Ain

River of east-central France; length 190 km/118 mi. It rises in the Jura Mountains and flows southwest through the départements of Jura and Ain, passing through the towns of Pont-du-Navoy, Pont-de-Poitte, Poncin, and Pont-d'Ain. The river joins the Rhône 29 km/18 mi east of Lyon. There are several hydroelectric power stations along its route, creating attractive lakes in its gorges.

Ain

Département in the Rhône-Alpes region of France; area 5,756 sq km/2,222 sq mi; population (1999 est) 515,300. It takes its name from the River Ain, which rises in the département in the Jura Mountains and flows south through steep gorges into the River Rhône. On the northern and western plains cereals, fruit, and vegetables are grown. Livestock is bred, including poultry. The southern region is swampy, but vineyards exist in the valleys of the Jura Mountains in the east. Most employment is now in the service sector, but manufacturing is also important, and the region has hydroelectric schemes and a plastics industry. The administrative centre is Bourg-en-Bresse.

Ain is bounded in the west by the River Saône and in the south by the River Rhône. The region lying west of the Ain valley is known as the Pays de Dombes and is known for its marshes, ponds, and wetland birds. The Jura Mountains, known as La Pays de Gex, are popular for outdoor leisure activities. Ain was once part of Burgundy and was an important wine producer under the influence of the monasteries, but the local wines – vins du Bugey – are now not exported. Other principal towns include Belley, Gex, and Nantua.

Features of the area include half-timbered houses and gothic churches.