Situated between the scenic river valleys north of Lyon and the towering Alpine peaks above Lac Leman or Lake Geneva, the Ain department is a diverse and captivating French property destination. Bourg-en-Bresse, the capital of the Bresse area, is renowned for its lush and productive agricultural plains, where the world-famous Bresse AOC chickens are raised—the only poultry to merit an AOC designation.
Bourg-en-Bresse is a treasure trove of architectural heritage, most notably the l'Eglise de Brou, a late Gothic masterpiece featuring the tomb of Margaret of Austria. The church's elegant nave, constructed from pale Jura stone, and its striking stained glass windows are a testament to the region's rich architectural history.
Perouges, a picturesque town set on a hilltop site in the Dombes, is a bird-watching paradise overlooking the Ain Valley. The Dombes plateau offers a tranquil landscape dotted with ponds and abundant in water-loving birds like mallards, teals, and herons. The region also features an ornithological park at Villars les Dombes, home to over 400 species of birds.
The Bugey region offers dramatic landscapes perfect for outdoor activities, with picturesque villages like the Grand Colombier nestled beneath impressive peaks. The area is also known for its vineyards, even in higher altitudes, and the scenic Marais de Lavours marshes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a range of activities in Ain, from Nordic cross-country skiing in the Gex and Bugey to quad biking, hang gliding, and mountain biking. The region's culinary delights include quenelles in Nantua sauce, pike or carp from the Dombes ponds, and the famous AOC chicken from Bresse, complemented by the delicious Bleu-de-Bresse cheese.
The Ain department is easily accessible, with flights to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport and Geneva Airport offering convenient travel options.
France is a large and varied country with each region and indeed each department unique from its neighbours. Our guide to each department can help you to understand more about the nuances of each area.
We have new properties arriving everyday, here you can see our latest listings to be added to our portfolio.
Read our guide to buying a property in France. The process could be slightly different to your own countries process.