Within train range

Book your ticket! The Ain is ideally served by train, at the crossroads of major French and European rail lines. Whether you’re coming from Paris, Lyon or even Geneva, it only takes a few hours to immerse yourself in its varied landscapes, with mountains, plains, lakes, picturesque villages and unspoilt natural areas.

Want to get away from it all?

Just 2 hours from Parisby TGV, the Ain is the ideal destination for a family getaway or a bucolic romantic getaway!

From Lyon, Geneva, Grenoble, Aix-les-Bains, Clermond-Ferrand… the TER trains also weave their web through the Ain department, transforming each station into a gateway to adventure. The rhythm of the rails guides your exploration of the Ain through impromptu hikes, cultural escapades and gourmet weekends.

Choose your station & calculate your itinerary

From Lyon: 40 minutes to 1h05 to Bourg-en-Bresse by TER. Numerous stations are served on the line.
From Geneva: 1h30 by TGV to Bourg-en-Bresse, 25 to 30 minutes to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, 58 minutes to Culoz.
From Paris: 1h55 to Bourg-en-Bresse, 2h40 to Bellegarde, by TGV.
From further afield: connections via Paris to Brussels (+ 1h30), London (+ 2h)…

STATION HIKES Put on your sneakers

Take the train, leave the car in the garage. Direct excursions from the station, zero stress, zero footprint (or almost). The adventure begins on the rails!

Excursions just a train ride away

DEPARTURE FROM MONTLUELCircuit pédestre de la Cotière

DEPARTURE FROM SAINT-MARCEL-EN-DOMBESSensitive Natural Area in Dombes

©Chateau Des Allymes Aerial view Autumn|Thierry Deroubaix

DEPARTURE FROM AMBERIEU-EN-BUGEYTour of the Château des Allymes

ROUTES ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT (BUS, TRAIN...) And by bike?

Solo, with family or friends, get on your bike and join a variety of itineraries accessible by public transport (bus, train…): forest paths, hilly roads, wilderness trails or shared lanes. Simple, practical, eco-responsible: in the Ain region, set off pedaling with a light heart.

Make sure in advance that public transport takes bikes on board.

ain-outdoor.com

Getaway ideas ON THE TRAIN

20 MINUTES FROM LYONContemplative day

From the Ambérieu-en-Bugey train station to the majestic Château des Allymes, via the ruins of the Château de Saint-Germain, the Grand Tour d’Ambérieu offers a walk through nature, just a few minutes from Lyon.

A 14 km route with a 580 m vertical drop, in the heart of unspoilt nature (approx. 5h45).
A stroll through Ambérieu’s historic districts, with their charm and heritage.
A stop at the Château des Allymes, with its exceptional panorama of the Bugey region. The 14th-century medieval remains can be visited for a trip back in time.
A gourmet break of your choice: picnic along the way or lunch at the Italian bistro Amitchi, located at the foot of the château.

2 HOURS FROM PARISCultural getaway

Arriving at Bourg-en-Bresse station, this two-day trip takes you on a journey through a city on a human scale, ideal for combining cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation.

Visit the Royal Monastery of Brou, a Gothic masterpiece listed as one of France’s Favourite Monuments.
Stroll through the old town, with its fascinating heritage of half-timbered houses and charming alleyways.
Guided tour of the Hôtel-Dieu apothecary, testimony to the city’s rich hospital past.
Take a break from nature at Lac de Bouvent, perfect for a stroll or a moment of relaxation in the open air, accessible by bus or on foot.
Gourmet dining in Burgundy restaurants such as Brasserie Le Français or Le Scratch.
Overnight stay in one of Bourg-en-Bresse’s 3 or 4-star hotels, guaranteeing a well-deserved rest.