Perouse offers three specific ways to explore the town’s history: the settlement of the Waldensians, the construction of the church in 1738 and agricultural development. The main cycle route between Rutesheim and Perouse is another feature. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether history, regional agriculture or a cycling connection is especially important to your travel plans.
Perouse and its history
In 1699, Waldensian families from the Piedmont region founded Perouse. The town’s name recalls Perosa, their former home. Together, their origins, the town’s founding and its name provide a specific historical context for Perouse. The church was built in 1738. This makes it possible to view the founding of the settlement and the construction of the church as two separate stages in time.
Another strand of the town’s history leads to agriculture. Cabbage growing began in Perouse around 1885; the area continues to be associated with high-quality produce. The local story thus spans the settlement in the 17th century, the construction of the church and the later development of agriculture. The approximate date when cabbage growing began helps put this development in context, while 1699 and 1738 are fixed dates marking the town’s founding and the construction of the church.
A cycle route between Rutesheim and Perouse
Cycling can also play a role in choosing where to stay. A main cycle route with smart lighting runs between Rutesheim and Perouse. Check current conditions before setting out, as infrastructure can change. The route adds a practical travel-planning aspect to the area’s cultural and historical themes.
Landscape and activities in the wider Rutesheim destination
The wider Rutesheim destination offers its own landscape and cultural attractions. Rutesheim is situated on a plateau between the Glems, Würm and Strudelbach valleys. Rutesheim’s 536-hectare municipal forest is suitable for walking, hiking and cycling. The Nordic walking park offers three signposted routes measuring 2, 5 and 9 kilometres; the Rutesheim Border Trail runs along the boundary of Rutesheim. The offerings cater to different interests: set distances for Nordic walking, a route along the town boundary for the Border Trail and several ways to enjoy the municipal forest. Check the route and signage before planning an outing, as routes and markers can change.
The points of reference also differ when it comes to church history. The church in Perouse was built in 1738. In the wider Rutesheim area, the Protestant St John’s Church is a cultural monument; it was first mentioned in records of Hirsau Abbey in 1147. Its architecture still shows that it was originally built as a fortified church. Compared with the church in Perouse, the emphasis is different: in Perouse, the known year of construction; here, the early written reference and the discernible character of a fortified church.
The Rutesheim leisure park offers mini golf, archery and an outdoor escape game. Mini golf availability may vary; check availability before your visit for archery and the outdoor escape game. The leisure park’s high ropes course has 20 courses, six introductory courses and more than 287 activities. It is located by the Rutesheim exit on the A8, in a wooded area covering more than 30,000 square metres. These activities in Rutesheim complement Perouse’s local history with further options in the wider destination, without implying that they are available in Perouse.
For the wider travel overview: Rutesheim.
