Lovers of old stones or history buffs, from Pérouges to Bugey we travel through the ages. Villages or festivals, here hide treasures from another time.
Of the majestic Medieval city de Perugia in the charming Bugiste village, there is a scent of nostalgia. To think of yourself as a knight or lady from another era, you are on the right path. Overview of the must-see sites historical and emblematic places in heart of Ain, east of Lyon.
Unmissable places, emerging from the past.
The medieval city of Pérouges: n°1 of the must-see places in Ain
Pérouges, the medieval city, amazes with its timeless beauty, like a movie set. This small town from the end of the Middle Ages, still inhabited, is dotted with emblems: the bicentennial lime tree, the sugar cake, the homes of artisans and the cobblestones, of course. The essential of the essentials !
Through the charming villages: the must-sees of Bugey
Pérouges is a gateway to the pretty villages from Bugey, in Ain. Stone houses and wine-growing villages: the balade takes you through a heritage GENUINE. How pleasant it is to stroll through the streets of these pretty towns. On a facade, at the corner of a wall, the marks of the past wait quietly. A break one hour away East of Lyon.
At the bend of a square, the small heritage keeps watch. Here, a common oven still in use, there a refreshing wash house, in the distance a charming chapel... The opportunity to take advantage of it to taste Bugey wines.
The castle of Allymes
Perched on the Bugey mountains, the Château des Allymes watches over the town of Ambérieu-en-Bugey. A model of military architecture, sometimes from Dauphiné, sometimes from Savoy, he has stories to tell. Towers, keep and curtain walls have survived the centuries. One of the must-sees, 30 minutes from Pérouges, to visit all year round.
Ambronay Abbey
THEAmbronay Abbey over 1000 years of history ! Gothic cloister, defense towers and abbey church can be discovered all year round. Guided or self-guided, sensory or digital, the visit to the abbey can be enjoyed à la carte. A moment out of time.
Highlights for dreaming about the past
The medieval festival of Pérouges
Every year, in June, Perugia relives its medieval past. The time of a weekend, the streets of the city come alive. Night shows, medieval dances, fire eaters fill children and adults with joy. A medieval market completes the festivities, for a cup of mead or a knight's sword.
The Ambronay Music Festival
Ambronay likes it baroque and ancient music. In autumn, the abbey resonates with the vibrations of the organ and tinkles to the sound of the harpsichord. A stroll through the 18th century, colored by world music. A musical journey to experience with the family, during youth shows and in the deckchairs of the festival area.
When the Château de Chazey opens its doors
Some rare dates per year, the castle of Chazey-sur-Ain leaves its gate ajar. To School vacation (except Christmas and winter), the Pérouges-Bugey tourist office takes curious visitors from the ground floor to the keep. During the European Heritage Days, the discovery visits follow one another for a special weekend.
