Industrial heritage & know-how in Ain

From textiles to plastics, from the Cerdon copperworks to the Génissiat dam, not forgetting the Bonnet silk mills and CERN, the Ain region boasts a rich and vibrant industrial heritage. A heritage shaped by the hand of man and the power of innovation.

Marker of the region's identity

Ain’s rich industrial heritage is a defining feature of local history, construction and the life of towns and villages. Lapidaries, silk manufacturers, tanners, comb makers and diamond and copper die makers have flourished over the centuries, taking advantage of a dense water network, economic opportunity and the ingenuity of men and women.

A few workshop, factory and plant buildings remain from these activities, most of which have now disappeared, as evidence of a prestigious craft and industrial heritage.

La Cuivrerie de Cerdon

Talent and unique know-how have made the Cuivrerie de Cerdon a major player in an industrial adventure spanning more than 150 years! From Europe to Japan, via the Orient, its reputation was worldwide… Now restored as a fascinating, immersive cultural site, discover the secrets of the workshops and demonstrations of this unique know-how thanks to incredible digital technologies…

Discover the Copper Factory

Bonnet Silk Museum

Discover two centuries of textile creation… Visit one of Europe’s largest silk weaving mills. The Soieries Bonnet museum invites you to take a fascinating journey into the company’s artisanal and industrial past. It traces the daily lives of the men, women and children who lived on the site…

Discover Silks

CERN And its science portal

Think you know the universe? Think again. At CERN, humanity’s greatest questions are answered – or almost. Behind these walls, particles are tracked down, time before time is explored, and the mysteries of matter are touched upon. The Portail des Sciences opens the doors to this hidden universe: interactive experiments, guided tours, exhibitions… Here, the infinitely small is revealed on a human scale. Ready to see the invisible?

Discover CERN

Génissiat power dam The power of tamed water

Nicknamed the “French Niagara” when it was inaugurated in 1948, the Génissiat dam is a feat of engineering that has marked the history of hydroelectricity in France. At 104 meters high and 400 meters long, it transforms the power of the Rhône into energy, supplying thousands of homes. Although the site is currently closed to the public due to the Vigipirate plan, its imposing silhouette can still be seen from the surrounding lookouts, offering spectacular views of this concrete giant. A monument of controlled power.

Did you know? The science event!

Every year in October, the Fête de la Science invites young and old to explore the fascinating world of research and discovery. Workshops, conferences, exhibitions, meetings with scientists… This national event brings science within everyone’s reach, in a fun and interactive atmosphere. From particle physics to climate, biology and astronomy, it’s the perfect opportunity to awaken curiosity and better understand the world around us.