Pérouges

Pérouges is a commune in the Ain department in eastern France. 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.

Pérouges
Commune
A general view of Pérouges
Coat of arms
Location of Pérouges
Pérouges
Pérouges
Coordinates: 45°54′26″N 5°10′22″E
CountryFrance
RegionAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes
DepartmentAin
ArrondissementBelley
CantonMeximieux
Government
 • Mayor (2014–2020) Paul Vernay
Area
1
18.97 km2 (7.32 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
1,201
 • Density63/km2 (160/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
01290 /01800
Elevation205–303 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.

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 90.[2] But, starting in 1911, the town was restored and houses were saved. Today, Pérouges is a popular tourist attraction.

Origin[3]

According to the archaeological findings,[3] 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
Historical population
YearPop.±%
1666500—    
1786844+68.8%
17901,052+24.6%
1793814−22.6%
1800898+10.3%
1806821−8.6%
1821873+6.3%
1831843−3.4%
1836834−1.1%
1841902+8.2%
1846899−0.3%
1851920+2.3%
1856919−0.1%
1861901−2.0%
1866890−1.2%
1872806−9.4%
1876801−0.6%
1881726−9.4%
1886706−2.8%
YearPop.±%
1891665−5.8%
1896599−9.9%
1901538−10.2%
1906536−0.4%
1911483−9.9%
1921364−24.6%
1926427+17.3%
1931429+0.5%
1936447+4.2%
1946447+0.0%
1954456+2.0%
1962474+3.9%
1968489+3.2%
1975531+8.6%
1982658+23.9%
1990851+29.3%
19991,103+29.6%
20081,205+9.2%
20141,206+0.1%

Films set in Pérouges

Given its authentic historical appearance, Pérouges is often used as the setting for period films by French directors[2] and others.

Films set in Pérouges are:

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
  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  2. Green Guide Auvergne, Rhône Valley, page 208, Michelin et Cie, 1995, ISBN 2-06-130401-X
  3. "History | Pérouges". www.perouges.org. Retrieved 2018-12-30.


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