This place is great. I love history. Thus, I liked the place and atmosphere.

Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Cobbled streets, stone houses, ivy-covered facades — every corner is photogenic and full of charm. It’s not big, but that’s part of its beauty: you can wander slowly, take in the atmosphere, and imagine what life was like centuries ago. There are lovely artisan shops, small cafés, and a few restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties — especially the famous galette de Pérouges, which is absolutely worth tasting warm with a bit of sugar caramelized on top. It’s peaceful, authentic, and only a short drive from Lyon — perfect for a half-day or slow afternoon escape. Go early or late in the day if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the serenity of the place. Highly recommended for anyone who loves history, quiet beauty, and timeless villages.

A lovely stone middle age town, nice for taking a walk but became a bit commercial.

It was quite an interesting tour of this great medieval city before Christmas time. The restaurants and cafes were all decorated for Christmas, and we tried mulled wine in one of the places. At this time of year the city is not so crowded with visitors.

Very interesting place, with a 3-4 restaurants which are full around lunch time, but you can have pancakes with ham or Nutella on the street. It's a beautiful Medieval town, especially during the Autumn because of the colours of the falling leaves.

I could not get enough of this beautiful historic place. I was. Awe around each corner I walked. Simply beautiful. Bring you best pair of waking shoes and a lot of space on your phone to take pictures.

This place is very beautiful and has not a lot visitors. One day trip would be far enough to enjoy entirely of this village. I stayed one night (Wed) and there is no restaurant opening for dinner.

Don't miss the light coming into the church.

Pérouges

Beautiful old city

Free entrance

Historical...

(Translated by Google) SAINTE-MARIE-MADELEINE FORTRESS CHURCH – THE STONE HEART OF PÉROUGES In the center of the medieval village of Pérouges, among cobbled streets and stone houses, stands the church-fortress of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: a building that is not limited to being a place of worship, but tells of centuries of history, faith and defense. Built between 1440 and 1475, in the middle of the late Gothic period, this church has a rare peculiarity: it is also a defensive structure. At the time, Pérouges was a fortified town and often threatened by wars and raids, especially during the conflicts between Savoy and Dauphiné. The church therefore had to protect, as well as pray. The walls are almost two meters thick, the windows are high and narrow like slits, and on the outside you can still see military elements such as battlements and patrol walkways. The bell tower also served as a watchtower. It was the last refuge in case of attack: citizens could barricade themselves inside, thanks to the reinforced doors and defensive architecture. The interior, austere but evocative, has a single nave, with pointed arches and an atmosphere of severe contemplation. Few decorative frills, some modest altarpieces, and a lot of bare stone: everything refers more to the function of refuge than that of liturgical triumph. Also curious is the fact that it is named after Mary Magdalene, an ambiguous and powerful saint, often linked to strong female figures and penance. A symbol consistent with the austere and resistant spirit of the village. ⸻ In summary: The fortress-church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is not just a monument: it is a living piece of Savoyard history. A place that has protected lives, cherished hopes and spanned the centuries while remaining faithful to its dual soul: spiritual and military. If you visit Pérouges, enter quietly and listen to the stones: they have a lot to tell. (Original) CHIESA-FORTEZZA DI SAINTE-MARIE-MADELEINE – IL CUORE DI PIETRA DI PÉROUGES Al centro del borgo medievale di Pérouges, tra viuzze acciottolate e case di pietra, si erge la chiesa-fortezza di Sainte-Marie-Madeleine: un edificio che non si limita a essere un luogo di culto, ma racconta secoli di storia, di fede e di difesa. Costruita tra il 1440 e il 1475, in pieno periodo tardo gotico, questa chiesa ha una particolarità rara: è anche una struttura difensiva. Al tempo, Pérouges era una cittadina fortificata e spesso minacciata da guerre e razzie, soprattutto durante i conflitti tra Savoia e Delfinato. La chiesa doveva quindi proteggere, oltre che pregare. Le mura sono spesse quasi due metri, le finestre alte e strette come feritoie, e all’esterno si notano ancora elementi militari come merli e camminamenti di ronda. La torre campanaria fungeva anche da torre di guardia. Era il rifugio ultimo in caso di attacco: i cittadini potevano barricarsi all’interno, grazie alle porte rinforzate e all’architettura difensiva. L’interno, austero ma suggestivo, è a navata unica, con archi a sesto acuto e un’atmosfera di raccoglimento severo. Pochi orpelli decorativi, qualche pala d’altare modesta, e molta pietra nuda: il tutto rimanda più alla funzione di rifugio che a quella di trionfo liturgico. Curioso anche il fatto che sia intitolata a Maria Maddalena, santa ambigua e potente, spesso legata a figure femminili forti e alla penitenza. Un simbolo coerente con lo spirito austero e resistente del villaggio. ⸻ In sintesi: La chiesa-fortezza di Sainte-Marie-Madeleine non è solo un monumento: è un pezzo vivo della storia savoiarda. Un luogo che ha protetto vite, custodito speranze e attraversato i secoli rimanendo fedele alla sua duplice anima: spirituale e militare. Se visiti Pérouges, entra in silenzio e ascolta le pietre: hanno molto da raccontare.

