AIN (01)
County of Rhône-Alpes
5756 km2
About 420 000 inhabitants
Chief town: Bourg-en-Bresse
Sub-prefectures: Gex, Nantua, Belley
Situated North-East of Lyon, the county of Ain is composed of two districts
"La Dombes" and "La Bresse" which represent the lowest plain of the Saône.
The Bugey and the Gex areas are much more rocky and elevated.
Following a beautiful and tortuous scenery, the river Ain leads us into a
deceptively innocent landscape.
Water is an essential element in "La Dombes" landscape, sprinkled with
dozens of ponds (paradise for birds, little animals, fish...). The Bugey is
well known for its quality vinyards (light and fruity Gamay,
sparkling Cerdon, "Roussette"...). "La Bresse", is famous for producing probably
the best chicken is the world. Everywhere the Gourmet is thrilled, wathever the
restaurant chosen is (a typical table or a more notorious one).
Taste is not the only sense to be stimulated, the sight is also stimulated by
many architectural styles from half timbered farmhouse with Sarrasine Chimneys to
Gothic cathedrals, all well preserved.
The traditionnal "visage" of the county must not hide a highly improved local industry.
Plastic transformation is a major activity for the region of Oyonnax. Gex county
is not only an open window to the Leman Lake or to the city of Geneva, but as well
an active city for gem cutting situated within a free trade zone.
The Ain county has achieved its goal to merge both modern activities and an
ancestral "savoir vivre". Moreover, with a medium altitude, leisure activities are numerous, from ski to caving
...so, the choice is yours.