The 15 things to do in the Ain

Visit the Ain: what are the best things to do and see in this department between green valleys and immaculate mountains?

Are you going to visit the Ain? Excellent idea because it is the paradise for lovers of pure air and large spaces. Whether you enjoy fishing, mountain hikes or local products, you will feel at home. Paragliding, speleology, horse-riding tours mountain bike tours or canoe descents are essential in this nature department!

Leisure is not lacking in Ain. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to realize that you are staying in the city or in the countryside. If it can be difficult to choose, Wanderlix has decided to help you organize your trip.

Are you wondering what to do in the Ain during your trip? Here is a selection of the must-see activities when you come to visit the Ain and want to enjoy its stay!

1. Grand park of Miribel-Jonage

The Grand Parc Miribel Jonage covers nearly 2,200 hectares near the Lyon agglomeration. It is this area built on the Artificial Island of Miribel-Jonage is a fantastic leisure area for the people of Greater Lyon.

The park has four main features: a drinking water emergency tank, a flood-proof area that protects Lyon’s agglomeration in the event of floods, a natural heritage protection area. Finally, it serves as a leisure area: a nautical base, golf course and mult other surprises await the curious who came to visit the Ain.

2. Bird park

This exceptional zoo is located in Villars-les-Dombes. Created in 1970, the bird park is one of the oldest ornithological parks in France. Small and large looking for what to do in the Ain can come and admire a wonderful collection of nearly 3,000 birds from all over the world.

The park is part of a colossal nature reserve that covers nearly 380 hectares in the heart of the Dombes. The public park is considerably smaller in size: 35 hectares can be surveyed all year round. The visit to the park is a must-see tourist that will delight nature lovers: when do you leave?

3. Caves of the Cerdon

The caves of Cerdon are a wonderful natural space located on the French towns of Cerdon and Labalme. They are open to the public and house an exceptional archaeological deposit. It comes from all over Europe to admire spectacular geological formations and enjoy the freshness of the place on summer days. Yes, it can be hot in the Ain!

Speleo lovers, strong sensations or unforgettable excursions will feel like home. When looking to visit the Ain it may be appropriate to go to the place to explore these wonderful creations of Mother Nature.

4. Lake Sylans

Lake Sylans is located in a cluse, i.e. a valley dug by a river flowing perpendicular to the mountain. If you are told, it is a paradise for those who love fishing. We don’t necessarily think about it, but this activity is a must-see in Ain!

The department is full of fantastic water points and Sylans Lake is one of the best. You can enjoy a nice afternoon dedicated to swimming or trying to catch pikes, twigs, carps or cranes. The top? Rent a small boat and enjoy a relaxing moment with family or friends.

5. The royal monastery of Brou

The royal monastery of Brou is a must for heritage lovers. This masterpiece of Gothic art consists of a vast set of monastic dwellings built between 1506 and 1512.

On the ground floor, a museum exhibits numerous statues from the 13th to the 17th century that will allow you to discover the mastery of the artists of the time. The floor is devoted to the collections of more modern paintings.

There are great masters: Bernard Van Orley , Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Colijn de Coter, Nicolas Victor Fonville, Gustave Doré... sublime pieces making the monastery a must to visit in the Ain.

6. Great Colombiar

Wow! The Grand Colombier is a summit of the Jura massif which culminates at an altitude of 1,534 meters. It acts as a sumptuous natural viewer for lovers of grandiose panoramas.

At the top, you can admire the Scroll of the Lock, the Jura Mountains, the Vuache and the Salève. The view leads to the magnificent Lake Geneva, Geneva and the Bernese Alps! You want more? In good time the Aravis massif, the Mont Blanc , the Vanoise, the Bauges and the Belledonne massif are on the horizon.

Ah, one last thing: cycling enthusiasts will be especially at the angels on the coast of the Great Colombiar.

7. The Retord Plateau

The Retord Plateau is a natural formation in the Jura mountains. Easily accessible from Lyon or Geneva, there is a multitude of different activities. It would be a shame to visit the Ain without making a passage through the Retord Plateau which offers winter and summer leisure.

On the menu: ski, snowshoes, sled dogs or biathlon. And during the summer season, it is paragliding, hiking, climbing or mountain biking that you practice on the Retord Plateau!

Decidedly, you will be conquered all year round by the beauty of the place. Come with family, the station is particularly ready!

8. La Valserine

Valserine is a sumptuous river flowing quietly through the department. Along its banks, a trail offers exceptional views of the natural streaks formed over the centuries. Some formations are known throughout Europe: the bridge of the Devil, the bridge of the Stones and the famous losses of the Valserine.

This mysterious limestone plaque sees the water flow which disappears there as by magic... Our advice? If you’re looking for what to do in the Ain and enjoy the pleasures of hiking, don’t hesitate to go there.

