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Oyonnax

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City
—°10810
Oyonnax (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Oyonnax

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Wear layers, as the Jura mountain climate can be unpredictable and evenings are often chilly.
  • Don't miss the Musée du Peigne et de la Plasturgie to understand the town's unique industrial heritage.
  • Rent a car if you plan to explore the surrounding lakes and hiking trails, as public transport is limited.
  • The town center is compact and is easiest to navigate and explore on foot.

🍽 Food

🍽
Comté Cheese

A rich, aged mountain cheese found in any local 'fruitière' or cheese shop.

🍽
Quenelles de Brochet

Pike dumplings often served with a creamy sauce, available in traditional local restaurants.

🍽
Jura Wines

Try the unique, sherry-like Vin Jaune from the region in a local wine bar.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Handcrafted Combs

Look for locally made horn or luxury plastic combs, a specialty of the town.

🛍
Local Fruitière

Buy direct from a cheese cooperative for the best prices on Morbier and Comté.

🧘
Parc René Nicod

A beautiful green park in the city center with a river running through it.

🧘
Lac Genin

A short drive away, known as 'Little Canada', surrounded by pines and first-rate for a peaceful walk.

Highlights of 2026

10

Located in the Ain department within the Jura Mountains, Oyonnax is historically recognized as the capital of the French plastics industry. This industrial heritage is explicitly showcased at the Museum of Combs and Plastics, which traces the local evolution from traditional horn-carving to modern synthetic manufacturing. Just ten kilometers from the urban center lies Lac Genin, an 850-meter-high mountain lake surrounded by dense fir forests. Often referred to as the region's Little Canada, this site is heavily visited for swimming in July and ice skating during freezing winters. The town also has a strong sporting identity, primarily driven by its professional rugby union team playing at the Charles-Mathon Stadium. As part of the Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park, Oyonnax provides immediate access to an extensive network of hiking trails. The local weekly markets are excellent places to find authentic regional produce, featuring traditional mountain cheeses like Comté and Bleu de Gex sourced from nearby dairy farms.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C015913171918151051
Rain mm10481968511299929879109112120

Live webcam – Oyonnax

See what it looks like near Oyonnax right now.

Apremont › North-east: Lac Genin · 5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
25,697
Coordinates
46.25560, 5.65500

Facts

  • Elevation from 440 to 1062 meters
  • Center for about 600 plastic companies
  • Home to the Museum of the Comb
  • Situated on the Ange river
  • Major hub for mold making
  • Postal code 01100

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Oyonnax (8)

Museum of Comb and Plastics🏛 museum

A unique museum tracing the town's industrial evolution from horn comb-making to its status as 'Plastics Valley'.

La Grande Vapeur🏺 historical

An iconic 1905 industrial building designed to provide steam power to local plastic craftsmen, now a historic monument.

Saint-Léger Church⛪ religious

The town's main church, featuring classic architecture and serving as a spiritual landmark in the heart of Oyonnax.

Sarsouille Trail🌿 nature

A peaceful walking path along the Sarsouille stream, offering a natural escape within the urban environment.

René Nicod Park🎡 recreation

A well-maintained central park featuring lush greenery, flower beds, and leisure areas for all ages.

Lac Genin🌿 nature

An idyllic lake near Oyonnax, surrounded by forests and well-suited for hiking.

Retenue de Charmine-Moux🌿 nature

A quiet lake in Oyonnax offering a beautiful setting for walks in nature.

Place des Droits de l'Enfance👨‍👩‍👧 family

A public playground in Oyonnax offering space for children's activities.

Frequently asked questions

What is Oyonnax famous for?
It is the heart of 'Plastics Valley', famous for its plastics industry and the Museum of Combs and Plastics.
Are there natural attractions nearby?
Yes, Lake Nantua and the Jura mountains are on the doorstep, offering excellent hiking opportunities.
How to reach the city?
Oyonnax is well connected by train from Lyon or Bourg-en-Bresse and via the A404 motorway.
Are there any local specialties?
Try the Pike Quenelles (Quenelles de Brochet) or dishes with morels, which are typical of the Ain region.
Is the city family-friendly?
Yes, there are many parks and sports facilities; the Charles-Mathon rugby stadium is a local highlight.
Oyonnax: where is it located?
Oyonnax is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Oyonnax: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Comb and Plastics, La Grande Vapeur, Saint-Léger Church.
Oyonnax: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Oyonnax: why is it worth visiting?
Located in the Ain department within the Jura Mountains, Oyonnax is historically recognized as the capital of the French plastics industry.
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