Nestled in a valley of the Jura Mountains, Oyonnax lies on the edge of Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It has been nicknamed the “Valley of Plastics” due to its manufacturing past and is a historic centre for wooden comb production.
Things to do in Oyonnax
In the heart of town is the Oyonnax Comb and Plastics Museum, which traces the town’s industrial heritage since the 17th century. Its collection of around 16,000 objects includes centuries-old boxwood combs and design pieces manufactured from innovative bioplastic materials. See a recreated workshop from the 19th century and dresses designed by Paco Rabanne, as well as the world’s first injection moulding machine.
Also not to miss is the Musee De La Grande Vapeur, which occupies a factory built by Auguste Chanard in 1905. It was designed with 60 cabins that could be rented by individual workers and were connected to a single motor via a belt transmission. It is a rare example of an industrial building constructed using reinforced concrete and offers a fascinating insight into Oyonnax’s industrial past.
A short drive east of Oyonnax is Oyoxygene Adventure Park, where you’ll find a tree-climbing course in the middle of Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park. Drive in the other direction and you’ll arrive at Lac de Coiselet, which was created in 1970 near the junction of the Ain and Bienne rivers. Surrounded by cliffs, it provides an idyllic setting for hiking, cycling and fishing.
Getting around Oyonnax
Oyonnax is around a one-hour drive from Bourg-en-Bresse and just over an hour from Lyon. Geneva International Airport is also an hour away. Trains connect from destinations across France to the Gare d’Oyonnax and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.