Ampuis: Wine Country, Culture and the ViaRhôna

Ampuis brings together the wine country of Côte-Rôtie, regional wine traditions and culture, with a cycling route through the town. For travelers looking for a hotel in Ampuis, this offers a range of options: a stay centered around the Marché aux vins, insights into history and winemaking, or planning a route. The steep slopes of Côte-Rôtie near Ampuis are cultivated in terraces. These are called “chailles” or “Chayets”; stone walls known as “cheys” hold them in place. The terraces and walls illustrate how the slopes are cultivated and give winemaking a tangible connection to the landscape.

Winemaking and Events

The Marché aux vins d'Ampuis lasts four days and takes place in the salle polyvalente in Ampuis. Since 1928, it has been associated with the Sunday in January that falls closest to the feast of Saint Vincent. The exact dates vary from year to year. Before traveling, check the dates for the relevant edition if you are planning your stay around the market.

Domaine Guigal was founded in Ampuis by Etienne Guigal in 1946. Domaine Gallet offers winery tours and wine tastings. Check the booking arrangements before you arrive so you can include the visit in your plans. The Côte-Rôtie Tour explains the terroir and winemaking expertise along a narrated route. As the route content may be revised, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. The narrated route and the tour with tasting offer different ways to explore the terroir and winery.

Culture and Routes Around Ampuis

The Musée du Caveau traces the history of winemaking, oenology and cooperage over the centuries. Its tasting area features wines from four major Rhône Valley houses. Which houses take part and the conditions for tastings may change; factor these details into your plans. The construction dates of Église Sainte-Baudille are specific: it was built between 1572 and 1577. This particular time span offers a different historical perspective from the museum's account of wine and craftsmanship over the centuries.

The ViaRhôna passes through Ampuis, offering a way to discover the town’s landscape, vineyards and gastronomy. Detailed route conditions may change; check the latest information before setting out. Route No. 3, “Les Châtaigniers,” in Ampuis is listed as taking 3 hours and 45 minutes. This municipal estimate may also be revised; check it against the latest information when planning. The ViaRhôna connects the route through town with the landscape, vineyards and gastronomy; for Route No. 3, the listed duration gives you a specific time estimate.

Discover more destinations: Craponne, La Mulatière, Saint-Germain-Au-Mont-d'Or, Fleurie, Francheville, Saint-Symphorien-D'ozon, Lamure-sur-Azergues, Dommartin

For the regional travel overview: Rhône.