The tourist office answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Pérouges, entertainment and activities around Bugey and advises what to do in this part of Ain.
The page questions and answers (FAQ) to know everything aboutTourist Office and the offers of its territory. You have a question ? The tourist office has the answer!
Perouges Bugey Tourism it is a territoryeast of Lyon, bringing together 53 municipalities in Ain. You probably know sa Medieval city de Perugia. But do you know how coming from Lyon ? Or hiking in Ain ? Do bike on the banks of the Rhone? Our job is to provide the best answer à your Questions.
So many questions, all the answers* in our Frequently Asked Questions.
*Well, okay not the ones about life, the universe, all that. But with the great offers from Pérouges Bugey Tourisme, that’s already good, right?
Medieval City FAQ
Visit Perouges
The tourist office answers all questions about the medieval city. Visits, map, practical services…
How to visit the medieval village of Pérouges?
- With the mini-tour guide on sale At the tourism office (cost of the guide: 0.20€).
– For an offbeat discovery with family or friends, opt for one of the game booklets or investigation games.
– Using thefree audioguide. Just download the izi.Travel app and type the name of the visit on it: "Pérouges, join the circle".
- In guided tour with the Tourist Office,April to October.
– In autonomy, with map of Pérouges To download.
Is the entrance to the medieval village free and free? Answer: Yes!
The medieval city is above all an inhabited village, accessible totally free and free all year round and at any time (except the Sunday of the medieval festival in June).
About 80 people reside within the walls of the city while the commune of Pérouges has 1200 inhabitants in total.
Is there a map of Pérouges?
Of course ! Download below or in pdf version in the section 'Brochures'
This map of the medieval town of Pérouges can be found in the mini-tour guide, which also includes historical information on the village. On sale (0.20€) at the officePerouges tourist office or The online store (mailing).
You will also find panels with the city map at the various entrances to the medieval village.
How long to visit the village of Pérouges?
The visit takes about 1h-1h30 at your own pace and the stops made. The village is small but offers artists' and craftsmen's studios, restaurants (5 in all), souvenir shops, art galleries and the museum of Vieux Pérouges.
Accessibility: visiting the city, is it easy for everyone? Alas no.
The streets of the medieval town of Pérouges are covered with pebbles which make very complicated passage for people:
- In Wheelchair, manual or electric.
– On crutches or a cane or moving with difficulty.
- With a stroller (prefer the baby carrier for the visit).
- In heels or flip-flops (prefer flat and closed shoes).
NB: for disabled car parks, see the section “Where to park in Pérouges?” »
Is the old Pérouges museum open?
Le Museum of Old Perouges is open from April to October, wednesday to sunday.
The entrance also gives access to the watchtower with 360° view on the roofs of the village and at the hortulus, the medieval garden. Price (indicative): €5/pers.
Are there games for visiting the village with children?
Yes, the tourism office offers several games for families visiting the village with children.
On sale at the Pérouges tourist office or at order online (withdrawal on site or sending to your home – delivery time to be expected)
- The game booklets 'Georgie and Gina, the dragons of Pérouges'
Booklets filled with riddles, little games or coloring to discover Pérouges in a fun way. For children from 3 to 6 years old and 7 to 11 years old. About 1 hour of play. (2.50€ / booklet)
- Code Pérouges, a family investigation
The whole family is looking for the ingredients for the Perouges galette recipe, stolen by a spy!
From 8 years old. Around 1h15 of play. (€5 per booklet – 4 to 5 players)
- The investigation kit, outdoor escape game with friends :
A full-bodied adventure full of puzzles on smartphone and game booklet that takes you to discover Pérouges and its surroundings.
From 13 years old. 2 independent parts of 2h to 2h30 each. (30€ the complete kit – 6 players)
Visit Pérouges in a group, is it possible?
Sure ! Our tourist office welcomes school groups, leisure groups and coach operators all year round on request. We invite you to consult our page Band.
You can send us a quote request by completing our online quote.
What to do around the village?
Many walking trails are arranged around the medieval city. From 40 min to 2h30 of walk without difficulty. Consult the map of the hiking trails around Perouges.
