Pérouges

To the northwest of Lyon is the magical medieval village of Pérouges. Settled by the Romans and sentimentally named for the village they left, Perugia, this is an enchanting, walled, medieval village with cobbled streets, a few craft shops, restaurants (one must sample the local tarte) and a hotel. This medieval village was once home to farmers, craftsmen and weavers and although not rich in architecture, it remains much as it was in the middle ages. To visit is like stepping back in time. In fact we have the owners of the Ostellerie du Vieux Pérouges to thank for its preservation. At a time when all but a handful of residents had abandoned the town for more modern conveniences and appreciation for what was historic and old was forgotten, the town was slated for destruction. But the Thibaut Family started a foundation to preserve and restore Pérouges.