Pérouges: a stone city on the Dombes plateau
Pérouges is a fortified town established on a height overlooking the Ain plain. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and Place du Tilleul form a restored ensemble which evokes the prosperity of artisans and merchants at the end of the Middle Ages. The historic city constitutes part of the current commune and remains an inhabited place.
History and identity
The position of Pérouges near the borders of Savoy and Dauphiné gave it strategic importance. The town passed to the Kingdom of France in 1601 with the Treaty of Lyon. The decline of trade routes and the textile industry subsequently led to impoverishment; at the beginning of the 20th century, a preservation committee participated in the restoration of numerous buildings.
What to see
The Porte d’En-Haut leads to Rue des Rondes and Place du Tilleul, bordered by the hostelry and old houses. The Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church is integrated into the fortifications and has a defensive aspect. The Vieux Pérouges museum occupies several buildings and provides access, depending on conditions, to views of the roofs and the plain.
Understanding the place
The uneven pebbles make walking difficult for some people and become slippery in the rain. Vehicles remain outside the city. Restaurants, museums and workshops have variable hours; major events significantly modify access. Arriving early and also exploring the peripheral streets avoids reducing Pérouges to its central place.
Prepare for the visit
Timetables, access conditions and transport may change. Consult the official pages linked from the source before the trip, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the houses free. Source in local language.