Aubépin pond is located below the city, 10 min walk (no swimming – reserved for fishing). Educational panels teach you more about the biodiversity of the place. Benches welcome you there for a picnic, reserved with our local producers.
Are there artisan workshops in Pérouges?
Yes, the medieval city hosts several workshops'artists and crafts all year round. The openings vary according to the season or the craftsman. At a minimum, the workshops are open on weekends and during school holidays.
The list of craftsmen and craftsmen present in Pérouges is to find here.
FAQ: Coming to Pérouges (Ain)
Come from Lyon by car or public transport, it's easy. Follow the guide !
Car parks: where to park in Pérouges?
It exists two visitor parking lots required before entering the medieval village.
– P1 Combes car park (300m from the village – 300 spaces)
– P2 (last parking lot before the city) Olivet car park (200 m from the village – 50 spaces).
PRICE : 3€ the full day* per vehicle!
PAYMENT METHODS : in cash or by bank card.
DISABLED PARKING : of them free parking spaces are reserved for people with reduced mobility, right next to the village entrance.
A additional space is available in front of the door the tourism office (100 m before entering the village).
Motorhomes can park on P2 (Olivet) and are allowed to stay overnight. NB: Public toilets available but no service area.
*Cach visitor takes an active part in maintaining the car parks and public spaces in the medieval town of Pérouges. The town hall, the tourist office and all the communities thank you for it.
Coming by bus to Pérouges
It is possible to come to Perouges by bus from Lyon or Bourg-en-Bresse. With the Cars de l'Ain: line A32 – Lyon / Bourg-en-Bresse.
On foot, from the “Meximieux – Gendarmerie – Route de Pérouges” stop, follow the road to Pérouges (see the map below). Around 15 min walk, bring good shoes for the uphill part. Consult the timetables and the terms.
Coming by train to Pérouges
Trains depart every hour from the station of Lyon Part Dieu, TER Lyon-Ambérieu. (35 min journey). Meximieux-Pérouges stop. Consult the TER timetables.
From Meximieux-Pérouges station, count 20 min by foot uphill to access the village.
Walking is accessible to anyone in good health.
Follow the plan below
The city: practical services
Are there restaurants in Perouges?
Yes there is 5 restaurants open all year round (except annual leave) in the medieval city. These are traditional restaurants with local cuisine.
It exists take-out outlets : savory tarts, Pérouges galettes and sweet pancakes.
List of rrestaurants and takeaways from Pérouges.
Where to taste the galette de Pérouges?
local specialty, Perouges cake is a revisited sugar pie. It is made exclusively in the medieval city. on the village, 7 outlets allow you to taste it on the spot, or to take away.
Is there an ATM in Pérouges? No
No, There is no ATM in Pérouges. The closest is at Meximieux (1km, 5 mins by car). Most establishments in Pérouges (restaurants, workshops, shops, etc.) accept the Bank card.
Is there a calendar of events in Pérouges?
Yes a calendar of events in Pérouges is available online.
In an eco-responsible will, a paper edition can be printed on demand at the tourist information office in Pérouges, in limited quantities. The town hall of Pérouges also publishes a calendar of events by season.
There are several highlights and events throughout the year in Pérouges. See below FAQ 'the events of Pérouges in Bugey'
Is there accommodation in Pérouges?
Yes, it exists different accommodations in the center of the city.
– Hotel-Restaurant: Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges.
- Bed and breakfast: le Grenier à sel, The Residence, La Casa di Perogia.
In nearby hamlets
Hotel: La Bérangère (1km) from the medieval city.
Gîtes: Rapan (5km) …
The list of accommodation in Pérouges.
Where is the office of the tourist office in Pérouges?
Our tourist information office in Pérouges welcomes you all year. It is located at 9 route de la cité, approximately 100 m before the entrance to the medieval village.
Our opening days and times depending on the season.
At the Pérouges tourist office, it is possible to:
– find some free documentation and information throughout the tourist area.
- buy it village tour guide with map of the city (0.20€*).
