Date and Time (Original) – 2023:08:06 10:22:08
This summer’s tour of France’s most beautiful villages is nearing its end. The village we’re introducing this time, Pérouges, is a beautiful village located in the outskirts of Lyon. It is relatively close to Lyon and is one of the most popular beautiful villages. I believe there were buses from Lyon, or plenty of local tours available, so normally it would be very difficult to visit without a car, making it one of France’s most difficult-to-visit beautiful villages. However, this one is probably the easiest of all the villages to visit.
This is my second visit to the village itself. I believe it’s been 11 years since the last time.
Not only is it easy to visit from Lyon, but the scenery of the village itself is also very fairy-tale-like and lovely. The small paths decorated with stones and the buildings are very impressive. There are several parking lots around the village, and they are quite spacious, but they might get full in the afternoons during the summer season. We visited early in the morning, so the parking lot was not very crowded.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Pérouges is a medieval walled town in France, known for its well-preserved historical architecture and charming atmosphere. It’s located in the Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, not far from the city of Lyon.
The town dates back to at least the 12th century and was once an important center of trade and craft. Its streets and buildings reflect the typical medieval style, with cobblestone paths, stone and timber houses, and a layout that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. This makes Pérouges a popular destination for those interested in history and architecture.
One of the town’s most notable features is its fortifications, which were built to protect it from invaders. The wall encircles the town and several original gateways still stand. Inside, the architecture is predominantly medieval, with a few Renaissance-era buildings.
The Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, dating back to the 15th century, is another highlight of Pérouges. It’s known for its Gothic style and the beautiful frescoes inside.
Pérouges is also famous for its local cuisine, particularly a dish called Galette de Pérouges, a sweet, sugar-crusted galette made with butter and lemon.
The town has been used as a backdrop for several films due to its authentic medieval appearance. Its picturesque streets, historical charm, and rich history make it a fascinating place to visit for tourists.