What to do in the Ain?

The Ain department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is multi-faceted, and you’ll simply find it impossible to get bored there! The hardest part will be choosing between its historic monuments, its preserved ecosystem, its varied activities… So why not take the time to do and see it all?

Must-see sights in the Ain

History enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.

Royal Monastery of Brou

How could you not start a visit to the Ain in Bourg-en-Bresse, the department’s prefecture? Don’t miss the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Flamboyant Gothic masterpiece made up of a church and three cloisters (16th century). The buildings house tombs as well as exceptional collections (statues, paintings by great masters…).

The medieval towns

Pérouges, set on the Dombes plateau, invites you to wander its cobbled streets and discover its medieval architecture. Its fortress-church, built into the town’s ramparts, houses an exceptional altarpiece and wooden statues (15th century). Also visit the Museum of Old Pérouges in a manor house (14th-15th century), its Hostellerie (12th century), and enjoy the exceptional panoramic view over the Ain valley. Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne also holds magnificent surprises in store (remains of fortified ramparts and the castle, 15th-century market halls, apothecary…) as well as a Model Train Museum featuring a 200 m² layout.

Bird park

The Villars-les-Dombes ornithological park, created in 1970, is home to more than 3,000 birds within a 380-hectare natural area, 35 of which are open to the public. A great opportunity to discover birds from around the world, over 60 species of which are endangered.

Bresse Farm Museum (St-Trivier-de-Courtes)

The farm museum, set up in an authentic listed farmhouse, consists of three half-timbered buildings from the 16th century. Another lovely visit for the whole family, and a chance to discover the techniques of yesteryear through exhibitions and workshops (hemp weaving, butter churning…).

Activities to do in the Ain

The Ain is the ideal playground for sports lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Walks out in nature

Here are a few very pleasant destinations:

• A stroll along the Valserine river. The riverbank trails lead you to discover exceptional views and geological formations (Pertes de la Valserine, Pont du Diable…).
• A walk to the Glandieu waterfall. The natural spectacle offered by this waterfall, over 60 m high, is sublime in every season.
• A family outing at the heart of the Marais de Lavours National Nature Reserve. Follow the marked trails, the raised boardwalk and the educational signs.

Sporting activities

The Ain has everything to delight seasoned athletes as well as amateurs of all ages.

• The water sports base at the Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage (2,200 hectares) promises plenty of activities. On the programme: golf, mountain biking, archery, rowing, sailing, swimming… in a preserved natural setting on the doorstep of Lyon.
• Fans of canoeing, water skiing, towed inflatables, parasailing… will love the water leisure park of the Plaine Tonique, with its sandy beach and natural warm-water pool (28 °C).
• Caving enthusiasts will choose the underground world of the Cerdon Caves, hollowed out thousands of years ago. The site also offers workshops (prehistoric paintings, fire-making techniques, archaeological digs…).
• Anglers’ paradise can be found at Lake Sylans, nestled in a gorge rich in pike, carp, bream and whitefish.
• Cycle tourists will choose to tackle the Grand Colombier (1,534 m), from where the view is breathtaking.

The Retord plateau is also enjoyed in every season: skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding… in winter, and hiking, climbing, paragliding… in summer. Remember to book a mobile home, a chalet or a pitch at one of the many nature campsites and eco-friendly campsites in the Ain. Enjoy your stay, and don’t hesitate to share your favourite spots.