Cité médiévale de Pérouges
Cité médiévale de Pérouges
4.5
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4.5
1,286 reviews
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Dilbertfan
Surrey, UK451 contributions
Apr 2022
It’s the Cité Médiévale de Pérouges which has the “Plus Beau Village” accolade, and deservedly so. The Cité is quite small, featuring (inevitably) a church clearly built to be defensive in nature, a circular cobbled street all around the village, and a photogenic village square. There are several restaurants but accommodation is in short supply. The ‘Galette de Pérouges’ is nothing to get excited about: a thin crust pastry covered in crunchy sugar, with a hint of lemon or some other fruit. Don’t wear heels if you tour the place: the sharp cobbles require thick soles to make them painless and avoid twisted ankles. We visited on May 1st when the village hosts a handicraft market: the village was crowded, but parking was not an issue on the adjoining land specifically prepared for the event, and the whole experience made for a pleasant half day.
Written May 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy R
Leeds, UK88 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Looking for something to fill an hour on our last day in france, a quick search came up with perouges. The info said medieval looking village only a couple of hundred metres long, hence short visit. Well that proved nonsense. The village on a hill top can be reached by car, parking just outside the village. The village itself is a walled village with the church walls forming part of the defences and reflected in arrow slits on one side (not windows). Its a basic church but reflects the village it is part of. Once condemned early 20th century, it was saved. Nothing looks new and the streets are authentically medieval looking. There are a number of artisan crafters her along with small restaurants, bakers etc. Our 'brief' visit turned into a couple of hours and could have ben much longer.
This place really does give you a sense of what the village may have been like but thankfully without the open sewers as there would have been.
Wear very good shoes as the cobbles can be painful.
This place really does give you a sense of what the village may have been like but thankfully without the open sewers as there would have been.
Wear very good shoes as the cobbles can be painful.
Written September 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay B
Fairhope, AL1,064 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
If you want to explore something a bit different, this is your place. Perouges is essentially situated as it was in Medieval times. The narrow, winding lanes provide adventures at every turn. They feature small shops and eateries, hearkening back to times long ago. We had some delicious snacks during our tour and collected some great original art from locals. Such a joy!
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RossHJames
Sydney, Australia107 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a very well preserved medieval town. We visited in March, which had no crowds, but some things were closed. This didn't matter to us. Good just to walk around, and stop and sit down for a drink. There are restaurants for lunch and dinner, though not all were open. A couple of hours is plenty. There is no cost to enter.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello 👋
Thank you for your kind message. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your experience in our medieval town. We hope to see you soon in Pérouges again !
Thanks again and take care 🌹
Written June 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK5,286 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Having looked at lots of photos and read glowing reviews of this charming medieval village I can say that it certainly lived up to my expectations. With its cobbled streets and lots of beautiful buildings it is a photographer’s dream.
There are various artisan shops to look in as well as a fabulous church, and for those with a sweet tooth there are a couple of shops selling excellent ice cream. We were staying at a hotel in nearby Meximieux which is an easy 20 minute stroll away.
There are various artisan shops to look in as well as a fabulous church, and for those with a sweet tooth there are a couple of shops selling excellent ice cream. We were staying at a hotel in nearby Meximieux which is an easy 20 minute stroll away.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue M
Williamsburg, VA1,534 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This was an optional excursion from our Viking River cruise along the Rhone River. We were docked in Lyon, did a tour of Lyon in the morning and went to Perouges in the afternoon. What an exquisite spot! A lovely walled medieval village - their claim to fame is that the movie, the Three Musketeers (1961)was filmed here and for good reason, it is really a step back in time. Cobblestone streets with a number of buildings dating back to the 14th & 15th century - the town was in existence since the 12th century. We had a tour guide which enhanced the experience, describing medieval life here and the various superstitions and legends that villagers held. We ended the tour by going to the central village square where we were treated to a local treat called galette perouges - a sweet pastry made like a pizza and served as slices. In the center of the square is a tree that was apparently planted in 1792. What an enchanting way to spend a glorious sunny day in France. If you found this review helpful please click on the thank button below.
Written November 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shirley Y
Hong Kong, China221 contributions
I started this day trip in a mess because of the poor bus stop sign. Bus 132 goes north from Pont Guillotiere. The first sheltered bus stop is for local businesses. The second one 20 metres north is for 170. How about 132? You will probably miss the little blue pole like me and the group of tourists missing it just like me. I ran to the tourist office to ask, even they told me to wait at the local bus shelter. Do take a look at my photos. Read about Perouges from other reviewers. Beautiful.
