Event Details
Welcome to the Sarmentelles de Beaujeu 2026 in Beaujeu
Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated across the whole of France every year, from bars in Paris to bouchons in Lyon. The true heart of the tradition, however, lies in Beaujeu, the historic capital of Beaujolais, where the Sarmentelles de Beaujeu take place from November 18 to 22, 2026. For five days, this small town becomes the center of tastings, music and the official release of the new vintage.
Highlights and Attractions at the Sarmentelles in Beaujeu
- The traditional torchlit procession through the center of Beaujeu on Wednesday evening
- The midnight release ceremony, when the new Beaujolais Nouveau officially goes on sale
- A tasting circuit through all twelve Beaujolais appellations, including a souvenir glass and a live concert
- Festive dinners and a closing ball marking the end of the Sarmentelles
- Farmers markets, exhibitions and a dedicated program for children
- Concerts, including a tribute to Johnny Hallyday and an evening of 1980s hits
- Around 300 volunteers who have organized and run the festival since 1989
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in Beaujeu
On Wednesday from 4pm, the town center of Beaujeu closes to private vehicles, and free shuttle buses run from the outskirts into the early morning hours. The afternoon opens with a children's ceremony, followed by the main tasting circuit from 5pm. Overnight into Thursday, the legal release date for Beaujolais Nouveau across all of France, the traditional midnight ceremony takes place with fireworks. Concerts, markets and communal wine dinners continue the celebrations through Sunday.
Tickets and Admission for the Sarmentelles de Beaujeu
The tasting circuit through all twelve appellations costs around 15 euros and includes a souvenir glass plus access to the live concert. Individual program items such as the festive dinners or special concert evenings are sold separately at their own prices. Children's activities in the afternoon are generally free to attend. Exact details and ticket sales are published on the official website.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Beaujeu
- Beaujeu is best reached via Lyon and Villefranche sur Saône, the gateway to the Beaujolais cru villages
- Visitors driving in should park before 3:30pm and use the shuttle or a taxi afterward, since driving after tasting twelve appellations is not an option
- Mid November evenings in Beaujeu are already cool, so warm clothing is recommended for the torchlit procession and evening festivities
- Since Beaujeu itself is small, staying in Villefranche sur Saône or Lyon with good transport links is also worth considering
- A visit pairs well with a tour of the ten Beaujolais cru villages and the Hameau Duboeuf wine theme park in Romanèche Thorins
