Discover Oyonnax

Oyonnax comes into focus through its industrial and cultural history: the Musée du Peigne et de la Plasturgie highlights products and the development of an innovative valley. The Grande Vapeur adds an architectural perspective on industry, while painted walls bring everyday life and the city's history into the streets. Seasonal events add further cultural highlights. When looking for a hotel in Oyonnax, this suggests a thematic approach: consider whether collections, architectural history, cityscapes or a festival should be the focus of your trip.

Collections and industrial history

The Musée du Peigne et de la Plasturgie comprises more than 16,000 objects. It preserves collections of combs and hair ornaments made in Oyonnax, while also tracing the industrial development of an innovative valley. To do so, it brings together hair ornaments, eyewear, decorative arts and design in a thematic exploration of industry and craftsmanship. The combs and hair ornaments point to specific products from Oyonnax; the other themes broaden the perspective to include the valley's development. This takes visitors from individual objects to a wider context without losing sight of local production. Anyone interested in the city's cultural history will find an approach here that brings together objects and industrial development.

The Grande Vapeur as an example of industrial architecture

The Grande Vapeur complements the collections with a building steeped in industrial history. It was built in 1905 as a model factory and is a rare example of 20th-century industrial architecture. Its exterior was classified as a historic monument in 1988. The dates refer to different aspects: 1905 marks its construction as a model factory, while 1988 marks the classification of its exterior. This makes it possible to distinguish the building's original function from the later recognition of its external appearance. Together with the museum collection, it offers a view of two scales of industrial history: the objects produced and the architecture of a factory building.

Murals, cityscape and routes

The urban landscape also contributes to the city's cultural history. The painted walls of Oyonnax bear witness to everyday life and the city's history. They can be discovered on a walk through the streets, mostly in the city centre. An information board in Parc Jeantet provides a way to explore Oyonnax's historical and architectural landscape by bicycle.

Two different points of reference are given for routes. The Les lacs du Haut-Bugey route starts in Oyonnax at the Centre Nautique Robert Sautin. A signposted cycle route leads from Oyonnax to Lac Genin. For the first route, the starting point is specified; for the cycle route to Lac Genin, the destination and its character as a cycle route are specified. This distinction helps clarify the two references without treating them as the same route.

Seasonal events

The Fête de l'Hiver is a recurring winter event. Its 26th edition, in December 2025, included light parades, musical performances, street theatre and poetic processions. The 22nd edition of the Fête de Printemps in 2026 offered a different seasonal perspective: it had a medieval-fantasy theme and included roving performances. If a festival is important to your travel plans, check the current event dates in advance.

Whether you're interested in museum collections, industrial architecture, murals or a seasonal festival, Oyonnax offers various cultural-history themes to explore during your trip. You can use them as a guide when looking for a hotel in Oyonnax and planning your stay around your interests.

Discover more destinations: Châtillon-la-Palud, Poncin, Saint-Nizier-Le-Bouchoux, Villieu-Loyes-Mollon, Châtillon-En-Michaille, Dompierre-sur-Chalaronne, Relevant, Vongnes

For the overview of the wider region: Ain.