Oingt

Visit Oingt, Rhone-Alpes

Oingt is located in the Beaujolais vineyards of the Rhone, 25 kilometres northwest of Lyon. Oingt had its period of greatest prosperity from the 12th-14th centuries at which time  the castle was also built, but from the 16th century, the village was ravaged by the plague and very much damaged in war and attacks.

The regeneration of Oingt started in the middle of the 20th century with the restoration of several of the key buildings such as the castle's chapel and many of the streets (eg Rue Trayne Cul) and buildings that comprise the village.

The 'regeneration' of the village culminated in the 2007 inclusion of the village as a 'most beautiful village of France'.

Explore Oingt

The village buildings are constructed (and restored) in the local honey-coloured stone. The village climbs uphill along narrow streets to the church and tower at the top of the village. A pleasant and pretty town to explore, Oingt also has far-reaching views from across the Azergues valley and southern Beaujolais region - especially from the castle keep.

Oingt originally developed around its chateau and the castle's chapel became the village church. The tower in Oingt was the dungeon of the castle and was built in 1193.

Today the church is very peaceful and inside there are some golden wooden statues and a gothic choir. There is little sign of the tragic events that unfolded here more than 200 years ago: disaster struck the village in 1757 when the church bell tower was struck by lightening killing six men and wounding forty more.

When the Lyonais area was created in 1783 Oingt's defences were improved and it became a military fort. Its keep, some remnants of the 'new chateau' and the noble quarters still exist from this time.  A rampart and ditches were built around the village and of these the Nizy gate (Porte de Nizy) still remains.

Photos of Oingt (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Oingt: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Oingt, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Dombes 33km; Macon 44km; Perouges 46km; Semur-en-Brionnais 52km; Vienne 52km; Cluny 54km; Bourg-en-Bresse 57km; Cremieu 57km; Brou Royal Monastery 57km; Anzy-le-Duc 58km; Saint-Etienne 59km; Pelussin 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Oingt

Oingt tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins du Château de Saint-Bernard - remarkable garden (8km) : Trevoux - recommended detour (15km) : Parc du château de Laye - remarkable garden (17km) : Ecully - ville fleurie 4* (25km) : Parc de la Tête d'Or - remarkable garden (28km) : Parc de Gerland - remarkable garden (29km) : Abbaye Saint Martin d'Ainey (Lyon) - religious monument (29km) : Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Lyon) - religious monument (29km) :

French version: see Oingt (Francais)