- Oyonnax is often referred to as 'Plastics Valley' due to the high concentration of companies specializing in plastic injection molding.
- The city's rapid industrial growth in the 19th century was driven primarily by the transition from processing boxwood and horn to celluloid for comb production.
- Oyonnax serves as a significant administrative and economic hub within the Haut-Bugey region of eastern France.
- The local rugby team, US Oyonnax, is a major cultural pillar, often drawing more regional attention than the city's industrial output.
About Oyonnax
Nestled in the Jura Mountains at an elevation of nearly 500 meters, Oyonnax is globally recognized as the center of the French plastics industry. The city's industrial identity is preserved at the Musée De La Grande Vapeur, which chronicles the history of comb-making and synthetic materials. Beyond its manufacturing roots, the area offers unique glimpses into prehistoric life, specifically through the fossilized tracks found at Piste Des Dinosaures. Visitors can explore local heritage at the Église Saint Léger or enjoy outdoor recreational spaces like the Park of Oyonnalithe.
Highlights of Oyonnax
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Explore the history of the region's unique comb-making and plastics industry in a restored historical factory building.
Historical places
Examine authentic fossilized dinosaur tracks preserved in the local geological strata.
Temples
Visit this traditional church to view its architectural contribution to the local cityscape.
Parks
Walk through this public green space for a break from the city's industrial landscape.
Historical places
View this historical landmark dedicated to commemorating the role of Allied forces.
Parks
Navigate this outdoor recreational labyrinth designed for family-oriented leisure.
Top things to do in Oyonnax
The 51 highest-rated places in Oyonnax, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Musée du Jouet de Moirans-en-Montagne celebrates the Jura region's historical role as a center for wood-turning and...
2
Places of interest
Glacières de Sylans are the ruins of a late 19th-century industrial ice production facility located on the shores of Lak...
3
Amusement parks
The Cerdon Caves and Prehistoric Park is a combined geological and archaeological site located in the Ain department of...
4
Places of interest
Cascade des Combes is a natural waterfall located in the Jura Mountains near the town of Saint-Claude, France. The water...
5
Natural attractions
Lac de Nantua is a glacial lake located in the Jura Mountains at an elevation of 475 meters. Spanning approximately 141...
6
Museums
The Musée de la Pipe et du Diamant is located in Saint-Claude, a town historically renowned for two distinct artisanal i...
7
Parks
Parc du Lac de Nantua is a lakeside public space situated along the northern shore of the glacial Lake Nantua in the Ain...
8
Beaches and ponds
9
Museums
10
Museums
11
Temples
12
Beaches and ponds
13
Historical places
14
Places of interest
15
Museums
16
Places of interest
17
Parks
18
Natural attractions
19
Temples
20
Places of interest
21
Temples
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Temples
23
Temples
24
Places of interest
25
Museums
26
Venues
27
Temples
28
Parks
29
Venues
30
Temples
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Oyonnax on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Oyonnax
May to September, when the mild Jura climate allows for comfortable outdoor hiking and exploration of regional geological sites.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the local museums, explore the industrial history, and visit the nearby fossil sites.
The city center is walkable, while regional bus lines and private vehicles are required to access more remote natural sites in the Jura region.
Staying near the city center provides convenient access to major heritage sites and transport links, while peripheral areas offer quieter surroundings closer to the Jura foothills.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are moderate compared to major French metropolitan hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 51 curated attractions in and around Oyonnax, ranked by traveller ratings.
Musée du jouet de Moirans-en-Montagne is the highest-rated place to visit in Oyonnax right now.
The largest category is temples, with 10 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
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