Singles in the Ain, ponds, vines and wide spaces

The Dombes, land of a thousand ponds

In the north-west of the department, the Dombes lines up over a thousand ponds shaped by monks in the Middle Ages. Herons, storks and dragonflies populate this mosaic of water and meadows. The Villars-les-Dombes Bird Park, one of the finest in Europe, lets you approach species from around the world. A quiet walk together along a pond is already the gentlest of first dates.

Bugey and Ain Valley

To the east, the Bugey, first foothill of the Jura, cultivates a confidential, hilly vineyard. Roads wind through vines and cliffs, pausing in a cellar to taste a sparkling pink Cerdon, ideal for toasting to a new encounter. Further down, the Ain Valley unfolds its turquoise waters between forests and pebble beaches: canoeing, swimming and open-air picnics are on the menu.

Cerdon and underground escapes

The Cerdon Caves, dug into the mountain, offer an impressive route between stalactites and prehistoric workshops: a change-of-scene outing for two, shielded from summer heat. Around them, golden-stone villages and small farms to visit set the pace of the day. On Lyad, members from the Ain share their favourite walks; it is up to you to find someone to follow them with.