Ain

Ain is situated about 200 miles (322 kilometers) southeast of Paris, the country's capital, and 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of Strasbourg.

When it comes to getting the most out of your time here, it's worth keeping in mind that Ain is just the tip of the iceberg; Rhone-Alpes features an abundance of scenic and cultural delights. You may also wish to check out Francourt, 19 miles (31 kilometers) to the southeast, and Hyevre-Paroisse 19 miles (31 kilometers) to the northwest.

Get some transportation head out to Besancon, a retail and transport hub for the region, situated approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Ain. The city has a number of tourist attractions, such as Besancon Citadel, Place du 8 Septembre and Palais Granvelle. Besancon Cathedral, Musee des Beaux-Arts and Hotel de Ville are a number of other attractions to see for those who have time left.

Spirituality is a vital part of every region's DNA, so be sure set aside some time to visit the area's churches and other important religious sites. To understand the present, it's good to revisit the past. Rhone-Alpes' fascinating traditional villages are a great starting point.

Try out some of the region's great winter attractions. Both locals and travellers enjoy snowboarding here. Snow shoeing is also popular. Those who like to combine learning with leisure will love the area's culinary tours and city walking tours.

When your time is up in Ain, put the lens cap back on your camera, spend your last of your euros on last-minute souvenirs, and bid a fond Au revoir / À bientôt (farewell) to this unique part of the world.