Strategy - Beaujolais - UNESCO global Geopark

Who are we?

In the Beaujolais region, the Geopark initiative was launched in 2013 by the Syndicat Mixte du Beaujolais, with the aim of promoting the region as a whole and creating links between its various stakeholders.


In 2018, the Beaujolais region was awarded the UNESCO Global Geopark label. This label recognises the geological and landscape diversity of the Beaujolais region, which has inherited a rich and complex geology of international importance, and also helps to involve local players committed to sustainable territorial development.


In April 2022, the Beaujolais Geopark renewed its label for a further four years.

The scope of the Beaujolais Geopark now covers the entire area covered by the Syndicat Mixte du Beaujolais, to which must be added 5 cities (L'Arbresle, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, Bully, Sarcey, in the Pays de l'Arbresle, and Saint-Victor-sur-Rhins in the Loire),which represents an area of :- 121 municipalities- just over 240,000 inhabitants- approximately 1,550 km²
The Beaujolais Geopark team is made up of three people:


Floriane HELOU FRUGIER - Project Manager : fheloufrugier,pays-beaujolais,com

Pauline ROUSSOT - Geotourism Officer : proussot,pays-beaujolais,com

Benjamin CORRE - Geology mediation officer : bcorre,pays-beaujolais,com


Although the Syndicat Mixte du Beaujolais is the organisation responsible for awarding the 'UNESCO Global Geopark' label, it is a recognition that belongs to the whole region, and all local players can make use of it. Many partners have contributed, and continue to contribute, to the development of the Geopark in the region.

The memory of the Earth today

Located on the edge of the Massif Central, North-West of Lyon within direct view of the Alps, the Beaujolais region has a complex and varied geological heritage. The diversity of its soil and its landscapes springs from the convergence of a great number of phenomena and geological structures. This geology has greatly influenced the inhabitants' way of life.

Its story, dating back several hundreds of millions of years, culminates in what you see here today, in the activities of Man, in the history, heritage, culture and life of the region.

A large part of the region's identity, its past and its future, springs from the rocks that shape the landscape: golden, red, green, grey or black rocks and stones, which have been put to remarkably good use in traditional architecture. The geological resources and water resources determine what use is made of each type of soil; these natural resources have driven the region's industry and craft from time immemorial to the present day. With granite, shale, limestone and clay under its vineyards, siliceous volcanic rocks under the pastures and forests, and fertile alluvium feeding the cultivated plains, it's clear that life in the Beaujolais region is well and truly rooted in the earth.

2023-2026 Action Plan

In order to respond to the recommendations made by UNESCO with a view to the re-evaluation of the label in 2026, but also to propose innovative projects in line with the needs of the region, the Geopark has drawn up a strategy and an action plan for 2023 - 2026. This document is the result of a joint project launched in February 2023 with the Beaujolais Geopark's partners.


Axis 1: Reveal the full wealth of the Geopark
Axis 2: Support the region's adaptation to climate change
Axis 3: Develop partnerships within the Geopark network

Would you like to get involved in the Geopark initiative and promote the label? Then join a working group on the theme of your choice by contacting: geopark,pays-beaujolais.com,


1) Signage
2) Geolo-play
3) Geology within the school walls
4) Geology and heritage of the Beaujolais Vert region


Your role will be to participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of the actions set out in the chosen theme.

Beaujolais Geopark strategy

The UNESCO Global Geoparks network and the Beaujolais region share a number of major challenges.
1) Raising awareness of environmental issues among the general public and schoolchildren
At the heart of the values promoted by UNESCO, sharing knowledge and passing on heritage to future generations are part of the DNA of Geoparks. Through the mediation of environmental sciences, including geology, everyone can learn more about, respect and protect planet Earth. This awareness is essential if we are to change our attitudes to the environment.
2) Protecting geological heritage in a changing environment
The Beaujolais is a dynamic region on the outskirts of the Lyon metropolitan area, with a population of over 1.3 million. As a result, it is an area affected by increasing urbanisation, which threatens the integrity of the landscape and reduces natural areas to islands that are increasingly disconnected from one another. The issue of protecting and preserving the landscape and geological heritage is therefore central to the Beaujolais Geopark. Although the Geopark has no legal status of its own with regard to local, regional or national legislation, it has a duty to act as a coordinator for raising awareness and providing information on the protection of sites and landscapes, while at the same time keeping abreast of changes in the area.
3) The deployment of sustainable development in a context of climate emergency
Although subject to strong urban pressure, the Beaujolais remains a predominantly rural area, and its development is essential to maintaining a pleasant, high-quality living environment for its inhabitants. In order to meet the many current and future environmental challenges, it is essential to adapt quickly and promote the sustainable development of the region. Already challenged by the effects of climate change in recent years, the Beaujolais Geopark must set an example by developing and promoting alternative solutions that are more respectful of the environment.