On to the Historic Village of Oingt

As mentioned before, we were very fortunate to be travelling with Yves and Angelika because they enjoy exploring the area as much as we do. So after we had toured the Chateau de Dree and enjoyed our amazing meal at Ferme Auberge de Lavaux, we continued driving through the countryside, hills, pastures, and vineyards. We started winding uphill and reached the village of Oingt.

This picturesque village dates back to Roman times and was at its zenith in the Middle Ages. Its name comes from the Seigneurs Guichard d’Oingt, who were powerful magistrates here and built a castle with a moat and a chapel that became the parish church in 1660. From the castle keep, remaining from the second castle built in the 12th century, one can get a panoramic view all the way to the Alps. The village came under the protection of French Heritage in 1947 and became one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (most beautiful villages in France) in 2007.

Check out the view!

Here's the 13th century gate - all that's remaining of the ramparts that protected the village and castle.

The narrow, winding passageways and streets remain as they were centuries ago as do many of the buildings.

Notice the color of the buildings? This is the Pays des Pierres Dorees (golden stone country), and all the buildings are made of this yellow sandstone/limestone.

We climbed the steep stairs to the Church of Saint Mathieu. This was originally the castle chapel (10th century) although the current church dates back to the 13th century. The stained glass windows alone made the climb worthwhile!

Couldn't get all of them so here are a few.

But, this IS Beaujolais, after all! The village is surrounded by vineyards and an ancient wine press remains on a village street.

One family winery is actually in town, and we stopped for a chat and wine tasting. We purchased three bottles of wine and toured their informal museum of vehicles in the adjacent barn. They have everything from vintage cars to motorcycles, to toy cars (large enough for a child to drive and matchbox-sized), to bicycles, and farm equipment.

Then it was time for the amazingly short drive back to the City of Lyon. It’s hard to believe all this seems so remote and yet is not far from the second largest city in France!