(Translated by Google) A stone witness on the road to Santiago de Compostela Located at the entrance to the medieval city of Pérouges, this church impresses with its almost fortified appearance, characteristic of medieval religious buildings built for both spiritual and defensive purposes. Its thick stone walls bear witness to past centuries, as do its Gothic vaults and austere sobriety. The interior, adorned with red hangings bearing heraldic emblems, dragons, and knights, evokes the spirit of chivalry and ancient traditions. A former stopping place on the Way of Saint James, it remains today a haven of silence and remembrance for visitors and pilgrims passing through. (Original) Un témoin de pierre sur la route de Compostelle Située à l’entrée de la cité médiévale de Pérouges, cette église impressionne par son allure presque fortifiée, caractéristique des édifices religieux du Moyen Âge construits à des fins autant spirituelles que défensives. Ses épais murs de pierre témoignent des siècles passés, tout comme ses voûtes gothiques et sa sobriété austère. L’intérieur, orné de tentures rouges frappées d’emblèmes héraldiques, dragon, chevalier évoque l’esprit chevaleresque et les traditions anciennes. Ancien lieu d’étape sur le chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, elle reste aujourd’hui un havre de silence et de mémoire pour les visiteurs et pèlerins de passage.

Nice

I like it!

An overwhelming village.

(Translated by Google) Opinion only on the aesthetics (as an external tourist visitor)... because I do not live in Pérouges and therefore have never needed the services of the town hall, it is impossible to make a criticism at this level. Small town hall, very pretty visually, which fits in well with the other old houses. Obviously, the town hall wanted to keep the "spirit" of this medieval city... and that's very good. At the front, a small square, very flat and tarmaced without excess (the only place in the city!) for the organization of small events, as well as a very classic hangar... and flower pots to embellish it. In short, nice... on the other hand, on a daily level, one might wonder how to access it for elderly or disabled residents who need a service from the town hall...?! Yes... there's not only tourism in life... (Original) Avis uniquement sur l'esthétisme (en tant que touriste visiteur externe)... car n'habitant pas Pérouges et n'ayant jamais donc eu besoin des services de la mairie, il est impossible de faire une critique à ce niveau. Petite mairie très jolie au niveau visuel, qui s'intègre bien avec les autres maisons anciennes. A l'évidence, la mairie a bien voulu garder "l'esprit" de cette cité médiévale... et c'est très bien comme ça. Au devant, une petite place bien plate et goudronnée sans excès (le seul endroit de la cité !) pour l'organisation de petits événements, ainsi qu'un hangar très classique... et des pots de fleurs pour enjoliver.. Bref, sympa... par contre, au niveau quotidien, on peut se demander comment y accède les habitants âgés ou handicapés qui auraient besoin d'un service de la mairie... ?! Eh oui... il n'y a pas que le tourisme dans la vie...

