Perouges

This village is in episode 21 Lotus and Episode 22 Physician. We start with Episode 22 The Physician

A splashing intro! Pérouges has a mysterious look. Through misty rays of light, on his temperamental horse, Tell enters Perouge town, the alley to place Tilleul.

The horseshoes sounding over the ancient cobblestone street. Add some exciting sound of the composer S. Syrewicz and the scene is comes really alive!

Scene: Tell still in persuit (from the previous episode Physician) looks over his shoulder.

Perched high on a hill with the French Alps draped as a fairy tale backdrop, the medieval village of Pérouges persists. A timeless town. A perfectly preserved gothic treasure. It’s like walking through the

pages of a story from the Middle Ages when chivalrous knights and fair maidens ruled the day. Even today it remains an iconic enclave hiding behind massive fortress walls built of impenetrable stone.

Uneven cobblestone streets wind through the narrow alleys, streets, and byways. Today, the town of Pérouges is not only one of the most beautiful, but also one of the best preserved in France.

2014 Here you can see both sides of the alley. Like I went back into a timemachine...

They are on the square. There is a shot made of the gate, but this square is not attached to the gate. (Just a few alleys away). The gate you see is the 'upper gate' who is

the entrance of the village. It's here the soldiers didn't dare to enter the village. Matthew who is fetching water, hears why. He hears the soldiers talk about the Plague

and realizes he andhis father are in serious danger. Location: Middle of the square place Tilleul, under the Liberty tree (the gate is at 1 and the square 5 and 7).

Panorama of the Tilleul Square. Right: the alley William rides into 'Charnay' town and the building on the left,

in front of the huge old tree, is the one they enter. Here is the Hostellerie du Vieux Perouges.

'The Tree of Liberty' (arbre de la Liberté) planted in 1792, during the French Revolution. Some heavy branches are supported by poles.

Pérouges has been nominated one of the most beautiful villages of the world and it’s definitely one of the oldest preserved one with no new construction of modern times what so ever.

As you walk along the narrow streets where most cars of today would not go through you will find La Place de la Halle (Halle Plaza) where a magnificent tree call the Tree of Liberty was

planted in 1800 and still standing. For this reason this plaza is also called La “La Place du Tilleul” (the linden tree plaza) which is one of the best preserved areas of the village with the old

tree a live testimony of an ancient village still standing. Another reminder of the ancient history of Pérouges is the low door entrances inside the houses which is a reminder to us that people

The terrace of the Vieux restaurant on the main square 'Teuill.' You can recognize this Crossbow shot through the right two pillars!

The same fence they opened about 30 years back is still there. Even the same tables, chairs and the same grape plants!

1986 Crossbow shot: The stem of the grape bush. The old grape plant is still on the exact spot, see below behind Matthew. 2014

Pérouges was founded by a Gallic colony returning from Perugia in Italy thus the French name “Pérouges” The Romans built a tower marking up the valley road used by its signal to the

defense of Lugdunum. In 1909 Pérouges was threaten by demolition and saved by Anthelme Thibaut who started a campaign against the demolition and saved the middle age village. In 1911

a consolidation and restoration of Pérouges was ordered started by French president Edouard Herriot in order to preserve the village and has continued until today.

The unique look of Pérouges has attracted many filmmakers and a few movies have been shot there. The Three Musketeers was one of the several movies that have used Pérouge as

a setting for their story. Pérouges has also received pregistous guests such as French artists and writers like Saint-Exupery, Academie Francaise member, René Clerc.

I'm not able to take pictures from inside through the windows. It's a private place, storage for the restaurant. The lower window changed a bit.

The upper is still the same. The exterior is part is a restaurant. Even our beer is ancient! :)

Compare those pictures. Look at the beautiful ancient tables who are still there, it was all in Crossbow (1986).

A legg of the table under the window (left) Table legs between Matthew and William Again in the middle of the picture in front of the pole

Scene: Matthew takes first watch. Matthew: 'What's the matter? It's just a ruined village...I think we can stay' Tell: 'I don´t know.....there is something.' Matthew: 'There

is nothing, there is nobody here.' Tell: 'I don't like this place' Matthew: There is nobody here...Tell: 'I know....I almost wish there was... What do you hear?' Matthew: 'Nothing.'

Scene: Matthew: 'It must have been black knights' Tell: 'Then why hasn't the village been raided....? It's not the blackknights.... something else...'

Matthew: 'what should we do?' Tell: 'There is nothing we can do; spend the night here and leave at first light.' Matthew: 'I´ll take first watch.' Tell: 'Thanks.'

