Exhibition "ÉCOTONE"
Mathieu Petit creates fragile collages where human, animal, and plant elements meet and blur into one another.
Plizio Visual Lab
Belleville-en-Beaujolais
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Belleville-en-Beaujolais
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Use Belleville as your starting point for exploring the Beaujolais Wine Route.
- The historic Hôtel-Dieu has an amazing old apothecary-check their guided tour schedule.
- Harvest time in September is festive, but book accommodation well in advance.
- Renting an e-bike is a great way to handle the hilly vineyard roads around the city.
- Parking is generally easy near the train station, offering a quick walk into town.
🍽 Food
🍽
Beaujolais Wine
Try local crus like Fleurie or Morgon at a town center wine bar or local 'caveau'.
🍽
Andouillette Beaujolaise
A robust tripe sausage best enjoyed in a traditional bouchon-style restaurant.
🍽
Saucisson Brioché
Look for this savory sausage baked inside a brioche dough at local bakeries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Tuesday Morning Market
Visit the local market for regional cheeses and fresh produce from the Saône valley.
🛍
Wine Cellars (Caveaux)
Buy directly from local producers in the surrounding vineyards for the best prices.
🧘
Hôtel-Dieu Gardens
Relax in the beautifully maintained historic gardens behind the ancient hospital.
🧘
Lac des Sablons
A serene lake area just outside town, excellent for a family picnic or a slow walk.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Regular Market
Discover fresh vegetables, cheese, deli meats, clothing, and more at this regular market.
Summer Market
Discover the 3rd edition of this summer market and meet talented local producers!
Super Apéro Quizz Nights
Join the Apéro Quizz at the campsite snack bar every Friday from 7 PM. A fun and friendly evening for everyone!
Fête de la Musique – Music Festival
Celebrate with live concerts, a snack bar, and activities for children. A perfect musical event for the whole family!
Dolce Vita Night
Join us for an Italian-themed evening! Enjoy the Dolce Vita vibe with pizzas and appetizer platters full of Italian flavors.
Takeaway Sale
Come and support the Classe en 8 sale! A great variety of items and food available for takeaway.
Gourmet Dinner at Château de Pizay
As part of Bienvenue en Beaujonomie, Château de Pizay hosts a special gourmet dinner on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Les Moulinades 2026
Come and enjoy the musical atmosphere of Les Moulinades 2026 at Le Papa Loco restaurant. A festive event not to be missed!
Swing Night
Step back into the Roaring Twenties! Come and learn the dances of this iconic era in a festive atmosphere.
Set right in the heart of one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, Belleville-en-Beaujolais welcomes visitors with a rich blend of history, striking architecture, and world-class gastronomy. Recognized as the historical capital of the Beaujolais area, this lively town in the Rhône department is deeply intertwined with the ancient art of winemaking. The undisputed architectural jewel of Belleville is the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu. This remarkably well-preserved 18th-century hospital features a stunningly intact historic apothecary, complete with shelves lined with beautiful antique faience jars, offering a fascinating glimpse into the medical practices of a bygone era. Equally impressive is the imposing 12th-century Abbey Church of Notre-Dame, widely regarded as a formidable masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in the region. Strolling through the town center, visitors are tempted by traditional bistros and cozy wine bars where they can pair the famous local vintages, ranging from the fruity Beaujolais Nouveau to elegant grand crus, with hearty regional dishes. Furthermore, Belleville serves as the well-suited starting point for driving the scenic Beaujolais Wine Route, an easy on the eye trail that meanders through endless rolling vineyards and appealing villages built from distinctive golden stone.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville · Château de Pizay · Port of Belleville
- Nearby: Villefranche-sur-Saône (13 km)
- Population: ~14.016
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 45 | 58 | 77 | 64 | 66 | 66 | 50 | 69 | 71 | 53 |
Geography
Facts
- Official merger date of the two municipalities: January 1, 2019.
- Home to the historic 12th-century Abbey of Notre-Dame.
- A central logistics point for the distribution of Beaujolais wines.
- Located 45 kilometers north of Lyon and 15 kilometers south of Mâcon.
- The town features a significant river port on the Saône.
- Host to the 'Fête des Conscrits', a major regional tradition.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:285.3 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 25€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in Belleville with a quiet moment at the charming Chapelle Saint-André. Afterward, dive into medical history at the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu. At midday, the picturesque Port of Belleville invites you for a relaxing break along the Saône. In the afternoon, explore the historical center around the town hall and conclude your day at the peaceful Nativité church.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Admire the simple Romanesque architecture of this chapel that gives a peaceful retreat, and make sure to pay close attention to the intricate details of the portal in the morning light.