(Translated by Google) MAIRIE DE PÉROUGES – THE ORGANIZATIONAL HEART OF A MEDIEVAL JEWEL The Mairie de Pérouges, despite being an administrative structure, is perfectly integrated into the architectural style of the village. Discreet, made of stone like the rest of the village, it maintains that sober elegance that distinguishes the entire historic center. But beyond the aesthetic aspect, what is really striking is the active role that the Municipality plays in the protection and enhancement of the local heritage. Exemplary heritage management Pérouges is one of the "most beautiful villages of France" and this is also due to the constant and visible activity of the Mairie. The cobbled streets are clean and well-kept, the facades of the buildings preserved with philological attention, and there are no invasive modern signs or structures that break the visual harmony of the village. The planters are well maintained, the night lighting is discreet but scenographic, and every urban element (from baskets to benches) is designed to respect the historical identity of the place. There is a real culture of detail. Presence and participation The Mairie organizes and supports cultural and historical events, such as the Medieval Festival, and promotes community life through markets, school initiatives and activities for residents, despite Pérouges being largely tourism-oriented. The balance between local life and welcoming visitors is one of the most successful aspects. ⸻ In summary: The Mairie de Pérouges is not just an administrative office, but a real guardian of the village. Its careful management, respectful of the historical context, ensures that the village remains a lively, authentic and extraordinarily well-kept place. A model of local administration at the service of beauty. (Original) MAIRIE DE PÉROUGES – IL CUORE ORGANIZZATIVO DI UN GIOIELLO MEDIEVALE La Mairie de Pérouges, pur essendo una struttura amministrativa, è perfettamente integrata nello stile architettonico del borgo. Discreta, in pietra come il resto del villaggio, mantiene quell’eleganza sobria che contraddistingue tutto il centro storico. Ma al di là dell’aspetto estetico, ciò che colpisce davvero è il ruolo attivo che il Comune gioca nella tutela e valorizzazione del patrimonio locale. Una gestione esemplare del patrimonio Pérouges è uno dei “plus beaux villages de France” e lo si deve anche all’attività costante e visibile della Mairie. Le strade acciottolate sono pulite e curate, le facciate degli edifici conservate con attenzione filologica, e non si vedono insegne moderne invasive o strutture che rompano l’armonia visiva del borgo. Le fioriere sono ben mantenute, l’illuminazione notturna è discreta ma scenografica, e ogni elemento urbano (dai cestini alle panchine) è pensato per rispettare l’identità storica del luogo. C’è una vera cultura del dettaglio. Presenza e partecipazione La Mairie organizza e sostiene eventi culturali e storici, come la Festa Medievale, e promuove la vita comunitaria attraverso mercatini, iniziative scolastiche e attività per i residenti, nonostante Pérouges sia in gran parte orientata al turismo. L’equilibrio tra vita locale e accoglienza dei visitatori è uno degli aspetti meglio riusciti. ⸻ In sintesi: La Mairie de Pérouges non è solo un ufficio amministrativo, ma un vero e proprio custode del borgo. La sua gestione oculata e rispettosa del contesto storico fa sì che il villaggio resti un luogo vivo, autentico e straordinariamente ben tenuto. Un modello di amministrazione locale al servizio della bellezza.

(Translated by Google) Pérouges, a very beautiful medieval town, to visit, stroll, chat, taste local products. Of course everything has a cost, but no more than in Périgord, the lot; etc. etc. Many cloak and dagger films with medieval intrigue have been filmed there and the area exudes calm and walks in the alleys of old villages. I have shown it to many friends, it is a treat to hear their relevant and real comments. I recommend. (Original) Pérouges , très belle cité médiévale , à visiter , flâner , bavarder , déguster les produits locaux . Bien sur tout a un cout , mais pas plus de dans le Périgord , le lot ; etc etc . Il y a été tourné de nombreux film de cape et d’épées , d'intrigue moyenâgeuse et le coin respire le calme et la promenade dans les venelles de vieux villages . je l'ai fait visiter a de nombreux amis c'est un régal d'entendre leurs remarques pertinentes et réelles . je recommande .

(Translated by Google) May 2016. From the campsite in Anse, we also took a day trip to the medieval town of Pérouges. We were amazed. It was all beautiful; narrow streets, beautiful, well-preserved old buildings, and a cozy terrace! We had a wonderful time. (Original) Mei 2016. Vanuit de camping in Anse, togen wij ook een dagje naar het Middeleeuwse stadje Pérouges. We hebben onze ogen uitgekeken. Prachtig allemaal; smalle straatjes, mooie goed bewaarde oude panden en een gezellig terrasje! We hebben genoten.

Boots & sword required ,you will feel like a musketeer

I really enjoyed going up to the tout du guet. The museum lacks of explanations that you actually can find in the booklet. I enjoy seeing the ustensiles of the middle age. The village itself is extend cute. I like seeing the weaving machine donated by a lyonese. It takes around 15 minutes and it is worth it. We took the bus to go to Perouges and it only costs €2 but there are not so many buses unfortunately.

Beautiful medieval place...need to promote the place more...

