Self-guided Tours of Dinoplagne
Located in Plagne, this site features the world's longest titanosaur trackway. Prior reservation is recommended to visit this protected area.
Plizio Visual Lab
A rich, aged mountain cheese found in any local 'fruitière' or cheese shop.
Pike dumplings often served with a creamy sauce, available in traditional local restaurants.
Try the unique, sherry-like Vin Jaune from the region in a local wine bar.
Look for locally made horn or luxury plastic combs, a specialty of the town.
Buy direct from a cheese cooperative for the best prices on Morbier and Comté.
A beautiful green park in the city center with a river running through it.
A short drive away, known as 'Little Canada', surrounded by pines and first-rate for a peaceful walk.
Water temperature…
Located in Plagne, this site features the world's longest titanosaur trackway. Prior reservation is recommended to visit this protected area.
A playful tour designed for young visitors to discover the museum's collections in Oyonnax with a cultural mediator.
This exhibition explores the art of imitation and the origins of early plastics like celluloid, used to replace ivory and horn at the Comb Museum.
Freely explore the Izernore Museum to discover Gallo-Roman artifacts from local excavations and visit the current temporary exhibition.
Enjoy the house specialty: juicy ham slowly cooked on a spit over an open fire.
Discover the work of archaeologists through a hands-on excavation workshop in Oyonnax.
At the Musée d'Izernore, children step into the shoes of archaeologists, using tools to uncover secrets at a mock excavation site.
Designed for children aged 3-6, this workshop includes a search for hidden animals in the museum and the creation of a clay figurine.
A spectacular trail race through the most beautiful paths of Ain, serving as a true test of resilience and passion.
Experience the Oyoxygène treetop course in Oyonnax under the moonlight and stars, surrounded by the sounds of the night forest.
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.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 104 | 81 | 96 | 85 | 112 | 99 | 92 | 98 | 79 | 109 | 112 | 120 |
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
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your walking tour of Oyonnax by soaking in the local atmosphere before diving straight into the city's unique history at the fascinating plastics museum. As lunchtime approaches, marvel at the industrial architecture of La Grande Vapeur before finding a tranquil spot in René Nicod Park to rest and recharge. The afternoon invites quiet reflection at the historic Saint-Léger Church, bridging the gap between Oyonnax's industrial might and its deep cultural roots. Conclude your day by escaping the urban center on the scenic Sarsouille Trail, enjoying a final, refreshing connection with the lush nature of the Jura mountains.
Start the day at the wet square with a sturdy umbrella. At noon, the museum provides the perfect shelter from the rain while you dive into local industrial history. In the afternoon, explore Grande Vapeur and the church, which guarantee dry moments. In the evening, the Sarsouille trail looks mystical in the mist but requires waterproof shoes for the muddy sections.
Experience the frosty morning air at the central square in warm layers. At noon, the museum is the ideal place to warm up and enjoy the colorful exhibits. In the afternoon, make use of the fading light for a short park visit and the church. Since the sun sets around 17:00, end your day early with a hot drink to stay cozy.
Kick off your cycling journey with a deep dive into Oyonnax's industrial past at the museum, seamlessly transitioning to the monumental La Grande Vapeur. Pedal effortlessly through the city streets towards René Nicod Park, where the shaded paths provide the perfect mid-day break from the saddle. The adventure continues as you leave the pavement behind for the Sarsouille Trail, enjoying a pleasant ride that merges urban spaces with natural surroundings. Finish strong by cycling out to the serene Lac de Viry, rewarding your active day with peaceful water views as the evening light softens over the landscape.
Start cautiously on wet roads towards the museum. Use the midday period for a long museum visit to wait out the heaviest rain. In the afternoon, the park and trail are damp; ride particularly carefully on gravel sections. The evening ride to Lac de Viry can be misty; be sure to turn on your lights and wear reflective gear.
Set off with gloves and thermal gear towards the museum. Use the midday period to warm up indoors. In the afternoon, visit the park and trail briskly before the frost sets in. Finish the trip to Lac de Viry by sunset around 17:00, as temperatures drop rapidly and visibility decreases after dark.
Start your driving itinerary in the heart of Oyonnax, exploring the renowned museum and the architectural grandeur of La Grande Vapeur before hitting the open road. A scenic drive takes you to the stunning Lac Genin, affectionately known as Little Canada, offering a dramatic shift from industrial history to raw alpine beauty. Continue your road trip through the beautiful Haut-Bugey landscapes to Lac de Viry, a hidden gem perfectly suited for a quiet, contemplative afternoon stop. As the day winds down, drive to the expansive Lac de Coiselet, where the towering cliffs and vast waters create a truly spectacular backdrop for the evening.
Drive carefully on the wet city streets towards the museum. Enjoy the industrial architecture of Grande Vapeur comfortably from the dry car cabin. The mountain lakes (Genin, Viry) look particularly dramatic in the rain; stay in the car during heavy downpours. The winding roads to Coiselet require extra attention when the surface is wet.
Start early to avoid potential ice on the way to the museum. Use the car's heater between visits to historical sites. Lac Genin is often frozen and beautiful in winter, but watch out for slippery shore paths. Finish your lake tour before darkness falls at 17:00, when temperatures drop rapidly.
