Ain & Bugey, land of trails

Looking for a new playground? The Ain, between the crests of the Jura massif, high forests, wild rivers and remarkable valleys, is a trail terrain as varied as it is inspiring. From the Haut-Bugey, which has been awarded the Station de Trail® label, to the trails of the Ain mountains, every stride brings you closer to the essential.

running through wild and inspiring terrain

This is where trail running comes into its own. From the Haut-Bugey, which has been awarded the Station de Trail® label, to the crests of the Haute Chaîne du Jura, via the gorges de l’Ain, the suspended lakes and the slopes of the Grand Colombier, the Ain offers a terrain as varied as it is demanding. It’s a playground for all levels, whether you’re a weekend runner or a seasoned trail runner. This is also where three-time UTMB winner Xavier Thévenard grew up. And every year, events such as the Tilger Balm, the Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier and the Trace des Maquisards remind us that in the Ain, running rhymes with character.

©Le Belvédère de Planachat, on the Plateau d'Hauteville|Morgane Saillard

The Haut-Bugey trail station

26 trail hikes, increasingly famous races, but above all lakes, ridges and forests of outstanding beauty: the Haut-Bugey region stands out among trail destinations!

Discover the resort

Trails with character

In the Ain, the races don’t just follow the trails – they shake them up. Climbing, wilderness, silence, and sometimes even a bit of history under the soles. The Tilger Balm in Haut-Bugey, the Ultra Trail du Grand Colombier, or the Trace des Maquisards: events on a human scale, rooted in the landscape, where each stride brings you a little closer to yourself.

Did you know? Three-time UTMB winner Xavier Thévenard hails from the Plateau de Retord in the Ain region.

It’s here, between coombs and forests, that he learned to run, to listen to nature and to manage effort. A terrain characterized by its wide open spaces, formative and free, perfect for forging a champion.