Pérouges

French commune
nomcommune=Pérouges
région=Rhône-Alpes
département=Ain
arrondissement= Bourg-en-Bresse
canton=Meximieux
insee=01290
cp=01800
maire=Paul Vernay
mandat=2008-2014
intercomm=
longitude=5.181667
latitude=45.918611
alt moy=270 m
alt mini=205
alt maxi=303 m
hectares=1897
km²=18.97
sans=1119
date-sans=1999
dens=59
date-dens=1999

Pérouges is a commune in the department of Ain in eastern France. It is a medieval walled town 30 km northeast of Lyon. It is perched on a small hill that overlooks the plain of the Ain River.

History

Pérouges was inhabited by craftsmen - mainly farmers and linen weavers. It was probably founded by a Gallic colony returning from Perugia in Italy. In 1167 the Seigneur d'Anthon famously shut the commune's walls against the troops of the Archbishop of Lyon, and as early as 1236 the inhabitants earned communal freedom. In 1601 the town officially became French. Until the end of the 18th century, the textile industry in Pérouges boomed. In the 19th century, however, roads and railroads were re-routed and the population dropped from 1,500 to 8. But, starting in 1911, the town was restored and houses were saved. Today, Pérouges is a popular tourist attraction.

Films set in Pérouges

* "Monsieur Vincent"
* "Les trois mousquetaires"
* "Mandrin"

Cultural events

A spring festival has been held annually between April and June and hosts musical events ranging from Baroque to jazz.

ee also

*Communes of the Ain department

References

"Based on the article in the French Wikipedia."

External links

* [http://www.perouges.org/ Official website] en icon fr icon
* [http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/perouges.htm French Tourism Page on Pérouges] fr icon
* [http://monsite.orange.fr/artfoundryusdin Usdin Art Foundry]