About seven miles (12km) from the centre of Villefranche-sur-Saône, on the way to the vineyards of Beaujolais, is a place where most passers-by just have to stop. This special spot is the Signal de Saint-Bonnet. With a height of 2,217 feet (676m), it's perhaps the best place in the region to admire the wine-growing landscape. The view is stunningly vibrant, with the Saône Valley in the foreground and the Beaujolais Mountains behind. In clear weather, you can make out the foothills of the Lyonnais mountains to the southwest too. Rumour has it that winegrowers, with spyglass in hand, used to climb to this peak to make sure their grapepickers weren’t relaxing on the job. People also say Saint-Bonnet is the ideal locale from which to map out a wine tour. What a scenic way to start your wine-tasting holiday! If you have the time, take a 30-minute hike to Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin.
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