Campsites near Pérouges: which are the best campsites for visiting the medieval town?
4-star campsite: a family holiday with a water park just a stone’s throw from Pérouges
Located in Villette-d’Anthon, near Lyon and the medieval town of Pérouges, La Régnière **** campsite is a family-friendly establishment renowned for its extensive water park, featuring a heated indoor pool, water slides – including the spectacular SpaceBowl – as well as a wide range of leisure facilities such as mini-golf and a pump track. It also offers unique accommodation in tree-top cabins, for an original holiday in the heart of the Lyon region. Open from April to November.
3-star campsite with a swimming pool and direct access to the river near Pérouges
Located in Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, around thirty minutes from Lyon and close to Pérouges, the Les Plages de l’Ain *** campsite is nestled within a 4-hectare natural estate on the banks of the River Ain. Popular for its leafy, family-friendly setting, it offers comfortable accommodation, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a wide range of included activities for children and families, with direct access to the river for swimming and outdoor leisure activities. Open from April to September.
3-star campsite, two swimming pools and a green setting in the Ain (01)
Located in Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, just a few minutes from Pérouges and on the banks of the River Ain, the Claire Rivière *** campsite is a family-run establishment offering camping pitches, mobile homes, nature accommodation and pods. Set in lush green surroundings between the Dombes and Bugey regions, it features two swimming pools, leisure facilities for the whole family and a friendly bar-restaurant, making it the ideal base for exploring the tourist attractions of the Ain. Open from April to mid-October.
A nature break in the heart of the Dombes at the 4-star Le Nid du Parc campsite
Located in Villars-les-Dombes, in the heart of the Dombes and 17 km from Pérouges, the Nid du Parc campsite **** is a nature-focused resort perfect for lovers of the great outdoors. Set in the ‘land of a thousand ponds’ and just a stone’s throw from the Parc des Oiseaux, it offers spacious pitches as well as unique accommodation options such as teepees, gypsy caravans, canvas tents and lodges. Its unspoilt setting makes it an excellent base for exploring the natural and tourist attractions of the Ain. Open from April to November.
Affordable campsite near Pérouges
Situated in Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans, 13 km from Pérouges and the banks of the River Ain, the Sous le Moulin ** campsite is a family-run establishment that welcomes you to a peaceful, leafy setting. Set within a 2.5-hectare wooded estate, it offers fully equipped mobile homes as well as spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Just a few minutes’ walk from the River Ain, it charms visitors with its friendly atmosphere, its leisure facilities and its ideal location for exploring the treasures of the Ain and the Dombes.
To discover all the campsites in the Ain, click here.
What to do and see in Pérouges during your stay?
A family stroll through the medieval town of Pérouges – a journey back in time
A tour of Pérouges naturally begins at the Porte d’En Haut, an impressive remnant of the ancient fortifications that once formed the town’s main entrance and the site of the castle that no longer stands.
Once through the gate, you enter a maze of cobbled streets where time seems to have stood still – ideal for a family stroll with children, amongst half-timbered façades, old shop signs and perfectly preserved golden-stone houses. As you gently make your way down towards the heart of the village, the walk leads to the famous Place du Tilleul, also known as Place de la Halle, the town’s vibrant centre, lined with medieval buildings and dominated by its iconic tree, under which it’s lovely to stop for a tasty break or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the place.
As you continue your exploration, you’ll discover the astonishing fortified church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, almost unique in France for its defensive architecture, which bears witness to the village’s turbulent past and its strategic role in the Middle Ages. Throughout the walk, small craft shops, workshops and viewpoints overlooking the ramparts round off the visit, offering a fun and accessible experience that appeals to adults and children alike in one of France’s most beautiful medieval villages.image
The Musée du Vieux Pérouges: a journey back in time
Housed in a historic mansion at the heart of the medieval town, the Musée du Vieux Pérouges is a particularly interesting stop to round off a family- . Through several reconstructed rooms, visitors discover the daily lives of the inhabitants over the centuries: antique furniture, everyday objects, craftsmen’s tools, period costumes and documents provide a better understanding of the history of this former town of weavers. Children particularly enjoy this hands-on journey into the past, which brings to life the narrow streets and buildings they have seen during their walk. The visit continues outdoors in a charming medieval garden, where various aromatic, medicinal and vegetable plants used in the Middle Ages are grown. Finally, the museum also offers a superb panoramic view of the Ain plain and the surrounding countryside, allowing visitors to appreciate the strategic importance Pérouges once held. An informative yet entertaining visit, ideal for enriching your exploration of the medieval town.
Explore the area around Pérouges via the signposted trails
Beyond the medieval town, Pérouges can also be explored via several signposted walking trails that allow visitors to enjoy the landscapes of the Ain plain and the natural surroundings of the village. These routes are particularly popular with families, as they offer a pleasant way to combine heritage and outdoor activities. The most accessible routes follow country lanes and quiet country roads with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for children who are used to walking. The shortest family loops generally take between 1 and 2 hours to walk, whilst hikers wishing to extend their exploration can opt for 3- to 4-hour circuits through the surrounding countryside. Throughout the walk, walkers can enjoy beautiful views of the hilltop village, the crops on the plain and the Bugey hills on a clear day. These walks offer an excellent opportunity for children to let off steam after visiting the village, whilst discovering the natural beauty of this part of the Ain. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear, bring water and, in summer, sun cream, as some sections offer little shade.
Gourmet delights and grand festivals: the art of living in Pérouges
No visit to Pérouges would be complete without sampling its culinary specialities. The most famous is undoubtedly the galette de Pérouges, a thin sweet tart made from leavened dough, generously dusted with butter and sugar. Served warm in the village’s inns and tea rooms, it makes for a delicious treat enjoyed by young and old alike. Lovers of local produce can also sample Cerdon, a sparkling rosé wine produced in neighbouring Bugey using a traditional method. With its fruity notes and low alcohol content, it pairs perfectly with regional desserts and contributes to the area’s gastronomic reputation.
Throughout the year, Pérouges also comes alive with a range of events that attract large numbers of visitors. The most iconic is undoubtedly the Pérouges Medieval Festival, held every year in June. For a whole weekend, the town is transported back to the Middle Ages with costumed parades, historical encampments, street performances, musicians, craftspeople and activities for children. Another unmissable event is the Printemps de Pérouges, a music festival which welcomes nationally and internationally renowned artists to various venues across the region every year. Thanks to its eclectic programme and friendly atmosphere, this event plays a major role in the region’s appeal to tourists and offers an excellent opportunity to round off your stay with a high-quality cultural experience.