Ain Department
The département is cut in half along a north-south line by the Ain River. The west consists of plains and low plateaus. The east is more mountainous, consisting of the southern extension of the Jura mountains. The highest elevation in the département (and in the Jura mountains) is the Crêt de la Neige (1720 m).
Ain is surrounded by the French départements of Jura, Saône-et-Loire, Rhône, Isère, Savoie, and Haute-Savoie. On the east, it borders the Swiss cantons of Genève and Vaud.
Attractions in Ain
One of the major tourist attractions is Voltaire’s estate at Ferney-Voltaire.
The département also offers great chances to explore nature, on foot, on a bicycle, or on horseback. Its rivers and lakes provide many opportunities for water sports of all kinds.
The northeast of the département, the Pays de Gex has numerous ski resorts and panoramic views of the Alps, including the Mont Blanc.
The Parc Naturel Régional du Haut Jura is a natural reserve with high mountain passes.