Old beautiful place

(Translated by Google) What a shame! The Vieux Pérouges museum lacks maintenance. The objects are neglected, with cobwebs, damaged pieces and dusty paintings. The information panels are damaged and the photographs defaced. At €5, entry is too expensive, especially without a student rate. It feels more like you are making a donation for the renovation of the village than discovering a real exhibition. Fortunately, the view from the watchtower offers a magnificent panorama of the Alps and the Ain region, which alleviates the disappointment a little. (Original) Quel dommage ! Le musée du Vieux Pérouges manque d’entretien. Les objets sont négligés, avec des toiles d'araignées, des pièces endommagées et des tableaux poussiéreux. Les panneaux d'information sont abîmés et les photographies dégradées. À 5€, l'entrée est trop chère, surtout sans tarif étudiant. On a plutôt l'impression de faire un don pour la rénovation du village que de découvrir une véritable exposition. Heureusement, la vue depuis la tour du guet offre un panorama magnifique sur les Alpes et la région de l'Ain, ce qui atténue un peu la déception.

(Translated by Google) As some other reviews have pointed out: €5 is highway robbery. We arrived at an overheated office (it must have been 30°C in there!) staffed by a most unpleasant man. When I asked him if the museum consisted of the room we were seeing, he told me no, that there were other rooms: indeed, two other completely empty rooms before reaching the tower. At the top of the tower, we had a nice view (which deserves one star). To get out, we had to squeeze through a tiny staircase between people who were in the process of paying their €5 (or should I say throwing it out the window). Avoid at all costs. (Original) Comme le précisent certains autres avis: 5€ c'est du vol. Nous arrivons devant un bureau surchauffé (il devait faire 30°C la dedans!) occupé par un monsieur des plus désagréables. Quand je lui demande si le musée se résume à la salle que nous voyons il m'indique que non, qu'il y a d'autres salles: effectivement 2 autres salles parfaitement vides avant d'accéder à la tour. En haut de la tour nous avons un beau point de vue (ce qui mérite bien 1 étoile). Pour ressortir on doit se faufiler dans un tout petit escalier entre les gens qui sont entrain de payer à leur tour leurs 5€ (ou devrais je dire les jeter par la fenêtre). A fuir.

(Translated by Google) I give it one star because we can't give it 0!! 5€ for a museum which is abandoned, dirty, paintings which need to be restored before being condemned forever, window which protects a broken tomb.... An uninteresting garden. The only positive thing is the watchtower but be careful a panoramic slab does not hold!!! Don't lean on it! I forgot even the reception is non-existent. I don't recommend at all! (Original) Je lui attribue une étoile car on ne peut pas mettre 0 !! 5€ pour un musée qui est à l'abandon, sale, des tableaux qui ont besoin d'être restaurés avant d'être condamné à jamais, vitrine qui protège une sépulture cassée.... Un jardin sans intérêt. La seule chose positive et la tour du guet mais attention une dalle panoramique ne tient pas !!! Ne pas s'appuyer dessus ! J'ai oublié même l'accueil est inexistant. Je ne recommande pas du tout!

Super

(Translated by Google) What a feast for the eyes in front of these stalls of little treasures... The artist is welcoming, graceful and gifted. With her small workshop inside the store she works with a smile An address not to be missed, because the items are original and very affordable. (Original) Quel régal pour les yeux devant ces étals de petits trésors … L’artiste est accueillante, gracieuse et douée. Avec son petit atelier à l’intérieur de la boutique elle travaille avec le sourire Une adresse à ne pas manquer, car les articles sont originaux et d’un prix très abordable.

(Translated by Google) Small artisanal shop with a variety of details to take home a nice souvenir (Original) Pequeña tienda artesanal con variedad de detalles para llevarse un bonito recuerdo

(Translated by Google) Magnificent boutique run by a warm and passionate artist. See you soon! (Original) Magnifique boutique tenue par une artiste chaleureuse et passionnée. A très bientôt !

(Translated by Google) Great little workshop for handcrafted jewelry and other works of art. Very original, and to make everything even more beautiful, the lady who runs the workshop is incredibly kind (Original) Super petit atelier de bijoux artisanaux et autres œuvres d'art. Très original, et pour que tout soit encore plus beau, la dame qui tient l'atelier est d'une gentillesse incroyable

(Translated by Google) A wonderful shop by a magical artist. We stop by here whenever we are in Pérouges. (Original) Ein wundervoller Laden einer zauberhaften Künstlerin. Immer, wenn wir in Pérouges sind, schauen wir hier vorbei.

(Translated by Google) May 2016. Wandering through beautiful Pérouges, we came across this studio. Very beautiful and impressive, as are the immediate surroundings. (Original) Mei 2016. Dwalend door het mooie Pérouges, kwamen we ook langs dit atelier. Heel mooi en indrukwekkend; ook de directe omgeving.