Same bushy place as in Handmaiden, where Matthew and Tell are hiding and Horst finds a symbol). In Physician they are in front of Fort St. Andre Avignon again.

Episode 23 Handmaiden Episode Physician 22 In front of Fort St. Andre Avignon Episode 23 Handmaiden

The pressure on Horst, to catch Tell, is big. Horst gave the order to visit every town around on this place. Even if it's a (former) plague town. That ends in dissatisfaction and resentment.

You can only enter the village through two different entrances. Doors that are called “Porte d’en Bas” (bottom door) and “Porte d’en Haut” (upper door). Once through either

of these ancient gates, you are magically transported to a time where medieval architecture and towering walls enclosed half-timbered facades and paths built of rounded pebbles and stone.

In opposite of the inn (where Lotus has dinner ep. 21) and the inn where Matthew finds the drunk doctor (ep.22 Phycisian).

Horst wants them to search in every village. Also 'Charnay,' the Plague village. Horst's brother Ian Brimble.

Scene: The left one wants to follow his orders even if that means riding into the black Plague village, but the other (Ian Brimble) is able to change his mind.

Matthew years them talk and realizes why the village is so quiet. He goes back to warn his father, who is already sick. Soldier: "Charnay is a plague village!

But if you like....you may go." (Next time they're coming back and they arrest Tell, by following his doctor).

When Matthew goes back to tell his father about what he heard, Tell has a fever.

1986 Matthew rides in episode 22 Physician from nr. 8 to 4, while Lotus rides in episode 21 Lotus from 2, 3 and 4 2014

The church is in opposite of the inn The uppergate is next to the church The door in the middle is the inn (not sure it's really in there)

The interior of the inn: is not in Perouges. The fact that you don't see this door open should say enough...It's in Chazey castle. They were already filming there,

but because the castle is not open to the public and is currently being renovated,it was very difficult to see more rooms. But we have been able to discover some new rooms.

Matthew can only find a drunk doctor, Oswald. He is thus forced to pressure the governor's personal physician for his father to come.

scene: While Matthew does everything in his power to search a sober and good doctor. Tell is still in a fever and has a premonition about Katrina. Unfortunately she

got killed two episodes later. These two other people seems poor people, who thought that William was almost dead, so they could take his bread. But when the

young boy sees that William is still alive, he looks at his grand mother because he is not sure that what he is doing is honest...

Location field: No idea. Can be everywhere around Perouge or Chateau Chazey. Fact: They made a short shot of Katrina in Perouge town (photo left above). This meadow seems around Chazey castle.

1986 Same room, other angle. See the sheets on the wall, I thought were hanging there for Crossbow. I didn't know they were orginial. 2016

Scene: Matthew couldn't find a sober doctor in town. He decided to visits the Lord's doctor in the castle. He had to cross lots of difficulties to see 'the Physician.'

The Physician: "You must be very fond of your father taking so much risk." Matthew: "I am" Matthew is desperate and he tells him if he doesn't help he will kill him.

The physician is in conflict with himself and knows that this is going to be dangerous for him. On the other hand, his Lord, the noble patient, is depending on him and will not

just fire him. Finally the physician visits Tell. The lord is convinced the doctor is visiting William Tell and he let them being followed.

This courtyard of chateau Chazey was closed so the photo is taken under the huge porch. Chazey is open to the public for only one week in the autumn season.

It would be obvious the old part of Chazey or elsewhere in Perouges. I don't know... who recognizes these stones? Right the tower of Chazey,

this doesn't correspond with the cobbled stone of Perouges. I really think it could be in the old part of Chazey. I will ask the owner soon.

                                     Differences in stone                               This tower in Perouge doesn't seem the same, I think it's the old part of Chazey

Soldiers and brothers. Horst and Ian Brimble are riding together as Black Knights. Matthew quickly raised the black flag just before they arrive.

Matthew and Tell got the key. Tell is to ill to walk and gives the key to Matthew. Matthew wants to save his father as well... he took a black sheet and raises it on top of the castle, just before Horst arrives.

Soldier Ian to Horst: They raise the black flag. Horst: 'So what?' Ian: 'It's the 'Plague' flag. It could be around here.' Horst: 'now move!' And they turned around.

Scene: Lord of the castle: "For some reason the black flag is raised and half the country is in a panic! More problems!" The lord is strongly depending on his doctor but wanted to deliver Tell to

Horst soon. Besides the landlord is terrified of Horst. His doctor objects and gets in a quarrel with the lord. The doctors protects his patient strongly and threatens to leave the castle lord. But the

lord has already told Horst about it. Too many troubles for the lord and he gets his terrible stomic aches back again and needs his medicine quickly. But the doctor refuses to make it for him.

