guide
The Ain department combines historical heritage with vast natural landscapes, from the royal monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse to the medieval streets of Pérouges. Between the Villars-les-Dombes bird park, the Cerdon caves and the Retord plateau, there is no shortage of outdoor activities, summer or winter.
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?
History enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice.
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…).
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.
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.
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…).
The Ain is the ideal playground for sports lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Here are a few very pleasant destinations:
The Ain has everything to delight seasoned athletes as well as amateurs of all ages.
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.
The royal monastery of Brou, a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece from the 16th century, with its church and three cloisters.
The bird park is home to more than 3,000 birds across 380 hectares, 35 of which are open to the public, including over 60 endangered species.
Skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking, climbing and paragliding in summer, on this plateau enjoyed all year round.
At the Cerdon caves, an underground site carved out thousands of years ago, with workshops on prehistory.
