Guide to Ain & Property for Sale in Department 01

Explore the Ain & Properties in the Area

Ain is a picturesque department located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern France. It is named after the Ain River, which flows through the area. It is a land of diverse landscapes, comprising four main areas: Bresse, Dombes, Bugey, and Pays de Gex. Each area contributes uniquely to the region's economic growth and prosperity.  Bresse, located north of Ain, is mainly dominated by agriculture and agro-industry. It is known for its fertile soil, making it ideal for cereal farming, cattle breeding, milk and cheese production, and poultry farming. On the other hand, Dombes, located in the southeast, is known for its pisciculture, the breeding of fish in ponds, and it has over a thousand ponds and lakes. Bugey, situated east of Ain, is known for its wine-making industry, which is the primary activity in this area.

Geographical Features of Ain

The northern part of Ain, known as Bresse, is a flat area adjacent to the Saône River that slopes slightly towards the northeast. The southeastern part of Ain, the Dombes, boasts a remarkable landscape of over 1,000 ponds and lakes. The eastern side of Ain is home to the southern Jura mountain chain, which overlooks the Bresse plain.

Transportation Hub of the Region

Ain is an essential national and international transportation hub, with more than 4000 km of transport routes, including 220 km of highways, serving the region. The region is at the crossroads of a large flow of commodities, making it an important transit point. The Gex area is geographically separated from the rest of the region by the last eastern mountain range of the Jura, which reaches its highest point, the Crêt de la Neige (1720 m). Gex is a unique geographical area in the Lake Geneva basin.

Accessibility and Connectivity

The region is also well connected to other parts of the world, with two international airports nearby, Lyon (Saint-Exupéry) and Geneva (Cointrin), serving national and international flights. The region also boasts two waterways, the Saône and Rhône rivers, which transport building materials such as gravel. The area's most significant harbour is in Jassans-Riottier on the river Saône.

Key Information about the Ain (01)

• Main City/Prefecture: Bourg-en-Bresse
• Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
• Population: Around 662,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 5,762 sq. kilometres and 2,225 sq. miles
• Landmark: Pérouges, a beautifully preserved medieval village in France.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.8 million, drawn by its lakes, alpine foothills and gastronomy.

Property Prices in Ain in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,582 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,193 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: +1% over the last 12 months, +38% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Ain in 2025

• Average House Price in Bourg-en-Bresse: €2,248 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Oyonnax: €1,614 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)


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