Guide to Ain & Property for Sale in Department 01

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; 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 territory, boasts a remarkable landscape of over a thousand 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 national and international 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 has the highest elevation in the region - 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 located 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 Ain

• 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.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.8 million, drawn by its lakes, alpine foothills and gastronomy.

Take a look at our selection in Ain and register to receive alerts of properties based on your search criteria.