Ain, a thriving destination !

Set amid a fabulously rich landscape and just a few kilometers from Lyon’s Saint-Exupéry airport, Ain offers an
incredible amount of things to see and do. Ideally situated in the south-east of France between Geneva and
Lyon, and at one of Europe’s major crossroads, you will immediately feel at home in Ain, a department that the
French often refer to as “the diamond with a thousand facets”. With two international airports, it proudly boasts
a dynamic economy whose countryside, traditions and modern technology work together in perfect harmony.

Gastronomy and the art of living

The north-west of Ain is home to the queen of French gastronomy, the Bresse chicken. Boasting the only appellation d’origine contrôlée in the world for poultry, these chickens are raised in picturesque, traditional-style farms nestled in the Bressan countryside. The people of Ain love their food, and gastronomy is an art of living. In Vonnas, the talented chef, Georges Blanc, who has held 3 Michelin stars for the last 40 years, continues the family tradition. Ain also has numerous other chefs who combine both tradition and innovation in their cooking. Last, but not least, Brillat-Savarin–a
culinary expert of the 19th century and the
inventor of gastronomy–was born in Bugey, to the east of the department. So, Ain can truly claim to be one of the founders of French cuisine.

Ain is also a very popular destination for golfers from across the globe. There are no less than sixteen golf courses in the department, most of which are in the Pays-de-Gex district, not far from the Swiss border, and the Dombes district, just outside Lyon. All these locations offer golfers
magnificent scenery while enjoying their sport, such as the Gouverneur golf course, surrounded by lakes, the Jiva Hill Resort, opposite Mont Blanc, and the golf course near to Geneva in the spa resort of Divonne-les-Bains.

Preserved countryside connected to the world

“Ain’s strength lies in its diversity of landscapes”, proclaims the cinema director, Luc Jacquet, who was born in the department. Its stunning natural environment is carefully preserved but also highly connected to the world, thanks to a particularly dense highway network. Its state-of-the-art technology, which remains firmly rooted in its traditions and knowledge, is highly respected. In short, with its nature reserves, protected natural areas, historical and industrial heritage, Ain is a
truly unique department with extraordinary vitality, where innovation goes hand in hand with
generosity and humility.

Places to visit : Brou Royal Monastery in Bourg-en-Bresse ; the medieval city of Pérouges; the Chateau de Fléchères in the Dombes region ; the Chateau de Voltaire near to Geneva.

Also worth a visit : the Parc des Oiseaux (the largest ornithological park in France) with its 3,000 birds, representing 300 species from across the globe.

Landscapes marked by the horse

In the 17th century, Colbert built a Royal Stud in Villars-les-Dombes. The department has continued to develop its horse breeding industry ever since, specializing in sports horses as early as 1955. Today, mares and foals can be seen galloping across the fields, and the countryside is brimming with equestrian facilities.

Rethink your Horse

Further information about EQUID’Ain ?