Villié-Morgon is a commune in the Rhône department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 20 km north-west of Villefranche-sur-Saône.
Its territory of more than 18 km² ranges from 212 to 689 m above sea level, belonging to the natural region of the Monts du Beaujolais, to the north-east of the Massif Central.
Its hilly environment has remained very green, agricultural crops representing 74% of the area of the locality, not counting the meadows (14%) and the forest (4%). The vineyards make up the vast majority of the landscape, 1100 hectares being dedicated to the production of wines with the "Morgon" appellation.
The town is made up of a village, itself born from the merger of Villié and Morgon, a hamlet covering the slopes of the hill of Py which dominates Beaujolais, and small gaps such as the hamlet of Saint-Joseph, to the northwest, with its 19th century church.
Villié-Morgon has been a wine-growing locality for more than a millennium, Beraud, first lord of Beaujeu having made donations of plots of vines with his wife Vandelmode, from the 10th century.
With nearly 2200 inhabitants, the town must obviously be on the program of a wine tourism stay in the region!
In terms of heritage, at the level of the village of Villié-Morgon, it is the castle of Fontcrenne which is the jewel of the locality. It was built in a classical style in the 17th century by the Marquis de Saint-Amour on the foundations of a medieval fortress. Composed of a dwelling and two wings in return forming a courtyard, on three levels (the highest being attic), we observe the triangular pediment which surmounts the main door, in the center. Built in local stone, which adds to its nobility and charm, the building has a beautiful animal park. It now houses the town hall.
However, it is its remarkable vault that has made the reputation of the château. Comprising a series of vaulted rooms and a reception area, since 1953 it has been devoted to showcasing the vineyards of the cru. Simply called "le Caveau", you can taste Morgon wines from different estates, but also other regional products. Presses, old casks (large capacity barrels) are on display and a shop is accessible. Open every day. Information on +33 4 74 04 20 99.
In the village, still to see, the Saint-Vincent church, rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-medieval style, which houses several classified objects and works, such as a Christ in cross (17th century), a painting and a glass roof of noble workmanship (19th century) depicting the "blessing Christ".
Then head for the hamlet of Saint-Joseph with its two-spired church built between 1872 and 1882 thanks to donations from the surrounding population (including the inhabitants of Régnié and Chiroubles). Its woodwork, stained glass windows and marble high altar are remarkable. The originality of the site is also due to the development near a replica of the Grotto of the Virgin in Lourdes and a Stations of the Cross dotted with viewpoints…
Back to the town, still in terms of of heritage, note the Saint-François convent and its annex, the Sainte-Claire monastery (for nuns), which has been home to "traditionalist" monks and nuns since the 1970s. Finally, the war memorial with its sculpted group representing two weeping women and their children is worth a look.
In terms of culture, events are regularly scheduled at the Vermorel library: contact +33 4 74 69 12 41.
For sports enthusiasts, tennis courts can be reserved with the local club (join +33 4 74 04 23 14), and visitors have the option of joining the outings of the walking club (information on +33 4 74 69 10 99) or those of the cycling committee (inquire on +33 6 08 99 00 97).
It remains to take advantage of the potential of the town in terms of hiking or cycling, with circuits obviously including the Côte du Py with its blue stones and shale, the vineyards and many viewpoints over Beaujolais and its mountains. … Itineraries specially dedicated to wine tourism with tasting breaks in the town or on the entire Wine Route are also available (to be covered in particular in a classic car!). Enough to take full advantage of this little paradise now labeled a UNESCO Global Geopark for its exceptional geology and its wine-growing heritage that results from it. Maps and information on +33 4 74 07 27 40.