Then the lord has to choose and overlooks the action of the doctor. Location: Chazey castle.

Half the country is in a panic since the black flag is raised. But the lord behold his doctor he needs so much. He has to let go Tell and Matthew. Shots inside the castle of Chazey.

The Physician is filmed inside and outside chateau Chazey. I think the robbery in episode Lotus also can be filmed around chateau Chazey.

The village now falls between its two medieval gates - the 'high gate' and the 'low gate'. It contains lots of interesting buildings, including a fortified church and the house of the Princes of Savoy

(open to the public) with a recreation of a 13th century garden. The attractive cobbled (and uneven - wear sensible shoes!) streets around the village lead past lots of beautiful old stone houses -

truly there is something interesting to discover around every corner, with a great deal remaining from its medieval heyday. A tour of Perouges begins at the upper gate. This stone gateway is made of

boulders and the wall is part of the church. The church is fortified as are many built at this time. - the 15th century. The church was originally built before but during a siege of the village in 1468 the

church was destroyed by the inhabitants of the village in order to repair and improve their remparts. They managed to withstand the attack and one year later started rebuilding the church which

was completed in 1479. The authenticity of the village has led to various historical films being made there - most notable perhaps being The Three Musketeers in 1973 (with Michael York).

While “Galette” can refer to savory crêpes as well as free form tarts, these galettes are made from a brioche dough with yeast (and butter and sugar), that’s been completely flattened, baked in an

extra hot oven and caramelized on top (with more butter and sugar). It makes for a wonderful mix of textures – very light, soft and chewy and yet with a crackly sugary top (not as hard as crême

brûlée though), thin like a crêpe and with a thicker crust like pizza. You can order the galette as an individual portion for dessert or an entire one for your table, or even grab a slice to go on the street.

While you get a large tupin of fresh cream and fancy silverware at the restaurant, I have to say… it tastes even better eaten with your hands. Makes for a more medieval setting too.

Between the end of the 15th century and the end of the 18th century the little town was very active.The were nearly 1500 inhabitants in Pérouges at the end of the 18th century. The speciality

was to weave hemp. Benefitting of the passage of the merchants on the road between Lyon and Geneva, and its numerous craftsmen, the city was quite flourishing, despite of some difficult times.

As you traverse the cobbly streets, be sure to notice the difference in windows and houses. The homes of linen merchants and wine makers were noticeably different in medieval times.

It all had to do with functionality since wine-maker’s homes needed lower levels to facilitate storage. Linen-makers wanted natural light streaming through their windows to assist with

Pérouges is a medieval walled town, on a small hill overlooking the Ain River valley 30 kilometres north of Lyon in

the Rhone Alps. It developed in the 14th-15th centuries based around the local wine and weaving industries.

The main street of Perouges is the 'Rue des Rondes' and this runs in a circle around the centre of the village. At one part there is a narrow strip, by the houses, which is higher than the

rest and was reserved for the wealthy residents of the village. Below this is the lower part of the lane which would have been frequently covered in mud and rubbish and was for the poor people!

The Rue des Rondes passes the 33 meter deep well and the Maison du Sergent de Justice with its round tower.

Also, the low door entrances inside the homes, many no taller than 5 feet, look as if built for petite people. This again is a functionality of time in that during

the Middle Ages, most people were shorter than they are today owing to nutritionally-challenged diets, disease, and periodic episodes of starvation.

With about 100 inhabitants who call the double-walled village home, Pérouges has several restaurants, gift stores and craft artisan shops, wineries, as well as places to stay that cater to the visitor.

From handmade paper and fresh bakery items to wine tastings at Caveau de Saint Vincent. When evening falls It's nice and calm, perhaps for some (in this modern times with lots of entertainment) quiet.

I'm giving this town 5 stars because it's perfect. But I give those stars with the caution that I am only giving them because the town is a wonder to behold. I am a former film set designer and I was in awe of

he near perfection of every inch of this beautifully restored village. From the moment I saw it perched on the top of it's hill, to rounding the last curved, cobbled alley, I was agog. Once you enter the

gates of Perouge, everywhere the eye lands suggests that you have been transported back in time (save a few cars and the tourists themselves). It's truly a marvel. No wonder so many films and

television shows have been shot here since the 1920's including 4 versions of the 3 Musketeers.