Written August 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,551 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
One would think that getting used to cobble-stone traipsing would get easier with experience. our travels have proved you can dance without snapping your ankles. We all know how to do certain dance walks... well here there is a certain gait, or walk that's done like nowhere else.
As soon as you enter the portal of Porte d'En-haut, you have to watch your step since you are walking on tetes de chat. These ' cats' heads' are pebbles quarried nearby that have been used since the Middle Ages. Time warps everything in Perouges. it may be only 46 km from Lyon, but the town remains beautifully medieval, with its fortress-cum-church close to the gate and the promenade that follows the layout of the old moat
We loved the old marketplace shaded by a lime tree. farther off, the watchtower offers splendid views over the village's surroundings. Every street is adorned with glorious and distinctive half-timbered frontages. Walk past the Maison des Dimes, where the tithe was collected and the salt store, steeped in atmosphere, such so that you half expect to come across authentic monks, lawyers, nobles and peasants.
For me this is not just one of the most beautiful villages of France, it is up there with the best. Sitting up high on a plateau dominating the plain and on the crossroads of major trade routes, its easy to see why its founders chose this well-defended hill.
One notices the quality of the air, one of the reasons for its development , was its elevated position safeguarding it from fevers that devastated France from lakes and ponds, before the days of effective medicines.
Craftsmen ply their trades while its museum showcases a collection of everyday articles , after which we indulged in a restaurant that specialises in "poularde de Bresse" and the great local favourite, the Galette, a kind of sweet tart. Yummy treat. lunch was terrific, after which we climbed the stone staircase of a house in the Rue des Princes that literally was like going back in time.
Unusually for a fortified village, Perouges has no castle, but lovers of old stones will appreciate the beautifully restored houses in this perfect jewel of medieval architecture.
As soon as you enter the portal of Porte d'En-haut, you have to watch your step since you are walking on tetes de chat. These ' cats' heads' are pebbles quarried nearby that have been used since the Middle Ages. Time warps everything in Perouges. it may be only 46 km from Lyon, but the town remains beautifully medieval, with its fortress-cum-church close to the gate and the promenade that follows the layout of the old moat
We loved the old marketplace shaded by a lime tree. farther off, the watchtower offers splendid views over the village's surroundings. Every street is adorned with glorious and distinctive half-timbered frontages. Walk past the Maison des Dimes, where the tithe was collected and the salt store, steeped in atmosphere, such so that you half expect to come across authentic monks, lawyers, nobles and peasants.
For me this is not just one of the most beautiful villages of France, it is up there with the best. Sitting up high on a plateau dominating the plain and on the crossroads of major trade routes, its easy to see why its founders chose this well-defended hill.
One notices the quality of the air, one of the reasons for its development , was its elevated position safeguarding it from fevers that devastated France from lakes and ponds, before the days of effective medicines.
Craftsmen ply their trades while its museum showcases a collection of everyday articles , after which we indulged in a restaurant that specialises in "poularde de Bresse" and the great local favourite, the Galette, a kind of sweet tart. Yummy treat. lunch was terrific, after which we climbed the stone staircase of a house in the Rue des Princes that literally was like going back in time.
Unusually for a fortified village, Perouges has no castle, but lovers of old stones will appreciate the beautifully restored houses in this perfect jewel of medieval architecture.
Written December 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
and thank you for this comment ! We are glad to read that you have spent a great moment in Pérouges. We are very happy to welcome such australian people in Pérouges !
Thank you for your visit !
Written February 3, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JillClardy
Redwood City, CA850 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
We visited on a spring weekday excursion from our river boat which was berthed in the port of Lyon, about 19 miles away. The half-timbered and stone architecture is authentic and has been maintained in its 14th-15th century condition. There are very few glimpses of modern conveniences - only the conduits that run outside the walls to bring electricity to the hardy inhabitants who dare to live in a tourist attraction ! The cobble-stoned streets were nearly empty, and it was easy to compose a picture with no people in it. We were treated with the local pastry - a sugary galette, fragrant and hot from the oven. Perouges is indeed one of the most beautiful ancient villages of France, and well worth the time to visit. There's a church and a small museum and a few shops around the main square, but not much else to do other than wander around and imagine living here hundreds of years ago...
