Discover the region
The Bugey & the Ain Valley
Poncin, a historic village near the River Ain, is the gateway to an authentic region between the Jura mountains and the Bresse plains.
The village
Poncin, a historic village near the River Ain
Poncin is a village steeped in history, dominated by the ruins of its historic castle. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire the stone houses and enjoy the views over the Ain valley.
Local shops and restaurants await you just steps from the cottage: bakery, grocery shop, Monday morning market. A lively and authentic village, far from mass tourism.
Ruins and viewpoint
Swimming, fishing, canoeing
10 exhibitions per year
Local producers
The region
The Bugey, a land of nature and heritage
Between the foothills of the Jura and the Ain valley, the Bugey offers landscapes of low mountains, deep forests and outstanding historic heritage.
Unspoilt nature
200 km of waymarked trails, Ain gorges, Retord plateau, Lavours marshes... An exceptional playground for nature lovers.
Historic heritage
Château des Allymes, village of Pérouges (Most Beautiful Village of France), Royal Monastery of Brou, Ambronay Abbey... Centuries of history at your fingertips.
Food & Wine
Sparkling AOC Bugey-Cerdon wine, Bresse AOC poultry, local cheeses, galette de Pérouges... A hidden gourmet destination.
Access
A crossroads between major cities and mountains
By car
A42 exit Pont-d'Ain from Lyon
A40 from Geneva
By train
Bourg-en-Bresse TGV station (25 km)
Ambérieu-en-Bugey regional station (18 km)
Pont-d'Ain local station (8 km)
By bus
A29 Meximieux ↔ Poncin
A37 Nantua ↔ Ambérieu
127 Ambérieu ↔ Bourg
By air
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (55 km)
Geneva (80 km)
All year round
Every season has its charm
Spring
- Flower-filled hikes
- Canoeing season opens
- Historic festivals in Pérouges
Summer
- Swimming at Île Chambod
- Bird Park
- 14th July fireworks
Autumn
- Vineyard harvest
- Forest colours
- Mushroom foraging
Winter
- Cross-country skiing at Hauteville
- Downhill skiing at Retord
- Christmas markets