Pérouges

Pérouges is a commune with 1203 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Ain department in the Rhône- Alpes region.

Geography

The community Pérouges located about 30 kilometers northeast of Lyon and 120 kilometers southwest of Geneva on a hill in the countryside Dombes. In the southeast territory extends close up to the river Ain. The place is a tourist attraction because the medieval streets and houses have been carefully restored in the early 20th century. Therefore the place as one of the plus beaux villages de France ( most beautiful villages in France ) was classified.

History

The name Pérouges suggests that the town was founded by Gallic settlers who were swept out of the Italian colony Perugia back to their homeland. 1167 defended Seigneur d' Anthon the walls of the city against the Archbishop of Lyon. The town gained municipal independence in 1236. 1601, under Henry IV, the city was officially part of France. By the end of the 18th century, the textile industry flourished in the small town. In the 19th century left more and more residents Pérouges, so that the total population of 1500 dropped to 364 in 1921. The town fell into disrepair. Only in 1911 was re- started with the construction of the city, many houses have been restored.

Demographics

Culture

The small village is a regular venue for cultural events such as jousting or the music festival Le Printemps de Pérouges.

Because of its medieval atmosphere of the place already served as the backdrop for several films such as Monsieur Vincent, The Three Musketeers, stylet or Fanfan, the hussar.

Street scene

Half-timbered house