Written June 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan G
Oakton, VA53 contributions
May 2015
Great little town. The museum a must. This little town is great for a day trip, grap a cafe and a galette then poke ypour nose down all the small streets. No shopping to say of just beautiful buildings
Written June 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olá, Débora
Por favor, gostaria de informações complementares sobre a compra do bilhete partindo de Lyon e também para volta de Perouges.
Ondo compro o bilhete, bilheteria local ou pelo site?
É possível comprar online?
Written February 17, 2023
On est sur la ville médiévale et hélas certaines choses sont fermées, comme par exemple le musée. C’est les vacances scolaires du secteur C. Un peu dommage de voir quelques établissements fermés.
Written February 15, 2020
Je n'ai pas déposé d'avis sur le musée, mais je sais qu'il est ouvert d'Avril à Octobre de 10 à 12 et de 14 à 18 heures....
Fermé Lundi et mardi. MICK
Written February 18, 2020
Bonjour, y a t'il des activités en ville qui accepte les chiens ?
Written February 2, 2020
Il n'y a pas d'activités pour les chiens à Perouges mais certains restaurants les acceptent.
Written February 3, 2020
Bonjour, est-ce que le parking à l'entrée du village a des places pour personnes en fauteuil roulant ?
Written June 26, 2019
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
Bonjour,
le long de l'église à côté du parking réservé aux résidents, il y a 2 places PMR.
Il existe aussi une place devant le bureau d'informations touristiques situé environ 75 mètres avant l'entrée de l'a cité médiévale.
Attention cependant car la cité est pavée de galets ronds qui rendent les déplacements compliqués pour les personnes à mobilité réduite.
Excellente fin de journée
Written July 1, 2019
Combien de temps est nécessaire pour visiter ce village médiévale?
Written April 5, 2018
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
Bonjour,
la cité n'est pas très grande, une heure peut suffire. Une fois les lieux d'exposition ouverts (maison cazin, musée, maison des arts contemporains le week end), vous pouvez prévoir environ 2h
Le printemps ou l'été est une bonne période pour visiter car presque tout sera ouvert tous les jours.
Bonne fin de journée
Written May 1, 2018
Hola! Vale la pena quedarse a dormir en el pueblo? Qué tipo de alojamientos existen? Gracias
Written February 28, 2018
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
Hello,
to come to Pérouges it's better to take the train Lyon Part Dieu / Pérouges Meximieux station (line Lyon/Chambéry n°35)
About 8€ one way 35 minutes
Or you can take the bus line 132 Lyon Guillotière Bridge (close to Hotel Dieu) Bourg en Bresse. Bus stop : Pérouges bifurcation
2€ one way 1h15
Then you'll have to walk between 10 or 20 minutes to come to the medieval city
See you soon
Written April 4, 2018
Bonjour. Nous viendrions de Lyon par train. On prévoit quelle durée pour une visite agréable? La gare est éloignée du centre? Départ de Lyon à 10h, train de retour à 17h ou 18h, ça fait du sens? Vraiment merci.
Written July 9, 2017
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
la distance entre la gare sncf et la cité médiévale est de 2km. Vous pouvez faire le chemin à pied facilement. Il faut environ 20/25 minutes pour monter à la cité qui se situe au sommet de la colline.
Si vous souhaitez prendre un taxi il faut bien lui téléphoner à l'avance car ils sont difficiles à trouver pour une distance courte. Il n'y a pas de taxis qui attendent à la sortie de la gare comme la ville de Meximieux est petite.
A bientôt !
Written July 13, 2017
bonjour ,jeune retraite ,je me suis payé un can am pour visiter un peu ! y a t'il possibilité de le garer quelque part en securité ? de plus ayant envie de me payer un petit resto et pkoi pas une chambre d'hote!pourriez vous me conseiller ? ce n'est pas tres loin mais j'aimerai me ballader aux alentours aussi ....merci.
Written December 23, 2016
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
Bonjour,
les chambres d'hôtes avec parking pour stationner un véhicule de taille moyenne seront The Resid for Calixte ou La ferme de Rapan sur la commune de Pérouges.
Vous avez également l'hôtel La Bérangère** situé au pied de la cité médiévale qui possède un parking fermé.
Written July 13, 2017
Pérouges Bugey Tourisme
Perouges, France
Bonjour,
le parking car est situé en bas de la route de la cité. Pour accéder à la cité médiévale, suivez les indications routières. Une dépose minute devant l'office de tourisme est possible. Puis descendez cette rue de la cité (la seule rue possible) et le parking se situe en contrebas à droite. A environ 500m de l'office de tourisme.
Bonne fin de journée.
Written October 19, 2016
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