- buy some family/children game booklets or an investigation between friends (2.50€, 5€ or 30€*)
– book guided tours classical or theatrical, to book online or on site.
– leave with souvenirs and postcards at the tourist office shop.
NB: a free audio tour of the village is available on the application Izitravel
He is not at the moment not possible to
– leave a stroller or luggage
– charge a phone or a bicycle battery
– use public wifi
These services will be provided in the new office building by 2024.
* prices subject to change
FAQ events from Pérouges to Bugey (Ain)
What are the big ones events and highlights on the territory of the tourist office? East of Lyon in this part of theAin, what's up ? Events and events all year round.
When does the Pérouges medieval festival take place?
The medieval festival of Pérouges takes place on 2nd weekend of June every year. It is organized by the OMF (municipal festival office).
- The Saturday un medieval market is free access all afternoon. Animations take place on themedieval space below the city (paying access). The village remains free to visit all day. A night show takes place on Saturday evening at the level of the medieval space (paying).
- The Sunday theaccess to the village is fully paid : access to the medieval market and all the entertainment.
Consult the page of the medieval festival of Pérouges.
Contact the Municipal Festival Office
Is there a Christmas market in Pérouges and elsewhere in Bugey?
Perouges Christmas market takes place at the beginning of December (the weekend following December 8) each year by the Pérouges Patrimoines Animations association.
The market starts on Saturday afternoon. THE Sunday the market opens from early morning until around 17 p.m.
IMPORTANT: The Perouges Christmas market is very frequented and the small village.
Before you come, for the well-being of all, the association invites you to consult the page Perouges Christmas market' (real-time information, car parks, etc.).
Contact Pérouges Heritage Entertainment
Presque all municipalities of the territory offer a Christmas market on the weekends of Advent.
Consult theChristmas market schedule
When and where does the Printemps de Pérouges festival take place?
The Pérouges spring festival takes place in June July. THE concerts take place on several sites around the commune of Pérouges*. The main location is the castle of St-Maurice-de-Rémens.
*Only an opera concert takes place within the walls of the medieval village, in the church of Pérouges.
The program is unveiled in February-March.
NB: The Pérouges Bugey tourist office is an entity independent of the organization of the festival.
For any questions, please contact the festival association of the Printemps de Pérouges. (reservations, refunds, ticketing, etc.) Or consult the Festival FAQs.
What are the summer festivals between Pérouges and Bugey?
Several musical festivals take place on our territory between Pérouges and Bugey, to the east of Lyon.
– 'Let's get the music' (May).
World music / French chanson / blues-jazz concerts. The shows take place in the villages of the mountains of Bugey (Briord, Lhuis etc…). Intimate and festive atmosphere.
Contact Let's make music
– Pérouges Spring (June-July):
National and international variety concerts. The shows take place in the towns around Pérouges.
Contact Printemps de Pérouges
– Sylak Open Air (August):
Metal and hard-rock music concerts. Hellfest atmosphere in the charming town of St Maurice de Gourdans.
Contact the Sylak Open Air
- OptimisticFestival (end of August – beginning of September)
Electro music, DJ set, workshop & conference on the Point Vert site (leisure center in Serrières-de-Briord).
Contact the Optimistic Festival
– Ambronay Festival (September) :
Concerts of ancient and world music in the setting of the very beautiful abbey of Ambronay.
Contact the Ambronay Festival
Is there a carnival in Pérouges or around?
La venetian parade, thematic carnival of Pérouges, takes place every year en April.
Pérouges welcomes the Venetian costumes of the Rêveries Vénitiennes association.
Contact the association Pérouges Heritage Entertainment.
La town of Lagnieu also hosts a venetian parade in spring.
Sporting events from Pérouges to Bugey
Ain Tower – cycling race (May)
The Gourdanaise – canoe race (June)
Rounds of the barns – trail and gourmet festive walk (September)
Saint-So Course – trail ( September)
Ain Plain Marathon – departure from St Vulbas (October)
Triathl'ain d'Ambronay (November)
Is there a fireworks display for July 14 in Pérouges?
