Beaujol'en Scène

Beaujol'en Scène: Beaujolais Nouveau celebrates in Lyon

Every year, on the third Wednesday of November, the heart of Lyon beats to the rhythm of Beaujolais Nouveau. And it is Beaujol'en Scène, the flagship event organized by the Jeunes Agriculteurs du Rhône (Young Farmers of the Rhône) and the association Agriculture Jeune, that sets the tone for the celebration. Since 1996, this event has established itself as the essential meeting place for Lyonnais to celebrate the arrival of the new vintage in a festive and popular atmosphere.

The spectacular arrival via the Saône

The most iconic moment of Beaujol'en Scène is undoubtedly the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveaux by boat on the Saône. Each year, the young winegrowers' vintages descend the river from the Beaujolais vineyards to the heart of Lyon, in a staging that recalls the centuries-old tradition of river transport of wines. In 2025, a Lyonnais couple sailing aboard their Dutch tjalk had the honor of transporting the precious barrels.

The tapping ritual

At precisely midnight, on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, the long-awaited signal sounds: the tapping of the first barrel of Beaujolais Nouveau. Preceded by a torchlight procession and a rolling of barrels through the streets of Lyon, this ceremony officially marks the opening of the Beaujolais Nouveau season. The first glass is served to the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, in a guinguette atmosphere with brass bands and bandas.

Two evenings of festivities on the Place des Terreaux

Beaujol'en Scène takes over the majestic Place des Terreaux, at the foot of Lyon's City Hall, for two evenings of celebration. Wednesday evening is dedicated to tasting AOP Beaujolais wines, accompanied by brass bands and entertainment. On Thursday, the party ramps up with Beaujolais Nouveau tastings, meetings with winemakers, DJ sets, and a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.

A celebration between tradition and modernity

The 2025 edition adopted a guinguette theme, inviting the public to wear checkered shirts, berets, and overalls for an evening of rural conviviality. The best costume is even rewarded with a Beaujolais bonus! This playful touch illustrates the spirit of Beaujol'en Scène: a festival that combines love for the land, pride of young winegrowers, and the Lyonnais art of living.