That said, I have been to other medieval towns in France which offer more in the way of culture, food and activities. None are preserved quite as well as Perouge though (which gets it's name from the

city founders who came from Perugia, Italy). Those looking for lots of activities would probably enjoy this village more during their Baroque and jazz music festivals in the early summer-- or anytime

in the summer when the town is likely hopping with tourists and open shops. But, if you're entertained, as I am, by just the architecture and ambling about in another time, try early November on a cool

wintery day when there is no one around but the ghosts. St. George the dragon slayer is alleged to be buried here and is the patron saint of Perouges, thus dragons appear occasionally on crests and

flags adding too the feeling that you've just wandered into a medieval theme park set.

Though stuck in time, the location of photogenic Pérouges has easily been recognized through the years as a set for authentic

period films such as: “The Three Musketeers” (1961), “Monsieur Vincent” (1947) and “The Advocate” (1993).

While it is thoughtful, the idea was that the town was originally founded in the early 1100s by a Gallic colony returning from Perugia, Italy in the French name of "Pérouges."

By the late 14th and 15th centuries, the town was transformed into an autonomous city and primarily inhabited by craftsmen, wine makers, linen weavers, and farmers.

In 1601, the town officially became French, ushering in a period of prosperity for the local craftsmen and merchants on the road between Lyon and Geneva.

By the end of the 18^th century, there were nearly 1,500 residents in town and the specialty was now hemp weave. Unfortunately, the booming textile industry

came to an abrupt halt by the early 19^th century when railroads and roads bypassed the town, resulting in a precipitous population drop to just 90 people.

The industrial revolution had taken its toll on Pérouges in the early 1900’s, with most inhabitants having left to find jobs in textile factories close to the train. Only one

family lived in the once flourishing medieval town. In 1909, the town was sadly slated for demolition. Stalled only by a courageous mayor and eventually preserved by the

French government, he town of Pérouges was eventually restored to its medieval glory. Today, you can still stroll the streets and easily feel transported back in time.

The Place du Tilleuls is the centre of Pérouges, with its 200 year old tree of liberty planted soon after the French revolution. Around the square are some beautiful buildings,

its a great place to sit and have a beer and watch the world go by. As well as the fabulous buildings look out for the sundial and also take a look in the Saint Georges church at the

wooden Saint George on the altar. There is also a small museum to commemorate the weaving industry that was once so important in the village. Rue des Princes leading into the square

was the main merchant street and the houses have wide bay windows where the merchants would display their goods.

The medieval city of Pérouges has a special charm. It is one of the most touristy places in the department, and for good reason, Pérouges is one of the most beautiful villages in France! This ancient

city of weavers is even more beautiful as Christmas approaches. By adorning itself with its finery, the city becomes a place where the magic of Christmas does not operate like anywhere else.

The typical architecture of the city is enhanced by garlands of lights and other Christmas decorations. The Christmas market, which is held in the heart of the medieval city, is an opportunity to meet

exhibitors and artisans who offer all kinds of objects and local products, gift ideas and Christmas decoration. As part of this Christmas market, many events are also held throughout the two days:

Visit Santa Claus, torchlight (Sa. at 18h), reading stories, living nativity, etc. You will find comfort and a little warmth when you enjoy a wine or hot chocolate.

You will find few businesses in Pérouges as well as two winery and a bakery in Pérouges. Being located near the region of Beaujolais the wine that you can find in

Pérouge will remind you a Beaujolais nouveau. The bread and pastry sold in Pérouge bakery (boulangerie) is cooked the all fasion way with with wood fire.

Once proudly restored, the old town welcomed a lot of public figures, politics or artists. At the 20th century the old town became a favourite amongst filmdirectors. Some famous people have left their

mark in the memories of the inhabitants minds, such as the french actors Yvonne Printemps or Pierre Fresnay , Albert Lebrun (french president), the writer/adventurer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry,

Maurice Utrillo (famous french painter) or, more recently, Bill Clinton, when he was president of the USA in 1996. It's favoured by French television which comes to shoot films, in a natural

historical location. Thanks to its many protected monuments, the magic happens everytime that actors are working on the medieval city. At the 21th century, Pérouges still amazes still many people.

Finally some shots we never saw. The quality is not good. It's from behind the scenes. Just shots of Tell on his horse walking through Perouges villages

Tell puts his horse at ease. Why are these scenes cut out? I would have liked to see more of this beautiful village in Crossbow.

I recognize this lamp on the corner. It's the building Lotus and Matthew enter. A fellow worker who sets Perouges into the mist and smoke.