Bugey is a mountainous region in the Ain department that geographically belongs to the Jura Massif in France. Bugey is located near the cities of Lyon, Chambéry, Annecy, and Geneva.
The Jura Massif extends across France and Switzerland, encompassing three French departments: Ain, Jura, and Doubs, as well as a very small part of Savoie. The highest point in the Jura Massif is the Crêt de la Neige, at an altitude of 1,720 meters, located in the Pays de Gex region of the Ain department.
The highest point in Bugey is the Grand Colombier, at an altitude of 1,538 meters, in the Valromey region. The name "Bugey" is historically derived from the name of the town of Belley.
Bugey is a mountainous region with numerous limestone cliffs, caves, gorges, rivers, and waterfalls ideal for outdoor sports, such as climbing, caving, canyoning, and fishing. Hiking and mountain biking trails are also plentiful, with beautiful views of the mountains and lakes around Nantua and Oyonnax. Hang-gliding is also practiced in the Ain mountains at several sites.