🏰 Pérouges – A Fairytale Medieval Village in France

Welcome to Pérouges, a perfectly preserved medieval village perched on a hilltop in eastern France. Just 30 km from Lyon, this tiny town feels like stepping straight into the pages of a storybook. Stone houses, cobbled streets, and flower-filled windows make Pérouges one of the most charming day trips in the region.

📍 Where Is Pérouges?
Pérouges is located in the Ain department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, not far from Lyon. You can get there by car in about 40 minutes or by train to Meximieux-Pérouges station, followed by a short walk uphill.

🏡 What Makes Pérouges So Special?
This village is a rare gem – it has remained almost unchanged for centuries. Walking through its gates is like traveling back in time to the 14th and 15th centuries.
• 🧱 Stone houses and wooden shutters line the narrow cobbled streets
• ⛪ Church-Fortress of Saint Mary-Madeleine – built for both worship and protection
• 🎨 Local art galleries, workshops, and tiny museums that celebrate traditional crafts
• 🎬 Pérouges has been a filming location for several historical movies thanks to its authenticity

🍰 What to Eat in Pérouges
You must try the village's iconic specialty:
• Galette au sucre – a thin, sweet, buttery pastry with caramelized sugar and a hint of lemon. It’s famous across the region and best eaten warm!
Also, enjoy a meal at a traditional inn with regional specialties like quiche, cheese, charcuterie, and local wines.

🎭 Events & Atmosphere
Pérouges isn’t just a frozen-in-time museum. It hosts lively medieval festivals, open-air concerts, and artisan fairs throughout the year. These bring the village to life with costumes, music, and street performances that transport you to the Middle Ages.

📸 Tips for Visiting
• 🕰️ Come in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds
• 👟 Wear comfortable shoes – the cobblestones are beautiful but uneven!
• 🛍️ Browse the local shops for handmade soaps, regional treats, and medieval-inspired souvenirs
• 📷 Every corner is Instagram-worthy – perfect for slow, cinematic vlog shots

🎬 Final Thoughts for Your Vlog
Pérouges is proof that time travel is possible — you just have to know where to go. Peaceful, poetic, and incredibly photogenic, this village is the perfect escape from the modern world.
#westerneurope