Pérouges
![]() | show This article may be expanded with text translated from the corresponding article in French. (December 2008) Click [show] for important translation instructions. |
Pérouges | |
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Commune | |
A general view of Pérouges | |
![]() Coat of arms | |
show Location of Pérouges | |
![]() ![]() Pérouges | |
Coordinates: 45°54′26″N 5°10′22″E / 45.907347°N 5.172731°ECoordinates: 45°54′26″N 5°10′22″E / 45.907347°N 5.172731°E | |
Country | France |
Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
Department | Ain |
Arrondissement | Belley |
Canton | Meximieux |
Government | |
• Mayor (2020–2026) | Paul Vernay[1] |
Area 1 | 18.97 km2 (7.32 sq mi) |
Population (Jan. 2018)[2] | 1,259 |
• Density | 66/km2 (170/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
INSEE/Postal code | 01290 /01800 |
Elevation | 205–303 m (673–994 ft) (avg. 270 m or 890 ft) |
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. |
Pérouges is a commune in the Ain department in eastern France.[3] It is a medieval walled town 30 km (19 mi) northeast of Lyon. It is perched on a small hill that overlooks the plain of the river Ain.
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 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 90.[4] But, starting in 1911, the town was restored and houses were saved. Today, Pérouges is a popular tourist attraction.
Origin[5][]
According to the archaeological findings,[5] humans have been present at Pérouges since the Chalcolithic (about –2500 to –1800) age. There is no date for the construction of the fortress itself, but its first written mention appears in 12th century, therefore it is assumed to be built in that period. Although the town has been attacked by French soldiers on multiple occasions, it still prospered, due to its location and proximity to the trade routes. The town is located between Lyon and Geneva, which was one of the active local trade routes, therefore, craftsmanship and trade in the region flourished. The area officially became part of France under the rule of Henri IV in 1601.
Population[]
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Films set in Pérouges[]
Given its authentic historical appearance, Pérouges is often used as the setting for period films by French directors[4] and others.
Films set in Pérouges are:
- Monsieur Vincent Fr:(1947)
- Les trois mousquetaires Fr:(1961)
- Mandrin
- Fanfan la Tulipe Fr:(1962)
- The Bride Br:(1985)
- The Hour of the Pig Br:(1993)
Cultural events[]
A spring festival has been held annually between April and June and hosts musical events ranging from Baroque to jazz.
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 2 December 2020.
- ^ "Populations légales 2018". INSEE. 28 December 2020.
- ^ Commune de Pérouges (01290), INSEE
- ^ Jump up to: a b Green Guide Auvergne, Rhône Valley, page 208, Michelin et Cie, 1995, ISBN 2-06-130401-X
- ^ Jump up to: a b "History | Pérouges". www.perouges.org. Retrieved 2018-12-30.
External links[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pérouges. |
- Official website (in English and French)
- Perouges Preservation Committee - Museum, Watch Tower, Garden and House of Princes visits with Contemporary Art exhibitions (in English and French)
- Communes of Ain
- Plus Beaux Villages de France
- Ain geography stubs