below. The right part with the cross-window (or
chapels date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The bell tower mullioned window) is from the Renaissance. A Mullion refers to
6 Rue
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is Romanesque, with Clunisian style, whereas the chapels are a stone cross-brace on the windows. The restoration in the 1970s
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pe l de century; as you can see, the cornice of the old roof is still visible. original timber-frame jetties, typical of the Middle Ages.
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7 rebuild identical in 1930, but slightly moved backwards (1.2 m), Enter the shop of the Maison du terroir Beaujolais to access the
Mnt on because the church was close to fall into ruins. inner courtyard (or atrium) dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries

ill
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x (the jetty is from the Middle Ages, and the vaults and mullions are
The recent restoration of the bell tower (and also the nave
from the Renaissance). You can admire the mullioned windows, the
8
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roof) in 2020 refurbished the brickwork. A scrubbing with a

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his ed The free visiting space of the Maison du terroir Beaujolais propose
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ie R. D r details on sculptures which have been gradually erased over
én a fun and gourmet animated visit using our five senses to discover
ér time. The brickwork with different colours and origins shows all
al all about the whole Beaujolais region and local savoir-faire.
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l’Ar in Asia Minor. Cast into prison and exiled by the Diocletian in this house during a pilgrimage to Saint-Claude (Saint-Claudius),
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whom he revered. The King was indeed, very sick… He is the father
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emperor who persecuted the Christians, he had a reputation

of great goodness and was protector of the weak and of Anne of France, also known as Anne de Beaujeu.
5 The Clémentine Fountain children. According to legend, he would have resurrected Famous character associated with the city, Anne married Peter
Rt three children killed and pickled by a butcher. Many other II of Beaujeu, who soon became the 7th Duke of Bourbon. With
6 The Paradis Bridge ed
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St-Joseph
Juliénas
miracles are attributed to him. That is why nowadays in this marriage, she became Dame of Beaujeu. She was given the
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tig many European countries we celebrate the Saint-Nicholas

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nié regency with her husband until the age of majority of her brother
7 436 & 473, rue de la République
D78 Direction
Day: the Saint brings gifts to well-behaved children during Charles VIII, future king.
Lantignié the night of 5 December.
8 The Hôtel-Dieu - General Hospital D337 Direction
Belleville-en-Beaujolais
Régnié-Durette
Villié-Morgon Climb the few steps of the square to get to the Chapelle du Prince
(Prince Chapel), on the “Place des pères” square.
9 Wine in Beaujeu The first lateral chapel, to the left, is famous for its 15 century
th

stained glass representing the Virgin at the foot of the cross,

Saints Crispin and Crispinian patron saints of cobblers, tanners,
A Sainte-Angèle Cloister
and leather workers. This stained glass is listed as national heritage
in France. The second lateral chapel, to the right, is the chapel
Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague. It is decorated with a 15th century
B Gnafron Monument stained glass also listed representing Saint Nicholas, patron of the
GUIDED TOUR OF BEAUJEU church, with the resurrected children out of the barrel to the left,
Saint Michel in armour slaying the dragon at the centre, and Saint
Car park Historic town centre John the Baptist, patron of the diocese of Lyon.
Service area for campervan Continuing to the right you will see the Saint-Antoine Chapel,
with the saint on the stained glass, at the right. Directly opposite,
Tourist office there is an opening carved into the stone. It is a tomb niche, or a
In the heart of Beaujolais, immerse yourself in the local funeral niche designed to expose the bodies of the Lords after
Bikes rental their death, allowing the vassals to pay tribute. They were then
history and culture with our guided tours. The Beaujolais buried in Belleville, at the necropolis of the Lords of Beaujeu. The
Hike starting point region offers a whole remarkable heritage for you to most sacred part of the church is the choir. From the centre we
discover, leaded by our qualified guides. can admire the cupola, on squinch arches, supported by four
Trail running starting point pillars. To the left, up on the wall you can observe the remains of
a painting from the 13th or 14th century: it is a décor with geometric
Online ticketing www.destination-beaujolais.com patterns and foliage with some characters; this scenery evokes
Panorama
and in our Beaujolais tourist offices some scenes of the Judgement.
Picnic area The capitals on top of the pillars are restored and allow us to
imagine how the original painted décor of Romanesque churches
Toilets was. Restored in the 1980s, the décor all around the choir was
designed by Zacchéo Bonneton and dates back to 1881.
Beaujolais wine route
Find out all the detailed indications by visiting the church.
Green lane starting point Destination Beaujolais - March 2022. All rights reserved. Graphic design: GT Destination Beaujolais.
Credits: I. Duc - J. Capdegelle - Etienne Ramousse Destination Beaujolais, Fabrice Ferrer, DR.
Ardières river
4 The Prince Chapel
Built in the 17th century, The Chapel is known as “the Prince’s Chapel”
in honour of the Lord of the city, Gaston of Orleans, brother of Louis
XIII. The stairs had been lost after renovation works. The stones of
this construction originate from the remains of the demolition of
the Lords of Beaujeu castle, like many constructions in the city and
in the region. In the past, on the pediment, lied the coat of arms of
the Duchess of Montpensier, known as La Grande Mademoiselle,
daughter of Gaston of Orléans, great-daughter of Henri IV and first
cousin of King Louis XIV, heiress of the Lordship of Beaujeu.
The Chapel was part of several buildings constituting the Picpus
Franciscan Friars monastery, who settled there since 1628. After
the French Revolution, during which the monastery has been sold
as ‘‘bien national’’ (national goods), a religious school took its
place in 1818. The last nuns left in the 1990s.
Turn right to reach the cloister Sainte-Angèle.
Currently, the private school is only in the buildings backwards,
and the old convent has been progressively converted into an
administrative and cultural centre. Across from the cloister,
observe the original structure with small towers and glazed roof
tiles (the actual Maison du Rhône).
Cross the car park diagonally and reach the main road. Arriving at
Place de la Fontaine Clémentine, turn right and follow the street
to the fountain.