10 good reasons to come to the Ain mountains this summer

The mountains of the Ain are a promise. The promise of a summer where every moment becomes a breath of fresh air, a moment of calm, an invitation to adventure and sharing. Whether you’re here for a holiday or just for a break, here are 10 reasons why you should succumb to the call of these gentle, authentic mountains.

Summer in the Ain: a different way to enjoy the mountains

You don’t have to go far to get away from it all. Here, the peaks are just a train ride away, the trails breathe calm and the waterfalls refresh you after your exertions. The Ain mountains are a perfect blend of raw nature, timeless villages and wildlife that can be spotted at the bend of a path. Here you can walk, cycle and slide. It’s a place to recharge your batteries, to enjoy a piece of Comté cheese after a long hike. Above all, it’s a place to share simple, genuine moments, far from the crowds. The Ain in summer is a gentle adventure that grabs you and keeps you going a little longer than expected.

Unspoilt nature that lets you breathe

A feast for the eyes! From mysterious valleys to the highest peaks in the Jura massif, from refreshing waterfalls to the spectacular Ain gorges, the Ain mountains are a living picture.

©Landscape and hiking in the Jura Mountains |N.Gascard

One of Europe's finest panoramas

View of the Alps and Mont Blanc from the Col de la Faucille road and the crests of the Haute Chaîne du Jura.

Expanses as far as the eye can see

A generous and wild nature. Welcome to the Plateau de Retord!

Ain gorges and valley

In the mood for grandiose landscapes? From north to south, the River Ain winds its way through the picturesque limestone landscape.

A gentle, accessible mountain

There’s no need to cross the planet: the Ain is less than two hours from Lyon and Geneva, and even accessible by train. There are no dizzying peaks here, just gentle, welcoming landscapes, perfect for impromptu getaways.

©Hiking on the highest Jura peaks|G. Brevet

Away from the crowds, close to what's essential

Avoid the crowds of popular destinations and discover authentic villages and hamlets. A mountain on a human scale.

The villages of Revermont

Bugey vineyard villages

Giron, the highest village

Fauna and flora to awaken the senses

Did you know? In the Ain mountains, you can watch for the discreet footsteps of a lynx, the silhouettes of a chamois or the thunderous sound of a capercaillie taking flight. Here, nature is alive and vibrant, an invitation to slow down and observe.

How about a change of season? Or a change of scenery?

The Ain is also a land of snow-covered fir trees, icy valleys and screeching silences. Or, at the other end of the scale, reassuring green plains, between shimmering ponds and hedged farmland, a wealth of ideas for visits to delight the discoverer… Let yourself slip away!

Snow & Mountains

To the rhythm of the plains

Cooling off on the river

Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the lakes or let yourself be hypnotized by the murmur of waterfalls and rivers.

Lake GeninNicknamed "Little Canada

The Clairefontaine waterfallA haven of freshness

The ValserineAnd wild rivers

Hiking in all its forms

On foot, bike, horseback or mountain bike, the Ain mountains offer miles of trails to explore, including the Grande Traversée du Jura….

Live a micro-adventure

How about a 2 to 6-day walking itinerary? With a light rucksack and an adapted itinerary, treat yourself to a timeless interlude where every stage becomes a discovery and every night an encounter with nature.

History and know-how

Travel back in time to Fort l’Écluse, Château de Voltaire or Dinoplagne, where you can walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. Discover exceptional craftsmen, such as those who make wooden skis and mountain bikes, testimony to a rare and enduring know-how.

Voltaire Castle

The stone and lapidary museum in Monts Jura

Fort l’Écluse

Dinoplagne

At-skis, wooden skis in Pays de Gex

Relax and enjoy

After a day of exploration, it’s time for comfort: take a dip in the Nordic baths at La Praille, or settle into a mountain restaurant to sample some Ain specialities such as Comté fondue, Tartigex or the incomparable Volaille de Bresse (Bresse poultry), which can be found on menus on the other side of the River Ain. There’s no shortage of good places to dazzle your senses.