Nantua

Nantua is an administrative center in Ain nestled between limestone cliffs and bordered by a lake in eastern France. The town sits at 480 meters elevation and is surrounded by mountains that shape its natural setting.

The town grew from a Benedictine monastery founded in 671 that shaped regional development throughout the medieval period. These monastic roots established the foundation for the administrative role the place would later hold.

The Church of Saint-Michel stands as a spiritual center with Romanesque features and original frescoes that visitors can see today. Religious practices and celebrations continue to shape how the community gathers and marks important moments.

The place offers administrative services for several communes in the region and serves as a hub for local authorities. Its location between mountains and a lake makes it accessible as a central point in an alpine setting.

Local cooking centers on quenelles made from pike caught in the lake and prepared using methods from the 1800s. This traditional dish remains a mark of regional food culture and shows the historical link to local fishing.

Location: Ain

Location: arrondissement of Nantua

Elevation above the sea: 710 m

Shares border with: Apremont, Charix, Montréal-la-Cluse, Les Neyrolles, Port, Saint-Martin-du-Frêne

Phone: +33474752055

Email: mairie@nantua.fr

Website: https://nantua.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.15333,5.60611

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00