With ten days to go to D-Day, the countdown is on. The whole of France is entering the final sprint of preparations, and in the midst of all this hustle and bustle, there’s nothing better than turning to more down-to-earth things. What could be better than a traditional Christmas market in one of France’s most beautiful villages? We recently told you about the village of Oingt, which transformed its center with no less than 200 cribs; now Pérouges, for the duration of a weekend, is organizing one of the must-see events of this December.
The Pérouges Christmas Market, a not-to-be-missed weekend event.
Feeling a little under the weather this Christmas? Kill three birds with one stone. Whether you’re looking for something to spice up the tree, just the right amount of cheese or charcuterie on the table, or gifts under the tree, the best bargains are to be found at Christmas markets. The Marché de Noël de Pérouges is no exception to the rule, quite the contrary in fact. This year, no fewer than 100 artisans and other producers will unpack their creations and know-how on the market’s brightly-colored stalls.
And once again, the mood will be upbeat. The traditional brass band will of course be on hand to wake up any limbs numbed by the cold. And what about the mulled wine, also there to put the mind back in place? And what could be better than a ray of sunshine to accompany it all? According to the latest forecasts, blue skies are also expected. The Christmas market will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, with a fanfare expected at 2pm. Pssssst, we’ve been told that Santa Claus himself is also expected to grace us with his presence between 3pm and 5:30pm… And to prolong the magic of the Festival of Lights, a stroll starting at 6pm on Saturday will allow visitors to see the village’s alleyways illuminated by hundreds of luminous lights…
Pérouges, an unbelievable concentration of heritage
Pérouges is as small in size as it is in heritage. Nestling on its promontory, the houses nestle together like a snail’s shell. Here, stone is king, and the history of the village can be felt in every one of them. From the cobblestone streets to the fortifications of its 15th-century church (one of the last fortress-churches in the world!), stone is omnipresent.
Last but not least, Pérouges draws its charm from the pride and dynamism of its people. There’s no resting on one’s laurels here. Like this weekend’s Christmas Market, the town’s calendar of events is packed all year round, a sign of its willingness to share and pass on. For this reason, the Pérouges Patrimoine Animations association would like to remind you that, to ensure the smooth running of the event, parking will be away from the center of town, but free shuttles will be provided.