Just 35 kilometers from Lyon, perched on a promontory overlooking the Ain plain, Pérouges instantly transports you to the heart of the Middle Ages! Rated one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, this medieval gem promises a timeless immersion,ideal for a day trip or two! Although Lyon is an incredible city with its famous traffic jams, quays and events, even the Lyonnais like to go green during the summer! So, by car, we’ll take you to Pérouges!
A remarkably well-preserved medieval heritage
In this medieval-style village, from the Porte d’En-Haut to the 15th-century fortress-church and the Place du Tilleul, every stone tells a story! Indeed, more than just an escapade, this unique place offers a real leap back in time! The original elliptical shape of the village follows the ancient line of the ramparts, so that the picturesque atmosphere can be found in every alleyway. Deserted in the early 20th century, Pérouges owes its survival to a group of artists and notables from Lyon. Thanks to them, the town underwent a veritable renaissance! Today, the town is home to artists, craftspeople and visitors, all of whom are seduced by its authentic atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Highlights include the Maison des Princes (former home of the Counts of Savoy, now a museum), its watchtower offering panoramic views over the village rooftops, the Dombes and the Ain valley. But what’s most enchanting about this village is the fact that you can wander around the site without a destination, soaking up the beauty of the surroundings.
The village’s cultural highlights
You can’t leave Pérouges without tasting its famous galette au sucre, a golden, melt-in-your-mouth local specialty to be enjoyed on a paved terrace (yes, even in summer)! Every year, the village also vibrates to the rhythm of the Printemps de Pérouges, a major music festival that brings together the biggest names on the French and international scene in such unusual venues as the fortress-church and the courtyard of the Château de Chazey. In 1997, while strolling through the medieval town, Radio Classique presenter Marie Rigaud fell in love with the church and organized her first festival in just 4 months! Since then, thousands of festival-goers have danced here every summer!
Pérouges is also an excellent base for discovering the treasures of the surrounding area, including the Parc des Oiseaux in Villars-les-Dombes, the Grottes de la Balme, and the Bugey vineyards!
So, ready to step back in time for a day? Pérouges awaits you!