Holiday Grab: Fleurie, France.

Wine, Camping, Board Games and Walks — Family Time Among the Vineyards

Discover Fleurie, France — a charming Beaujolais wine village perfect for camping, family adventures, vineyard walks and unforgettable tastings.

Not quite sure how it happened, but camping in France every summer became our holiday of choice. And goodness knows how we first stumbled upon Fleurie. Thank God for chance. Perhaps it was a recommendation from my in-laws (veterans themselves of thirty years visiting a renowned campsite in Maussane-les-Alpilles, Provence), or maybe it was simply because Fleurie lies conveniently close to the autoroute.

Whatever the reason, the first time we rolled into Fleurie after a long drive south from Calais, we knew straight away we’d found something special. Vineyards rolled down the hills in neat green waves, watched over by the little white chapel of La Madone. By the time our tent was pitched, the sun was setting over the Beaujolais hills. Fleurie had already worked its quiet magic — and it was time to crack open a beer and plan the evening’s family fun night.

Camping Among the Vines

For us, camping is part of the Fleurie experience. Although there are some lovely accommodation options in the village, the Camping de la Grappe Fleurie is an exceptionally peaceful, well-equipped, and reasonably priced place to stay. You can choose from chalets, mobile homes, your own camping pitch, or even a quirky barrel-shaped pod. All are competitively priced considering the stunning setting and generous facilities (see their website).

What makes it so memorable is the way it’s set among the vineyards, offering everything a family could need: a pool, a playground, and even organised wine tastings. Our evenings soon settled into a happy routine — barbecuing fresh bread and sausages from the market or wandering into the village for dinner. What really stays with you isn’t just the facilities, but the slower pace of life: a chance to breathe, connect, and simply enjoy being together. We’ve been back many times since. Fleurie has become a family favourite, where wine, nature, and the simple joy of camping come together.

Where is it and What Can You Do?

Fleurie is ideally situated for exploring both the Beaujolais and Mâconnais regions, with several major tourist attractions within easy reach. It is a lively wine-growing village, and you’ll find four restaurants here — one of them Michelin-starred. There’s also a wonderfully informal pizza place near the main square, which we always enjoy for a relaxed evening out.

This small Beaujolais village boasts cobbled lanes, a welcoming square, and a Saturday market bursting with fresh produce and flowers. Overlooking the Saône plain from the top of its hill, the Madonna chapel is Fleurie’s proud symbol. Walking from the campsite to the village is a delightful ten-minute stroll through the vineyards, and behind the chapel (hard to miss) lies the best walk in the region. This path, called the Sentier des Lys, winds all the way up to the Madonna.

Make sure you put on sun cream, wear sturdy footwear, and bring plenty of water. It’s a memorable adventure and well worth the effort. We tackled it every other day — a great form of exercise and a surefire way to build an appetite for the tantalising local produce. Once you reach the summit (425 metres) and catch your breath, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the Cru Fleurie hillsides, the Saône valley, and, in the distance, the Alps and Mont Blanc. The circular hike is officially about 1h30, making it easy enough for the whole family.

Fleurie Wine: “The Queen of Beaujolais”

If wine is your thing, rest assured that Fleurie is one of the most celebrated Beaujolais crus, producing light, fragrant reds from the Gamay grape. They’re often described as floral, silky, and charming — much like the village itself.

For an easy introduction (and some bragging rights when you get home), head to the Maison du Cru Fleurie, where local winemakers host tastings. Each day, a different winemaker welcomes visitors to try their own cuvée, along with selections from the three other Fleurie AOC estates. Even if you’re not a serious wine buff, it’s worth going for the warm hospitality. I still remember sitting beneath a shady plane tree with a glass of Fleurie in hand, the children happily munching croissants from the bakery across the square, while we debated which bottle to bring back to camp. It’s these little moments that linger: wine in one hand, family laughter in the air, and the sight of vineyards stretching to the horizon.

Is it Family-Friendly?

There’s plenty more here than wine and food. Cycling is a great option, with quiet lanes weaving through vineyards — perfect for family rides. In addition to the Sentier des Lys, there are four signposted walking circuits ranging from 4km to 25km, winding through vineyards and forests with stunning views of the Beaujolais region. The 4km route is moderate and suitable for all walkers, while the others (with gradients between 255m and 300m) are better for those with some experience. For mountain bikers, there are several trails starting from Fleurie, including a 19km loop between Fleurie and Chénas.

Families with younger children will love Touroparc Zoo and amusement park, a popular day trip nearby. Back in Fleurie, the Saturday market overflows with fruit, cheese, and flowers. The village has a strong community spirit, with a lovely night market every Thursday. Go for a glass of refreshing local rosé while the kids enjoy a doughnut. In summer, the Grand Prix du Cru Fleurie cycling race fills the streets with cheering crowds, and harvest festivals bring music, open cellars, and plenty of local hospitality. Even if you don’t speak much French, you’ll feel instantly part of it.

Why Fleurie stays with you…

For us, Fleurie is more than a holiday stop — it feels like a second home. It’s where our children’s memories are woven into vineyard walks and cobbled streets, and where we’ve shared countless meals under the stars. If you’re looking for a destination that combines fine wine, breath-taking scenery, and family-friendly camping, Fleurie has it all. And just like us, you may find yourself planning your return before you’ve even packed up the tent. What makes camping here unforgettable isn’t just the setting, but the rhythm of life. There’s no rush, no endless list of must-see sights. Instead, Fleurie invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply enjoy being together — which, in the end, is exactly what a family holiday should be.

Holiday Grab – Travel Tips

When to go: Spring and early summer bring wildflowers and quieter roads. July and August are lively, with festivals and warm weather perfect for camping. Autumn is harvest time, with golden vineyards and bustling wine cellars. If you’re staying at the campsite, make sure to book well in advance.

Getting there: Fleurie is about an hour’s drive north of Lyon and easily reached by car if you’re travelling through France. The nearest train station is Belleville-sur-Saône, roughly 7km away.

Where to eat: Fleurie has a handful of excellent restaurants, from family-run bistros to fine dining (including one Michelin-starred). Don’t underestimate the joy of simple meals picked up at the market — fresh cheese, cured meats, and a chilled bottle of local rosé.

Insider tips: Pack good walking shoes for vineyard trails, bring swimsuits for the campsite pool, and book wine tastings in advance during peak season. And don’t miss the village bakery — their croissants are the perfect start to a lazy Fleurie morning. Load up your Kindle and bring the family favourite card & board games.