Pebble beaches, translucent water, wild surroundings and landscaped bathing sites very close to Lyon. Small paradise reserved for nature-friendly.
The Ain river runs through the department of the same name. It crosses it from north to south to flow into the Rhône. Towards Loyettes and Saint-Maurice-de-Gourdans it creates a wild and moving confluence, a site classified for its landscapes since 1930. Often popular for swimming, the Ain river is a complex and preserved natural heritage. Take a look at its many facets!
The Ain, a multifaceted river
The river carries many pebbles, which creates beaches, sometimes vast and sometimes intimate. These beaches are conducive to contemplation, rest and walks.
Swimming near Lyon: swimming in the Ain river
The Ain river is a complex river. In addition to its regular water releases, several areas are protected to respect biodiversity.
La bathing is free but the sites are undeveloped and unsupervised. A situation that requires the utmost vigilance from everyone. Parking must be done only in the spaces provided and swimming is at your own risk.
For more comfort and security, you can go to supervised sites:
- the Green Point in Serrières-de-Briord : free bathing site with picnic areas, public toilets and beach restaurant. The Nauticlub welcomes you for pedal boat, canoe or paddle outings!
- Chambod Island : Leisure center fitted out with all sorts of nautical and bathing activities for children. The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Swimming pools and nautical centers : Ain Pulse in Saint-Vulbas, aquatic center in Ambérieu-en-Bugey or the summer swimming pool in Lagnieu.
The river also allows for other leisure activities such as fishing, canoeing and hiking.
It is possible to practice the canoeing down the Ain river. An original way to enjoy the landscapes in complete privacy. The banks of the river, often inaccessible, hide a fascinating biodiversity. It is also an opportunity to swim in uncrowded corners (always with respect for nature).
Several clubs and rental companies are at your disposal to go down the river in peace. From 5km to 25km of course along, from half a day to 2 days of ride.
- The Eskimo at Pont-d'Ain
- River activities at the St-Maurice-de-Gourdans nautical club
- The Longeville base in Ambronay
A TIP FOR APPLYING THE RIGHT GESTURES
L'Eskimo, canoe rental companies, created the “Canoe Ain” application. In addition to your route, the app shows you the protected areas to help you respect nature. A feature mentions the banks where picnics and swimming are possible. Sensitive areas are not allowed to take care of biodiversity.
Available for Iphone and Android on App Store et Google Play Store. The app has many other features to ensure your safety and comfort on the descent.
The Ain River, a remarkable site
The Ain River has the particularity of being a free river, with its bed changing with the rains and creating beaches, meanders, islands, brotteaux...
Notice to photography enthusiasts, the river offers incredible landscapes and colors. Images to share on theInstagram of Pérouges Bugey Tourism with the htag #perougesbugeytourism.
Moreover, there is no shortage of them in the area, pebbles are found in the local architecture, as in the medieval city of Pérouges.
Its pebble beaches from the Ice Age
The "Broteaux", are the banks sometimes submerged by the floods sometimes dry. These are places conducive to the development of a rich and varied fauna and flora. They are also part of the European network Nature 2000 and are subject to a management plan. From commented walks on these spaces are offered regularly, by the Conservatory of Natural Spaces. An educational way to better know and respect the river and its species.
In periods of heavy rain, the river fills its water tables and conversely, in times of drought, it is the water tables that come to feed the river, to the delight of the inhabitants of the river.
![Une libellule "Anax Empereur"]()
An “Emperor Anax” dragonfly ![Le petit gravelot niche sur les plages de galets]()
The small plover nests on pebble beaches ![Le castor est la star de la rivière]()
The beaver is the star of the river
This river is above all a remarkable natural site, which must be preserved, with everyone's help. The various users are therefore asked not to distort the site, by respecting simple instructions.
- collect your rubbish
- park in suitable places
- do not make cold fires
- do not damage the natural habitats for fauna and flora by respecting the instructions for the practice of activities.
Discover more
It is possible to practice fishing and walking on the paths laid out around the Ain river. From the priory of Blyes, several paths lead to the lake or to the confluence of the Rhône. (hiking and mountain biking trails from 4km to 14km)
ATTENTION, the practice of fishing is subject to a regulations.