9. The Tonic Plain

What, another leisure area? But of course, since the department offers great! The Tonic Plain is uniquely inserted into a protected natural space. This gigantic water recreation park covers nearly 95 hectares. It attracts young and old people who come to practice canoeing, water skiing, swamped mud, pedalo and even ascent parachute.

La Plaine Tonique also offers a beautiful sandy beach to relax and sunbath quietly. A natural hot water basin at 28°C will comfort the most frying. If you are still looking for what to do in Ain, you now know where to go!

10. The Glandieu waterfall

The Glandieu waterfall is a sumptuous natural site. It is actually a waterfall that springs from... more than 60 m high! Sensations guaranteed. The natural site is taken by photographers who have come to visit Ain and we understand why.

Each season transforms the cascade into a phenomenal show. Especially massive in autumn and spring, winter, it freezes during the coldest days of the year! This point of interest is clearly worth the detour any time of the year, so don’t hesitate to go there.

11. The Miniature Train Museum

The Museum of Train Miniature is an unmissable tourist to visit in the Ain and more precisely in Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne. This impressive work began in the 1980s: it is a gigantic animated model of more than 200 m2.

Composed of more true decors and buildings than natures, it will allow young and old to admire a remarkable work of patience and passion.

12. Nordic area of Sur-Lyand

Sur-Lyand, close to the Grand Colombier, is about 1,300 metres above sea level. This Nordic domain is particularly popular during the winter season by tourists from entire France. Incorporating into perfection within a preserved natural space, there are many fun and sporting activities.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoe hike, sledge or sled... Sur-Lyand imposed itself as a reference station to visit in the Ain. The ideal? Coming to family: the resort is particularly oriented towards a clientele looking for peaceful leisure.

13. The Farm of the Forest

It is in the heart of the Bresse, more precisely in St-Trivier-de-Courtes, that we find this authentic traditional farmhouse. In fact, it is a farm-museum consisting of three typical buildings dating from the 16th century.

Ranked Historic Monument since 1930, this dove farm is a wealth of information for heritage lovers. We come to discover the agricultural techniques of the past but also to admire the customs of times.

Folklore is here preserved and we can participate in exciting workshops. The techniques of hemp weaving or traditional dances are among the essentials: the farm of the Forest is definitely one of the best activities to do in the Ain.

14. Lavours Marsh National Natural Reserve

The Marais de Lavours is a natural reserve of 500 hectares. It is located at the foot of the Massif du Grand Colombier on the commune of Ceyzérieu. It is possible to explore a trail on a more than a kilometre-long path that allows you to discover exceptional natural environments.

In order not to miss anything, indications about the species that are nesting there and pedagogical panels allow us to learn more about the treasures of the marsh. This didactic outing is uncontourable to visit dan l’Ain: what do you expect to go there, with family or friends?

15. The medieval cities of Ain

L’Ain is a great French medieval heritage site. For example, the city of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, located in the heart of the Dombes, is full of picturesque treasures. In addition to its Halles of the 15th century, where the Saturday market is held, we admire the remains of the fortified walls of the old castle. Many museums are located there!

Perugia, sumptuous perched village, includes a fortified church, a garden of parish priest, a square tower... one would really believe to have come back in the Middle Ages! The medieval city organizes superb traditional festivals and festivals, including the Medieval celebration that takes place every year in June. What are you waiting to participate when you come to visit the Ain?

How to go to the Ain?

The simplest way to get to the Ain via the air is to land at the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry International Airport. Moreover, the flight comparator Skyscanner will allow you to get there by finding a flight at the best price.

You can also take advantage of the Lyon Part-Dieu station where the TGV stops, then use a rental car to reach Bourg-en-Bresse. Thus, you can radiate on the department and visit its must-sees.

By the road, follow your starting city the highway A42 which connects Lyon in Pont-d’Ain or highways A40 and A39 towards Geneva /Chamonix and Mulhouse. Once on site, given the configuration of this rural department, it is best to rent a vehicle to move without congestion. The road network is rather of good quality: enjoy it!

Where to stay in the Ain?

When we look for what to do in the Ain, we also have to look for accommodation. On site you will find several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. Bourg-en-Bresse , very touristic city, houses several renowned hotel establishments. Attention: rates are reasonable but increase during the summer!

Our advice: use directly Compare hotels . This will allow you to find the most suitable solution for your budget and your desires.

In addition, the department has a very interesting rental offer in pretty villages. Belley, Divonne-les-Bains, Oncieu, Perigords or Meillonnas can act as the right foot-to-ground to visit the Ain. Take a look at them!

Now prepare your suitcases and go to discover this department!