🚶 36'1.65 km
🎨
10:36 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Discover the fascinating medical history in this historical hospital with its impressive pharmacy, and it is highly recommended to arrive early to join the informative guided tour.
🚶 18'0.74 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Saône river where this characterful inland port provides an idyllic setting, and bring a small picnic to enjoy a peaceful break by the water.
🚶 57'2.7 km
📍
14:16 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
View the elegant building of the local town hall which serves as a fine example of French administrative architecture, and use the spacious square in front of it to snap a quick souvenir photo.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
15:08 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Admire the harmonious proportions of this historical church whose interior exudes a spiritual tranquility, and watch the soft light filtering through the beautifully preserved old stained glass windows.
09:00→16:285.3 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 25€ · Transport 0€
Begin at the chapel, then spend the morning exploring the indoor exhibits of the Hôtel-Dieu. By noon, take a quick walk by the port with a sturdy umbrella. In the afternoon, visit the town hall and find shelter inside the historic church. Watch your step on wet pavements.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Admire the cozy interior of this small chapel to escape the morning rain; keep your umbrella handy when exiting.
🚶 36'1.65 km
🎨
10:36 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Explore the fascinating apothecary and sick wards indoors, a first-rate dry refuge during heavy downpours.
🚶 18'0.74 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Watch the rain hit the Saône river surface; wear waterproof boots as the riverside paths can get quite muddy.
🚶 57'2.7 km
📍
14:16 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
Take a quick photo of the building's facade under your umbrella before moving on to the next indoor stop.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
15:08 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Retreat inside to admire the stained glass windows while listening to the rain drumming on the historic roof.
09:00→16:285.3 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 21–29 €Entries 25€ · Transport 0€
Start your crisp winter morning at the chapel and the fascinating Hôtel-Dieu. At noon, brave the chilly breeze by the port. In the short afternoon, view the town hall and warm up inside the beautiful church before the sun sets early around 17:00. Wear thick layers.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Appreciate the quiet, cold stone architecture; wrap your scarf tight as the stone walls offer little warmth.
🚶 36'1.65 km
🎨
10:36 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
The indoor exhibits provide a welcome break from the freezing cold outside, though the old halls can still be quite drafty.
🚶 18'0.74 km
📍
12:34 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Enjoy the peaceful, frosty views over the water, but be prepared for biting winds coming off the river.
🚶 57'2.7 km
📍
14:16 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
Snap a quick picture of the frosty facade and keep moving to keep your blood circulating in the winter chill.
🚶 7'0.2 km
⛪
15:08 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Seek refuge from the biting cold inside this impressive church, enjoying the warm light filtering through the windows.
09:00→17:537.5 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 42–56 €Entries 37€ · Transport 12€
Cycle easily in the morning to Chapelle Saint-André, followed by a visit to the historical Hôtel-Dieu. At midday, you can watch the vibrant life along the Saône at the Port of Belleville. The afternoon takes you further to Église Saint-Isidore and the magnificent Château de l'Écluse. Finish your cycling tour in the charming historical heart near the Nativité church.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Admire the simple Romanesque architecture of this chapel that gives a peaceful retreat, and make sure to pay close attention to the intricate details of the portal in the morning light.
🚲 13'1.65 km
🎨
10:13 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Discover the fascinating medical history in this historical hospital with its impressive pharmacy, and it is highly recommended to arrive early to join the informative guided tour.
🚲 7'0.74 km
📍
12:00 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Saône river where this characterful inland port provides an idyllic setting, and bring a small picnic to enjoy a peaceful break by the water.
🚲 13'1.67 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
Visit this welcoming local church which serves as an important spiritual gathering place for the community, and take a moment to closely observe the finely crafted wooden carvings inside.
🚲 17'2.3 km
📍
14:05 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
Discover this elegant castle that beautifully reflects the rich history of the local wine region, and wander along the surrounding paths to catch the best panoramic views of the historical estate.
🚲 9'0.93 km
📍
15:44 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
View the elegant building of the local town hall which serves as a fine example of French administrative architecture, and use the spacious square in front of it to snap a quick souvenir photo.
🚲 4'0.2 km
⛪
16:33 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Admire the harmonious proportions of this historical church whose interior exudes a spiritual tranquility, and watch the soft light filtering through the beautifully preserved old stained glass windows.
