Ain

Ain is a department in the eastern part of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, situated between Lyon and Geneva. The landscape ranges from the Jura mountains in the east to agricultural plains in the west, crossed by rivers and wooded hills.

The National Assembly created the department on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution. It was among the original 83 departments formed from the former royal provinces.

Residents here maintain a strong connection to rural traditions, with weekly markets in nearly every town selling cheese, poultry and wine from nearby farms. The name itself comes from the river that winds through deep gorges and open valleys.

Four administrative districts centered in Bourg-en-Bresse, Belley, Gex and Nantua provide public services and government offices. Travelers reach the area by road from Lyon or Geneva in about one hour of driving.

The landscape shifts within a few kilometers from limestone cliffs to gentle hills with vineyards. Many villages still carry names of Celtic origin, pointing to settlement before Roman times.

Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Location: France

Inception: March 4, 1790

Capital city: Bourg-en-Bresse

Reference: 01

Shares border with: Canton of Vaud, Canton of Geneva, Rhône, Saône-et-Loire, Jura, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isère, Metropolis of Lyon

Website: http://ain.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.08333,5.33333

Latest update: December 15, 2025 04:50