Pérouges, Medieval fortress town in Ain, France
Pérouges is a medieval settlement built on a hilltop and surrounded by stone walls with two gates, featuring narrow cobblestone streets throughout its core. Buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries, creating a tight historic townscape where every corner reflects its medieval origins.
The settlement began as a Gallic colony founded by people returning from Perugia, Italy, and gained its independence from feudal control in 1236. This moment marked the start of its development as a self-governing community.
The central square, Place du Tilleul, is where visitors gather beneath a linden tree planted during the French Revolution. This tree shapes the character of the space and shows how the village connects its past with daily community life.
The village sits about 30 kilometers northeast of Lyon and is reachable by train or car, making it convenient for day visits from the region. Wandering the narrow lanes on foot works best for exploring the entire core and experiencing the medieval layout.
The local specialty, Galette de Pérouges, is a sweet pastry made from a medieval recipe using leavened dough covered with sugar. The dish has been made this way for centuries and remains a local treat worth tasting during a visit.
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