The department of Ain is located in the south-east of France in the Rhone-Alpes region, and is named after the river that runs through the area. Close to the major transport centres of Lyon and Geneva, the area is known for its natural beauty, though you have to travel further east to find the higher mountains and more famous ski resorts. Ain is home to many sites of historical interest, as well as places that outdoor lovers will enjoy exploring, and is itself split into four ancient regions.
Bresse
As well as being home to a number of walking and biking trails, visitors to the Bresse region of Ain can visit the Farming Museum in St Trivier de Courts, where traditional farming and craft techniques are on display in old buildings. Demonstrations are carried out by actors wearing local costume and children are welcome to try some of the activities themselves. The architecture in Bresse is particularly well-known, with many older buildings still displaying the “Saracen” style chimneys, clay walls and exposed beams that are only found in this part of France.
Bugey
Bugey is even more suited to those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and discovering new environments, with gentle climbs, hilltop villages, lakes and waterfalls. Favourite spots to walk or cycle include around the shore of Lake Nantua, to the 20 metre Glandieu waterfall or around the ancient village of Oncieu, built in an unusual circular style around its precious orchard. In the summer, the pleasant temperatures make it an ideal location to walk or take a boat out on one of the many lakes, which often freeze in winter providing a breathtaking backdrop for some outdoor ice-skating.
Dombes
Known as the land of a thousand mirrors, the Dombes area of Ain is dominated by water, including the Rhone and Saone rivers, as well as many lakes and streams. The flatter terrain makes it ideal for horse riding, and there are a number of equestrian centres in local villages if you want to try a more unusual way of exploring the countryside. If you prefer, you can completely relax and take a trip around the rivers and lakes in a horse-drawn carriage. It is also worth visiting the pretty medieval village of Perouges, classified as one of the most beautiful towns in France, as well as the park devoted to the bird life of the region.
Pays de Gex
The Pays de Gex region is a more mountainous area, in the northern part of Ain. In the summer hikers can enjoy the same beautiful scenery that could be speeding past them on the winter ski runs. Unsurprisingly for a mountainous region, the countryside and villages are beautiful, even if they can be difficult to get to in the cold winter months. The spa town of Divonne-les-Bains can help you recover from your outdoor exertions, in summer and winter, while you can relax at restaurants throughout the region, sampling the local creamy cheese Bleu de Gex.
Bresse
As well as being home to a number of walking and biking trails, visitors to the Bresse region of Ain can visit the Farming Museum in St Trivier de Courts, where traditional farming and craft techniques are on display in old buildings. Demonstrations are carried out by actors wearing local costume and children are welcome to try some of the activities themselves. The architecture in Bresse is particularly well-known, with many older buildings still displaying the “Saracen” style chimneys, clay walls and exposed beams that are only found in this part of France.
Bugey
Bugey is even more suited to those who enjoy exploring the outdoors and discovering new environments, with gentle climbs, hilltop villages, lakes and waterfalls. Favourite spots to walk or cycle include around the shore of Lake Nantua, to the 20 metre Glandieu waterfall or around the ancient village of Oncieu, built in an unusual circular style around its precious orchard. In the summer, the pleasant temperatures make it an ideal location to walk or take a boat out on one of the many lakes, which often freeze in winter providing a breathtaking backdrop for some outdoor ice-skating.
Dombes
Known as the land of a thousand mirrors, the Dombes area of Ain is dominated by water, including the Rhone and Saone rivers, as well as many lakes and streams. The flatter terrain makes it ideal for horse riding, and there are a number of equestrian centres in local villages if you want to try a more unusual way of exploring the countryside. If you prefer, you can completely relax and take a trip around the rivers and lakes in a horse-drawn carriage. It is also worth visiting the pretty medieval village of Perouges, classified as one of the most beautiful towns in France, as well as the park devoted to the bird life of the region.
Pays de Gex
The Pays de Gex region is a more mountainous area, in the northern part of Ain. In the summer hikers can enjoy the same beautiful scenery that could be speeding past them on the winter ski runs. Unsurprisingly for a mountainous region, the countryside and villages are beautiful, even if they can be difficult to get to in the cold winter months. The spa town of Divonne-les-Bains can help you recover from your outdoor exertions, in summer and winter, while you can relax at restaurants throughout the region, sampling the local creamy cheese Bleu de Gex.
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