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Medieval village · Lyon, Auvérnia-Ródano-Alpes
Pérouges
A walled medieval village on top of a hill, about 35 km from Lyon, with stone streets, weavers' houses and the lime-tree square.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Pérouges
Pérouges is a small medieval town in the Ain department, about 35 km northeast of Lyon. The historic centre, Vieux Pérouges, sits atop a 303-metre hill and is part of the association of the most beautiful villages of France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France).
It was a town of weavers in the Middle Ages. Inside the fortified gates, the streets are paved with river pebbles and lined with stone and timber houses, many dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The fortified church formed part of the village's defenses.
The centre of the village is the Place de la Halle, known as the Place du Tilleul, because of the lime tree planted as a liberty tree during the French Revolution. From the top of the ramparts the view reaches the Ain plain and, on clear days, the Bugey mountains.
The local specialty is the galette de Pérouges, a thin brioche-like cake covered with sugar and butter, sold in the shops around the square. The well-preserved streets have been used as settings for several period films.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours in the village; half a day including travel to and from Lyon.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, outside European summer weekends when there are more visitors. In spring and autumn the village is usually quieter.
How to get there
By car, about 40 minutes from Lyon via the A42 motorway. By regional train (TER), get off at Meximieux-Pérouges station; the village is about 1.5 km away, an uphill walk.
Tip
Wear sturdy shoes, because the pebble paving is uneven. Try the hot galette with a drink at one of the houses on the square. Parking is outside the walls: the centre is pedestrian-only.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pérouges
Can you go from Lyon to Pérouges without a car?
Yes. Regional trains depart from Lyon and stop at Meximieux-Pérouges station. From the station, the village is about 1.5 km away, with an uphill walk.
How long to stay in Pérouges?
1.5 to 2 hours are enough to walk the streets, see the square and eat the galette. With travel time, allow half a day.
What is the galette de Pérouges?
A thin tart of brioche dough topped with sugar and butter, the village specialty, served warm.