Perugia organizes a fireworks display for the National Day, organized by theMel'Age association.
City greenhouse-de-Priord organize at the mid-July un sound and light fireworks over the Rhône, at the Point Vert leisure centre. Ask the town hall for practical questions.
Almost all the other municipalities in the tourist territory organize fireworks for the national holiday. Agenda for July 14, click here.
Villages, visits and activities from Pérouges to Bugey (Ain)
In the southeastern part of the territory of the tourist office (Ain), extend the vvillages and trails of walks mountains of Bugey. A pool of activities and pretty places to visit.
What are the must-see places between Pérouges and Bugey?
Le top 5 of the territory of Pérouges in Bugey is
- The medieval town of Pérouges
- The village of Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey
- TheAmbronay Abbey
- The Allymes castle
What are the pretty villages to visit near Pérouges?
The territory of Pérouges Bugey is full of beautiful villages. Most are located in the mountains of Bugey, near the vineyards.
– Saint-Sorlin-en-Bugey, pretty village with half-timbered houses of the late Middle Ages.
- Vaux-en-Bugey, discreet hamlet in middle of the viness and beautiful view from the chapel.
- Lhuis, charming village of Bugey at thelisted Romanesque church to Historic Monuments.
- Unknown, village built in a circle which can be observed from the panorama of the cross of Evosges and the Albarine Valley, wild and preserved nature, to go hiking.
All our charming villages for a nice ride are to find here.
For many of them, you can even make a free sound walk with the Izi.travel application (free).
Can we do the Guinguette via ferrata all year round?
Yes, the La Guinguette via ferrata is accessible all year round. The wall is practicable for beginners or experienced people. However, it is advisable to use a qualified instructor* to accompany you in this sporting practice at risk.
It is recommended watch the weather and not to venture out in the event of a storm, heavy rain or snowfall.
Download the flyer of the Guinguette via ferrata for all practical information (car parks, access, etc.) and the list of monitors.
For rent climbing equipment, you can contact (book in advance):
- Gîte de la Fora, Hostiaz – Corentin Obadia
- BB outdoor, Meximieux
Where can you see waterfalls in Bugey?
First thing important: the Bugey waterfalls (Ain) are to be seen at spring and fall.
En summer, waterfalls are often dried up. We have therefore prepared an article for you with ideas of things to see and do in summer instead of waterfalls.
second thing important: the waterfalls are beautiful to observe. The bathing is prohibited.
Waterfalls are fragile environments. In order to preserve biodiversity and nature, please respect the premises.
Finally, where to see waterfalls in Ain?
– Charabotte Waterfall
In the Albarine valley, the spectacular fall of more than 115 meters high can be observed from a belvedere. From the road between Chaley and Hauteville-Lompnes.
– The Luizet waterfall
The waterfall is at the end of an easy walk of about 1h30 round trip. No swimming. Departure from the car park in the hamlet of Onglas (Bénonces).
View walking tour 'Cascade de Luizet'
- Glandieu waterfall
In the center of the hamlet of Glandieu. Swimming prohibited, access restricted.
Where to swim in the Ain and in the Rhône?
La Ain river does not have no equipped beaches official freebies. Bathing areas with car parks are accessible at:
- Gevrieux/Priay : car parks and easy pedestrian access.
- St Maurice de Gourdans : parking space (approximately 30 spaces) behind the Ain beaches campsite.
Here you will find a interactive map with bathing points in the Ain.
La swimming on the Rhone is not allowed. The river is considered dangerous.
However, Point Vert leisure center in Serrière-de-Briord offers in July August an area supervised bathing (unless exceptionally closed by the town hall).
The paying beaches closest to Pérouges and Ambérieu-en-Bugey are Chambod Island and Bouvent leisure park.
For the respect of the places, the nature and the inhabitants, thank you for respecting these locations.
Where to go for walks in Bugey (Ain), to the east of Lyon?
The Bugey mountains in Ain are a very pleasant mid-mountain area for walks.
