Péron is a town in Ain, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 20 km west of Geneva.
Its territory of 26 km² is in fact bordering on the north-east of Switzerland. It is located in the heart of the country of Gex, a former barony corresponding to the northeast of the current department of Ain, integrated into Savoy (14th century) then attached to Geneva before joining Burgundy and France in the 17th century.
The locality, whose altitude varies from 410 m in the east (in the Rhône valley) to 1,500 m above sea level (in the west, on the slope of the Haute Chaine du Jura) is mainly covered with forests (55%) and agricultural land or meadows (39%).
The village that appeared in the Middle Ages remained modest for a long time (peasantry, flour mill, crafts) before seeing its demography boosted during the second half of the 20th century by the establishment of units such as CERN (European Council for Nuclear Research) in Geneva... Now with nearly 2,600 inhabitants, Péron has a preserved environment and a range of leisure activities of interest.
The oldest heritage elements in the town date back to Prehistory: this is how well-shaped stones (with cavities dug by man for utilitarian or religious purposes) and engraved stones were discovered., especially on the summits to the west. This attests to an occupation from the Bronze Age (between - 2200 and - 800 BC).
More recent testimonies of the daily life of yesteryear, the remains of a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine, mills or a lime kiln are worth mentioning.
However, in the locality, now, in addition to the parish church of Saint-Antoine built in the 19th century and equipped with beautifully crafted stained glass windows as well as a few neat houses in the village, it is in the hamlets that we identify more buildings of traditional architecture (farms, fruit farms where cheese is produced, etc.).
In this register, the chalet of Gralet, located on the ridges overlooking Feigères, is to be highlighted. Until the turn of the 2000s, it was intended as an alpine chalet. From the beginning of June to the end of September, a shepherd came to lodge there and make cheese while the cows took advantage of the rich herbs at altitude. Low in shape, the building included a stable, the shepherd's habitat and a cellar for aging. The site has been preserved but its vocation has changed: the chalet is now a refuge for hikers who follow the Balcon du Léman route. Information on +33 4 50 56 31 08.
On the cultural side, temporary exhibitions, one-off events and conferences are offered throughout the year at the library. Information on +33 4 50 56 41 39. It should also be noted that every second Wednesday of the month, an association offers cinema screenings at the Champ-fontaine room: a film for young audiences is shown at 6 p.m. and an adult film is scheduled for 8:30 p.m.. Price: 4 and 5 euros. For more information, call +33 6 88 48 70 55.
As far as "nature" leisure activities are concerned, managed and run by volunteers, the Verger Tiocan is worth a detour. On a 2.5 hectare site, there is a collection of 360 trees producing 140 varieties of apples, 40 varieties of pears and a few varieties of plums. All the trees were grafted with grafts from the traditional orchards of the region, which makes the orchard a veritable conservatory. Activities and free visits (with explanatory panels) or guided tours are offered throughout the year. At the beginning of October, a party is even organized with tasting and sale of apple juice. Contact on +33 4 50 59 14 77 or +33 6 08 34 88 54.
From the paths adjoining the course of the Rhône to the mountain pastures and forests which cover the slopes and summits to the west of the village, the town is finally a true paradise for walkers. Many trails are signposted, in addition to the Balcon du Léman loop. Circuits make it possible to join Switzerland and Lake Geneva via the ridges or, without having to climb, along the valley... Note that a greenway is being developed following the route of the old railway line connecting the Lyon region to Switzerland via Péron, and which will be open to two-wheelers. Maps and information on +33 4 50 28 09 16.
The landscapes of the locality and the Pays de Gex can also be the subject of beautiful horse rides: contact the Equit'Anna Equestrian Center on +33 6 72 33 79 07 or the Cavaliers des Fontaines on +33 4 50 56 43 20.
