Route des Vins Photo © Route des Vins Photo © Etienne Ramousse, Destination Beaujolais of a new exhibition in the old train station opposite. Having acquired a coach belonging to the Emperor Napoleon III (born 1808, died 1873) the theme park management reimagined the 1855 meeting of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Napoleon III of France at the famed Entente Cordiale meeting. But in the Hameau Duboeuf scenario, it features an enchanting train journey where of course everyone drinks Beaujolais wine! In the ancient ticket office, a costumed station master leads you through a curtained entrance to see the train and experience … well to be honest it’s hard to find the words to describe it – a musical, visual extravaganza that recalls the famous meeting with a spectacular sound and light show that features fireworks and singing statues. It’s a bit like stepping into the wardrobe of Narnia and finding yourself in an enchanted world. I promise you won’t have been to any wine museum quite like this. There is a vast collection of wine paraphernalia going back centuries. Mannequins are based on real people. There are films, music, interactive displays – I loved the simulated ride over the vineyards in the company of bumble bees, quite bonkers but it leaves you grinning. There’s a superb restaurant, gardens and mini-golf. And a fabulous wine Tasting bar and restaurant at Hameau Duboeuf tasting area that looks like a Belle Époque train station. I tried several wines as I listened to the knowledgeable sommeliers talk about the Gamay grape that’s prominent in Beaujolais, and how the wine is matured in barrels which are then sold on to Cognac and whisky makers. For a quite different wine tasting, head to nearby Maison Jean Loron where they’ve been making wine since 1771. Book a wine tasting tour in English at least 24h in advance, and you will dive deep into the process of wine making. 6 oenologists blend and analyse wines on site, and if you’re really into wine, you can do a private workshop with them. In the ancient cellar are 40 vintages, and you can taste wine direct from the barrel. Sophie the guide, is a fountain of knowledge and answered my many questions with patience: ‘why does this taste peppery?” – the barrels! ‘What should I drink with chocolate?’ Sweet red wine. All whilst indulging in a tasting of 5 wines with a perfect pairing of cheese and charcuterie. Wine tasting Maison Jean Loron WOOD-FIRED HOT TUBS AND SAUNAS Relax. Replenish. Revive. Kick back and relax in a Cotswold Eco Tub Delivered all over France hottubsinfrance.com 84 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 85