09:00→17:537.5 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 42–56 €Entries 37€ · Transport 12€
Cycle carefully to the chapel and the Hôtel-Dieu in the morning drizzle. Midday, ride along the wet port area and visit Saint-Isidore church. In the afternoon, pedal past the castle and town hall to the final church. Use mudguards and brake gently on slippery roads.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Park your bike under nearby trees and step inside to dry off while admiring this quaint religious site.
🚲 13'1.65 km
🎨
10:13 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Lock up outside and spend plenty of time exploring the dry interior museum to wait out the heaviest rain showers.
🚲 7'0.74 km
📍
12:00 · 45'
Port of Belleville
The cycle paths along the water can be quite slick; slow down and enjoy the moody, rain-swept river views.
🚲 13'1.67 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
A great covered spot to catch your breath and wipe your glasses before continuing your wet ride.
🚲 17'2.3 km
📍
14:05 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
View the castle grounds from the path; stay on the paved sections to avoid getting your tires stuck in mud.
🚲 9'0.93 km
📍
15:44 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
Make a brief stop for a photo, ensuring your rain jacket is zipped up tightly against the damp wind.
🚲 4'0.2 km
⛪
16:33 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
End your ride inside this beautiful, dry sanctuary, taking time to warm up and escape the relentless rain.
09:00→17:537.5 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 42–56 €Entries 37€ · Transport 12€
Bike through the crisp morning air to the chapel and Hôtel-Dieu. At midday, enjoy the frosty port and Saint-Isidore church. The afternoon takes you past the castle and town hall, finishing at the church before early sunset at 17:00. Wear thermal gloves.
← swipe for more places →
⛪
09:10 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
The morning frost makes the chapel look magical, but watch out for icy patches on the approaching pavement.
🚲 13'1.65 km
🎨
10:13 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Warm up your frozen fingers inside this magnificent hospital museum while exploring the historic apothecary collections.
🚲 7'0.74 km
📍
12:00 · 45'
Port of Belleville
The freezing wind off the Saône is sharp; keep your neck covered as you admire the wintery waterscape.
🚲 13'1.67 km
⛪
12:58 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
Step inside to escape the biting wind and appreciate the serene, quiet atmosphere of this winter morning.
🚲 17'2.3 km
📍
14:05 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
The bare winter trees offer unobstructed views of the castle architecture from the frosty cycle path.
🚲 9'0.93 km
📍
15:44 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
Keep your stop short to maintain your body heat, snapping a quick picture of the historic municipal building.
🚲 4'0.2 km
⛪
16:33 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Conclude your chilly ride by seeking warmth in the church, a great peaceful end before the early sunset.
09:00→19:1112 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 37–49 €Entries 41€ · Transport 2€
Your drive begins majestically at Château de Pizay before reaching the cozy center of Saint-Jean-d'Ardières. After stops at the town hall and Château de l'Écluse, midday brings you to Chapelle Saint-André. The afternoon is reserved for the impressive Hôtel-Dieu and a scenic detour to the river port. Let the evening wind down peacefully at the picturesque Église Saint-Isidore.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Château de Pizay
Explore this impressive wine castle with its magnificent formal French gardens that make for a well-suited starting point, and be sure to ask about a quick wine tasting session in the historical cellar.
🚗 18'4.5 km
⛪
10:48 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Admire the harmonious proportions of this historical church whose interior exudes a spiritual tranquility, and watch the soft light filtering through the beautifully preserved old stained glass windows.
🚗 4'0.2 km
📍
11:42 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
View the elegant building of the local town hall which serves as a fine example of French administrative architecture, and use the spacious square in front of it to snap a quick souvenir photo.
🚗 6'0.93 km
📍
12:33 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
Discover this elegant castle that beautifully reflects the rich history of the local wine region, and wander along the surrounding paths to catch the best panoramic views of the historical estate.
🚗 11'2.33 km
⛪
14:14 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
Admire the simple Romanesque architecture of this chapel that gives a peaceful retreat, and make sure to pay close attention to the intricate details of the portal in the morning light.
🚗 8'1.65 km
🎨
15:12 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Discover the fascinating medical history in this historical hospital with its impressive pharmacy, and it is highly recommended to arrive early to join the informative guided tour.
🚗 5'0.74 km
📍
16:57 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Take a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Saône river where this characterful inland port provides an idyllic setting, and bring a small picnic to enjoy a peaceful break by the water.
🚗 9'1.67 km
⛪
17:51 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
Visit this welcoming local church which serves as an important spiritual gathering place for the community, and take a moment to closely observe the finely crafted wooden carvings inside.
