Located in the heart of the Ain department, the municipality of Poncin is an ancient medieval city installed along the river Ain.
The town is part of the Pays du Cerdon - Ain Valley, which includes 14 municipalities, including those of Jujurieux and Pont d'Ain. Poncin is also linked to seven hamlets that are Allement, Champeillon, La Cosecha, Avrillat, Leymiat, Breignes and Ménestruel.
She is busy prehistoric times by people passing through or who settled on the edge of Ain. It remains today no visible signs of the time.
During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, Poncin enjoys a strategic position that earned him built up strong and administrative capital of the powerful lords of Thoire and Villars. They built a remarkable fortress and a city encircled by walls. At the end of the fifteenth century, thanks to the protection provided by the Dukes of Savoy and their officers, Poncin is the largest city of Ain.
Considered the best preserved medieval town of Bugey, offers visitors a trip through time with its streets, houses on arcades of the late Middle Ages and the ramparts of the thirteenth century.
Poncin is an authentic village, which invites visitors to discover its heritage during a hiking, biking or horseback.
In particular you can admire the façade of the castle Poncin. Built in 1180 by Humbert II Thoire he was then destroyed by Henry IV in 1601 and partially rebuilt in the eighteenth century and enriched with French gardens.
Walking through the city center, you will have the pleasure to admire the octagonal tower and Bouvent Renaissance, the place, but also the street Xavier Bichat, where we can contemplate the façade of the house Bichat. Xavier Bichat, famous French anatomist and physiologist of the early nineteenth century there grew up.
The town also has houses on arcades, typical winegrowers' houses, arches and buttresses.
Poncin also has a neo-Gothic church, which houses the Virgin in Majesty, a Roman statue dating from the thirteenth century listed building in 1975.
The nature lovers will be delighted by the many marked hiking trails available from Poncin. Sights include the shady banks of the Ain River, the vineyards of the hills, but also the magnificent views to the valleys.
You can also go fishing or horseback riding. The horse farm overlooking the village of Poncin and close to Cerdon vineyards, offers nature walks to horse or pony suitable for all levels.
In July is held the Raid Fémin'Ain to Poncin, a fun sporting event for women. This sports course dedicated to beginners and confirmed includes several events: mountain bike, trail, orientation and surprise. Objectives of the day: friendship, sharing, passing, respect, environment and tourism.
The Poncin festival committee celebrates the patron of the town festival every year in August. The program of this colorful and festive event: concerts, fashion shows, but also the famous fireworks.
