Day Trip to Perouges France

Our Viking River Cruise ship was docked in Lyon (click here to view our Trip Overview Page). We were enjoying the Viking Cruises "Lyon & Provence" (Avignon to Lyon) boat trip. While docked in Lyon, we had the option to travel to Perouges as a day trip, or to explore Lyon. We selected the optional free tour to Perouges departing at 2PM, and the tour bus drove us through some really beautiful countryside on the way there. The La Dombes district is where fish are raised in a series of 1,200 ponds. Apparently, these fish hatcheries have been there for quite a long time. File this one under "more things that we did not know about France

Perouges is another of those amazing medieval walled & cobblestoned little villages that are all over Europe, but each is just different enough, to where it is always interesting to visit them. It is a medieval walled town 19 miles northeast of Lyon and is perched on a small hill that overlooks the plain of the Ain River.

After the archealogical excavations on the Croix Tombée site, it was confirmed that humans have been present in Pérouges from Chalcolithic (about 2500 BC to 1800 BC) until the Merovingian period (5th-8th centuries) on the Longevent river. There are no records or information for the 8th through the 12th centuries, and the first written records mention the Pérouges old fortress dates from the begining of the 12th century.

After various roads were re-routed in the late 18^th century, industry and population declined in Perouges to where fewer than 100 people lived in the village. However, in the early 20^th century the town was restored to its medieval appearance, houses and other residences were saved, and it became a popular tourist destination. Because of it's authentic/medieval appearance, it has often been used in historical movies.

Pérouges is a charming medieval village that makes for an ideal day trip or weekend escape from the bustling city of Lyon. Located approximately 30 kilometers north of Lyon, this beautifully preserved hilltop town is easily accessible by car or regional bus, making it a convenient and rewarding destination for travelers exploring southeastern France. With its cobblestone streets, ancient stone buildings, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, Pérouges offers a step back in time and a taste of authentic French history and architecture. If you’d like to get a better sense of its location, simply click the map icon above to view Pérouges on Google Maps.on. Nicknamed La Dombes of a thousand lakes, this part of the Ain region is a paradise for birds. More than 130 species nest here before flying off to other climes.

As part of our Viking Cruises land tour (for that day), our journey to Pérouges included a scenic drive through the La Dombes Lakes Region, a stunning area northeast of Lyon that the French poetically refer to as “La Dombes aux Mille Étangs” — the Land of a Thousand Lakes. This expansive plateau is dotted with countless small lakes and ponds, creating a unique wetland ecosystem. The region is especially renowned for its role as a sanctuary for birdlife, with more than 130 bird species nesting and thriving here before continuing their migratory journeys. It’s a peaceful, nature-rich area that adds an unexpected layer of beauty and biodiversity to any trip through the Ain department of France. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, or simply the pleasure of discovering hidden gems, Pérouges and the La Dombes region offer a memorable combination of both.

The above images hopefully gave you an idea of how medieval Perouges appears; narrow cobblestoned streets, everything was built with stone, city wall surrounds the entire village, lookout towers, etc. There were a number of small shops where one could satisfy their desires for a momento.

So perhaps this is one of our "better" Trip Advisor tips - when in Perouges, be sure to go to the museum and walk up the stairs to the roof, because on a clear day, you can see for miles & miles!

After everyone had seen everything in the village, we got back onto the tour bus and returned to the ship in time for the Captain's Cocktail Party at 6:30PM.

Here are some tips for planning your visit to Pérouges:

• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a camera: Pérouges is a beautiful town, and you'll want to capture your memories on camera.
• Visit during the medieval festival: The medieval festival is a great way to experience Pérouges' history and culture.
• Try the local food and drink: Pérouges is known for its delicious food and drink, be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as bresse chicken and pérouges wine.

The following list contains links to all of our other French Destinations & Information Pages, click any link to go to that page.