09:00→19:1112 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 37–49 €Entries 41€ · Transport 2€
Drive to Château de Pizay, then navigate the rainy morning roads to the church, town hall, and castle. After lunch, visit the chapel and spend hours dry inside the Hôtel-Dieu. End by the wet port and Saint-Isidore. Drive carefully and keep an umbrella in the car.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Château de Pizay
Drive slowly up to the estate; the grand architecture looks particularly dramatic against the grey rainy skies.
🚗 18'4.5 km
⛪
10:48 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Park close to the entrance and dash inside to admire the beautiful interiors away from the relentless rain.
🚗 4'0.2 km
📍
11:42 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
View the building from the comfort of your car, or step out briefly with a large umbrella for a quick photograph.
🚗 6'0.93 km
📍
12:33 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
The wet stone walls of the castle glisten in the rain; be careful on the slippery paths if you step out.
🚗 11'2.33 km
⛪
14:14 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
A quick dash from the car brings you into this small, peaceful chapel, offering temporary dry refuge.
🚗 8'1.65 km
🎨
15:12 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
The first-rate rainy afternoon stop, offering vast indoor museum spaces and an apothecary to explore while staying completely dry.
🚗 5'0.74 km
📍
16:57 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Enjoy the moody views of the rain hitting the river from the warmth of your parked car, avoiding the mud.
🚗 9'1.67 km
⛪
17:51 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
Pull over to admire the architecture, stepping inside to shake off your wet coat before finishing the tour.
09:00→19:1112 km drive8 places0/8
Day budget: ≈ 37–49 €Entries 41€ · Transport 2€
Warm up the car for a frosty drive to Château de Pizay and nearby landmarks. After a cozy lunch, explore the chapel and Hôtel-Dieu. Enjoy the frosted port and Saint-Isidore church before sunset at 17:00. Watch out for icy rural roads in the early morning.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 80'
Château de Pizay
The majestic castle looks like a winter fairy tale; be careful on the frosty driveway as you approach the estate.
🚗 18'4.5 km
⛪
10:48 · 50'
Église de la Nativité-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Step out of the heated car to admire the church interior, wrapping up warmly before braving the cold air.
🚗 4'0.2 km
📍
11:42 · 45'
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières
A quick stop to stretch your legs in the freezing air, great for a brief photo of the town hall's wintery facade.
🚗 6'0.93 km
📍
12:33 · 90'
Château de l'Écluse
The leafless trees offer a clear view of the castle; watch out for black ice on the surrounding roads.
🚗 11'2.33 km
⛪
14:14 · 50'
Chapelle Saint-André
An appealing winter stop; the stone floors inside are freezing, so wear thick, insulated boots.
🚗 8'1.65 km
🎨
15:12 · 100'
Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville
Spend plenty of time indoors exploring the warm halls and exhibits, escaping the afternoon winter chill outside.
🚗 5'0.74 km
📍
16:57 · 45'
Port of Belleville
Roll down the window to feel the biting river breeze, or step out briefly for a frosty, photogenic river view.
🚗 9'1.67 km
⛪
17:51 · 50'
Église Saint-Isidore
A beautiful final stop to seek some warmth inside before driving home as the early winter dusk falls.
Sights in the town Belleville-en-Beaujolais (8)
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières📍 landmark
Mairie déléguée de Saint-Jean-d'Ardières serves as a town hall building in Belleville-en-Beaujolais.
🌐 mairie-saint-jean-dardieres.fr🕒 Fr 08:30-12:00,13:30-17:00; Mo-Th 08:30-12:00
Frequently asked questions
Why is Belleville considered the capital of Beaujolais?
Due to its central location and the role of the 'Maison du Beaujolais' as a showcase for all the region's wines.
Which landmark should you visit in the city center?
The 12th-century Church of Notre-Dame, a masterpiece of Romanesque art with an imposing bell tower.
Can you go on cycling tours from Belleville?
Yes, the 'Voie Verte du Beaujolais' starts here, offering a safe route through vineyards and villages.
When is the best time for wine tastings?
All year round, but especially in November for the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau or in autumn during the harvest.
How far is Lyon?
Lyon is about 45 km south and reachable in about 35 minutes by regional train (TER) from Belleville station.
Belleville-en-Beaujolais: where is it located?
Belleville-en-Beaujolais is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Belleville-en-Beaujolais: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hôtel-Dieu of Belleville, Château de Pizay, Port of Belleville.
Belleville-en-Beaujolais: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Belleville-en-Beaujolais: why is it worth visiting?
Set right in the heart of one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions, Belleville-en-Beaujolais welcomes visitors with a rich blend of history, striking architecture, and world-class gastronomy.
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