Hiking routes in the territory of Pérouges Bugey
- The easy walks and quick hikes
- All the hikes from Pérouges to Bugey
- US 7 easy walk sheets To download
It is possible to find our walking and hiking trails on the Cirkwi app.
The office shops of theTourist Office in Pérouges and St-Sorlin-en-Bugey also offer hiking topos for sale. (between 12 and 15€)
Where to go cycling with the family or mountain biking?
For the cycling in cycle route mode, the territory is fortunate to be crossed by the bike path of the Viarhona. This greenway follows the banks of the Rhône between Lyon and Geneva. For a day or a long ride, get on your pedals!
- Viarhona map free, available in the offices of the tourist office in Pérouges and St-Sorlin-en-Bugey.
For the others greenways and cycle routes, section 'bike routes' is there to give you ideas for walks. With in particular a cycle loop by the old tram line in Lagnieu.
The territory is sparsely provided with mountain bike areas. Only two routes will delight enthusiasts.
Specialized mountain biking circuits await you near Haut Bugey, at Cormaranche Bike Park.
Where to fish in Ain? How to fish in the Albarine?
Fishing is a well-guarded nugget in the territory of Pérouges in Bugey.
The river queen here is theAlbarin, in the valley of the same name, in the heart of Bugey. Fishing takes place from March to October.
La Ain river is a category 1 public fishing area.
De numerous ponds and bodies of water (Blyes, Longeville, Lac des Hôpital, etc.) are open to fishing, often under independent management.
To practice fishing it is mandatory to have an annual fishing license. Fishing cards may be added to the permit, depending on the river manager. We invite you to inquire in detail in advance. Failure to comply with the rules results in heavy fines.
More details on our page 'Practice of fishing'.
Traveling between Pérouges and Bugey: bus lines
Lines of bus regular cross the Ain department. Transport lines depart from Ambérieu-en-Bugey all year round, at the town's station.
Line of train Lyon-Geneva, Ambérieu-en-Bugey stop (every hour from Lyon).
Consult map and timetables.
Local products and local know-how
The Ain specialties, the one to taste at producers and winegrowers. And also the cultural specialties to discover with your eyes in the artisan workshops.
What are the specialties of Ain? Where to buy them?
Ain is close to Lyon gastronomy, since it is located to the east of the Rhône. The specialties of the department are Dombes carp, chicken of "Bresse, Gex blue and snails, to name a few. In the Pérouges Bugey Tourisme sector, the very local specialties are:
- The Perouges cake, sugar tart made exclusively in the medieval city. (see above)
- The ramekin, cheese specialty from the village of St-Rambert-en-Bugey
- The Bugey wines : Mondeuse, Montagnieu and Cerdon in the lead (see below)
Our special page 'local products' with Outlets for foodies!
Is there wine in Bugey? What is the AOC Bugey?
Yes, it is said that the wines of Bugey know how to brilliantly accompany each course of a meal. Less known than their cousins from Savoie or Beaujolais, they have nothing to be ashamed of.
The typical grape varieties are Gamay, Altesse, Pinot, Chardonnay and particularly the Mondeuse !
The AOC Bugey is made up of 8 wines, supplemented by geographical denominations. The most notable are
- The Montagnieu, a sparkling white wine, whose origins would be the result of a happy coincidence.
- The Cerdon, sparkling rosé wine, perfect for desserts.
- The Bugey fruit bat, still red wine made exclusively with the Altesse grape variety.
More detail on the AOC Bugey website
Points of sale on our page 'local products' and sale on site at our winegrowers
Where to find crafts between Pérouges and Bugey?
Like any tourist territory, from Pérouges to Bugey there are many craftsmen and craftsmen.
To meet nearly a dozen of them in the same place, it is possible to stroll through the workshops of the craftsmen of the city of Pérouges.
Personalized artistic careers (art binding, screen printing, stained glass, etc.), original arts and crafts (carp leather goods!) or the timeless classics (pottery, ceramics or woodworking), you should find your happiness among all these skills.
All the list of craftsmen from Perouges to Bugey.
As for the small local creators, they also like to meet on creative markets.