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The story of Beaujeu starts with grandeur, followed by humility as time marred what it had become.
History washes up the flotsam of the great figures of Beaujeu like the tide washes up the wood
from once proud galleons, e.g. Anne of France and Beaujeu, Louis XI's daughter.
The Beaujeu domain grew to such an extent that it was the 3rd barony in France in the 13th century.
In 1400 Edouard II, the last of the Beaujeus, ceded his lands to the Bourbons who became the
lords of Beaujeu and the Dombes. One of them, Pierre de Bourbon, married Anne of France, the
'Anne de Beaujeu' who directed the affairs of the kingdom with her husband, who was a close
adviser to Louis XI, with a firm hand. This little area was much coveted by royalty for strategic
reasons. In the 12th century the barony spread over land from the Forez to Bresse and was a
rival to Lyon as well as the church.
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The whole town retains the imprint of its past. The construction of St
Nicolas Church at the beginning of the 12th century made Beaujeu a hub of attraction for craftsmen
and the town very soon gained the same privileges as Villefranche.
As you wander through the centre, you're unlikely to miss the Marius
Audin museum, where you can see a lot of old Beaujolais objects and furniture.
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This blue-blooded town is best approached gently up the slopes of her
hill. If you allow yourself to be wooed Beaujeu will let you in onto some of her secrets, for
example the Hospice wine auction, the Fête des Sarmentelles
for the release of Beaujolais Nouveau, the beautiful "Sources
du Beaujolais", oenological and tourism centre and the Beaujolais
Villages tasting cellar that is placed under Saint-Vincent's patronage.
Last but not least, visit Saint-Nicolas Church, one of
the most beautiful Roman churches in the Beaujolais region. And, above all, don't leave before
you have wet your lips with a Beaujolais-Villages.
You would regret it!
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