Pérouges

Pérouges is one of those places that feels suspended in time. Small, intimate, and perfectly preserved, this medieval village lies just a few kilometers from Lyon and is one of the most charming day trips you can take in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Arriving in Pérouges means stepping into another era. Its cobblestone streets, stone and timber houses, quiet little squares, and ancient walls create an atmosphere that feels almost fairytale-like. It is no surprise that the village has often been chosen as a film set: every corner seems designed to tell a story.

Walking here is a slow and detailed experience. You notice wrought-iron signs, hidden courtyards, decorated windows, and that sense of calm that is rarely found in larger cities. The heart of the village is the Place du Tilleul, a central square dominated by a large tree and surrounded by historic buildings, where you can stop and truly feel the magic of the place.

Pérouges is also famous for its gastronomic specialty: the galette de Pérouges, a sweet, buttery pastry with a slightly caramelized flavor, best enjoyed warm with a coffee or a glass of local wine. Tasting it in one of the village’s small inns is an essential part of the visit.

This village is not only beautiful, it is authentic. It invites you to slow down, wander without a destination, and let yourself be wrapped in silence and history. Pérouges is perfect for a romantic escape, for lovers of medieval towns, or simply for anyone seeking a moment outside of time.

Visiting Pérouges means discovering a more intimate France, made of stone, memory, and sweetness. A small jewel that stays in your heart because it is simple, discreet, and wonderfully evocative.