Oyonnax

Oyonnax rests in a Jura valley within the Ain department, close to the Haut-Jura regional nature park. The settlement follows the course of the Ange river and sits among wooded slopes and meadows that climb toward the surrounding ridges.

In 1601 the settlement counted just 52 people and began its rise after gaining exclusive rights to make wooden combs. Over time factories switched to working with plastics, and this shift drove expansion through the 20th century.

The Museum of the Comb and Plastics Industry shows how this valley town shifted from carving wooden combs to shaping synthetic materials. Visitors walk through displays of tools, machines and everyday objects that defined life in this manufacturing center.

The A404 motorway links the valley to larger towns in the region, and the railway station offers services between Montréal-la-Cluse and Andelot-en-Montagne. Walking routes along the river give views of the valley floor and the slopes above.

The local rugby team has climbed into the top French league several times and plays at Stade Charles-Mathon, which holds over 11,000 spectators. On match days the ground draws supporters from across the Jura arc.

Location: Ain

Location: arrondissement of Nantua

Inception: January 1, 1973

Elevation above the sea: 670 m

Shares border with: Apremont, Arbent, Bellignat, Charix, Dortan, Échallon, Géovreisset, Samognat

Phone: +33474770006

Email: administration.generale@oyonnax.fr

Website: http://oyonnax.fr

GPS coordinates: 46.25556,5.65500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:36