Pérouges, Medieval fortress town in Ain, France
The village sits on a hilltop enclosed by stone walls with two gates, featuring narrow cobblestone streets lined with 15th and 16th-century houses.
The settlement originated from a Gallic colony returning from Perugia, Italy, and gained independence from feudal rule in 1236 through the determination of its inhabitants.
The village center, Place du Tilleul, contains a tree planted during the French Revolution and serves as the primary gathering space for community events.
Located 30 kilometers northeast of Lyon, Pérouges remains accessible by train or car, making it suitable for day trips from major regional centers.
The local specialty, Galette de Pérouges, represents a regional variation of traditional French pastry, prepared with a sugar-covered bread dough recipe from medieval times.
Location: Ain
Location: arrondissement of Belley
Elevation above the sea: 226 m
Shares border with: Béligneux, Bourg-Saint-Christophe, Charnoz-sur-Ain, Faramans, Meximieux, Saint-Éloi, Saint-Jean-de-Niost
Phone: +33474610158
Email: mairie.perouges@wanadoo.fr
Website: https://perouges.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.90333,5.17944
Latest update: August 15, 2025 15:15
French medieval locations feature architecture from the 11th to 15th centuries. Fortified walls, castles, churches and stone-paved streets define the historical urban structure. Residents maintain traditional crafts, regional cuisine and local customs. Many of these UNESCO heritage sites document important periods of French history.
Castle of Meximieux
979 m
Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Pérouges
93 m
Tilleul de Pérouges
19 m
Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges
26 m
Former town hall of Meximieux
1 km
Musée du Vieux Pérouges
32 m
Maison du Cadran Solaire
36 m
Église Saint-Apollinaire de Meximieux
937 m
Maison Janin
57 m
Porte d'En-Haut
84 m
Porte d'En-Bas
111 m
Maison du Prince
27 m
Maison du Petit-Saint-Georges
26 m
Maison Timon
47 m
Maison Cazin
40 m
Maison Peychiers
29 m
City walls of Pérouges
65 m
Maison des arts contemporains de Pérouges
94 m
Maison Bache
52 m
Maison Jean Escoffier
18 m
Maison Mandon
90 m
Chapelle de Chânes
6.5 km
École de filles de Pérouges
77 m
Maison des Dîmes
40 m
Hôpital de Pérouges
69 m
Ancienne Maison Carrière
56 m
Maison Salomon
95 m
Maison Falconnet
45 mReviews
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