Races in Ain

Exploring Ain is immersing yourself in medieval history! Pérouges and its elliptical ramparts offering an unobstructed view of the valley, Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne, "the little Venice of the area," and Belley, the capital of Bugey known for its cathedral, a popular stop between Lyon and Geneva. Trévoux, the capital of the Princes of Dombes, is a feudal city that was also a global reference in the diamond industry in the 19th century. And after all these discoveries, you absolutely must venture into Bourg-en-Bresse (beware, it's pronounced "Bourk")! Do you want to know everything about Louise of Savoy, the writer Edgar Quinet, or the basketball player Antoine Diot? Roam the history-filled streets of a city born in the Gallo-Roman era. Of course, this is no reason to overlook Oyonnax, Valserhône, and Gex ! After exploring the towns and villages of 01, turn your attention to magnificent structures. The Royal Monastery of Brou is a masterpiece of the 16th-century flamboyant gothic style, the Cize-Bolozon Viaduct is a railway and road bridge worth a visit, as are the medieval castle of Allymes and the Génissiat Dam, nicknamed the "French Niagara"!

If water is your element, a dip at the spa town of Divonne-les-Bains is a must, unless you prefer a swim at Ambérieu-en-Bugey, the stronghold of the Manaudou family, or at the Cerveyrieu Waterfall in Belmont-Luthézieu (at 70 meters high, it's one of the most beautiful natural sites in Valromey). If you're too afraid of heights, head for the Cerdon Caves, where you can follow the path of an ancient river with a breathtaking view of the steep vineyard. But the best way to combine land and water is to follow the ViaRhôna that connects the Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. A department dedicated to sports par excellence, you can try hiking, paddling in the summer, cross-country skiing, or even dog sledding in winter. Not to mention the lakes (Glandieu, Nantua, Sylans, Coiselet) offering exotic walks in the midst of lush nature. If you're looking for great places to run in Ain, the Retord Plateau, at an average altitude of 1,000 meters, has many charms to seduce you (beware of snow and skiers in winter, though)! In the northeast of the department, the Pays de Gex is a little paradise for trail and nature hiking enthusiasts. And if you prefer loop courses, head for the beautiful circular village of Oncieux.

Another remarkable spot: the Bird Park, a reference in Europe. On the slopes of the Haut-Jura regional natural park, with some luck, you might spot red deer, fallow deer, and chamois. At Lake Nantua with its limestone cliffs, it's rumored that the echo plays Jean-Louis Aubert, the local celebrity. With its cold winters and very hot summers, Ain is often swept by a brisk wind that will accompany your trail outings and transport you amidst extraordinary biodiversity. At the Dombes ponds, 130 bird species congregate. With 1,200 ponds, including six labeled "Sensitive Natural Spaces," the area is very interesting for scenic running outings. To get a bit of height, the Faucille Cable Car will let you admire the Jura, the Alps and Lake Geneva.

For running, if you're into trails, the must-attend events are the brand new Ultra Trail of Grand Colombier, the Ultra 01, or the Ronde des Grangeons. If you prefer road running, we recommend the Bourg-en-Bresse Half Marathon, or if you're more courageous, the Marathon Bresse Dombes. Beautiful events to whet your appetite because Ain takes no joke with culinary pleasures. A quality guarantee, it is the homeland of Georges Blanc. His 3-star Michelin restaurant in Vonnas is a reference in the art of hosting in a friendly family inn. Enjoy your escape in Ain to discover the matured Comté cheese, AOP poultry, Bresse cake, vonnassienne crêpe made with potatoes, as well as the famous Bugey wine, including notably Cerdon and Grand Colombier, summits that smell of the Tour de France!

What are you waiting for to come challenge sprinter Deborah Sananes, European champion 2019 and native of Bourg-en-Bresse, and Xavier Thevenard, triple winner of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc?