Natural monuments in the Ain

In the heart of the Bresse region, the Sougey bocage, a remarkable natural area in the Ain department, includes meadows, hedges and the buildings of an old traditional Bresse farm.

The Lavours Marsh is one of the last remaining giant marshlands in continental Western Europe. Located near Ceyzérieu in the shadow of the Grand Colombier the marsh covers an area of 500 hectares and is traversed by a wooden footbridge 1.2km long.

The Dombes, the land of a thousand ponds, offers unique landscapes and the chance to discover age-old traditions. The ponds are home to a rich fauna and flora typical of these environments. One of the largest and most prestigious is the Grand Birieux.

A lake of glacial origin, Lac de Millieu was shaped by man to create ditches for fishing. The Vernay marsh offers wet meadows that can be observed from a viewpoint, where a sign and an audio system help visitors to understand the site.

On this site in the heart of the Dombes region, walkers can discover the diversity of the Dombes landscape: the estate includes several ponds and associated wetlands, as well as wooded and agricultural areas.

The "Etang de But" site has been designated a sensitive natural area (ENS). It belongs to a chain of ponds in the southern Bresse plain, marking the transition to the Dombist plateau.

Classified as a sensitive natural area, here the water forms an almost perfect circle some 40m in diameter. In the middle of a peat bog rich in rare plants. From a viewpoint overlooking the road, you can observe this intriguing natural phenomenon.

Impressive waterfall about sixty meters high overlooking the hamlet of Cerveyrieu in the town of Artemare.

The Ain river dug in the limestone rock a deep and tortuous bed.

In southern Bresse, a number of ponds remain, just like those in nearby Dombes. Among them is the Bizadan pond, a rather original relic of ancient times.

This quiet and natural lake is a marvelous place to relax and swim in summer.Fishing is also allowed all year long.

This quiet and natural lake is a marvelous place to relax and swim in summer.Fishing is also allowed all year long.

The highest point in the Bugey region, the Grand Colombier is located at the southern tip of the Jura Massif. A legendary pass for cyclists, its crests offer breathtaking 360° panoramic views.

Situated in a geological circus, the cascade falls from a height of 100m before flowing into the River Pernaz. This runs through a deep gorge before joining the Rhône.

The Charabotte waterfall is a 115-metre waterfall set in lush green surroundings. Whether it's revealed at its full height or hidden from view by vegetation, approaching it is always a breathtaking experience.

This circular mountain lake, located at an altitude of 712 m, surrounded by fir trees is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the region. It is said to be possible to see fir trees at the bottom of its greenish waters.

A reflection of the Montagnes du Jura, Haut Bugey features many incredible natural lakes, including Lake Nantua, Sylans and Genin (sitting 850m/2,790ft above sea level), which evoke images of other Nordic parts. Swimming, fishing, sailing and diving are just some of the many outdoor activities to choose from.

This circular mountain lake, located at an altitude of 712 m, surrounded by fir trees is renowned as one of the most beautiful in the region. It is said to be possible to see fir trees at the bottom of its greenish waters.

A marshland area listed in the Natura 2000 network to protect wildlife. Azure butterflies, ants and flowers live in osmosis. A herd of hardy cows known as "aurochs" has been installed here to prevent natural reforestation.

Natural watercourse with multiple waterfalls and geological curiosities, labeled preserved and sensitive natural area in 2015.

Discover the "Cirque de la Roche Fauconnière", a natural listed site since 1936 and certified "Espace naturel sensible" (Sensitive natural site). Its cliff is 150 m high and 1 km long. It overlooks the Semine's valley and is opposite to the Orvaz's valley.

The work to protect and enhance the Dinoplagne site® is finalized. Labeled Sensitive Natural Space by the Ain Department; Dinoplagne® is home to the longest track of dinosaur footprints !

A 45-hectare artificial lake, impounded in 1964 on the site of marshland, Lac de Divonne is fed by sublacustrine springs. The lake is surrounded by splendid scenery, at the foot of the Haute Chaîne du Jura and bordered by the Divonne River.