Cantons of the Ain department facts for kids

France is divided into many smaller areas to help manage the country. One of these areas is called a department. The Ain department is one such area in eastern France. Inside each department, there are even smaller divisions called cantons. Think of a canton like a small district or neighborhood within a larger city or county.

This article lists the 43 cantons found in the Ain department. These cantons are grouped into larger areas called arrondissements. Each arrondissement is like a big region within the department. Knowing about cantons helps us understand how France is organized.

What are Cantons and Arrondissements?

In France, a canton is a small administrative area. It's mainly used for elections. When people vote for their local representatives, they vote within their canton. Each canton has a main town, which is usually its largest town.

An arrondissement is a larger administrative division. It groups several cantons together. Arrondissements are managed by a sub-prefect. This official helps the main prefect of the department. They make sure local services run smoothly.

The Ain department has four main arrondissements. Each of these contains a different number of cantons. This system helps organize local government and services across the department.

Belley Arrondissement

The Belley Arrondissement is located in the southern part of the Ain department. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and history. This arrondissement has 9 cantons. Each canton helps manage local affairs for its towns and villages.

• Ambérieu-en-Bugey
• Belley
• Champagne-en-Valromey
• Hauteville-Lompnes
• Lagnieu
• Lhuis
• Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey
• Seyssel
• Virieu-le-Grand

Bourg-en-Bresse Arrondissement

The Bourg-en-Bresse Arrondissement is the largest in the Ain department. It is located in the center of the department. Its main city, Bourg-en-Bresse, is also the capital of the Ain department. This area is very important for the region's economy and culture. It has the most cantons, with a total of 24.

• Bâgé-le-Châtel
• Bourg-en-Bresse-Est
• Bourg-en-Bresse-Nord-Centre
• Bourg-en-Bresse-Sud
• Ceyzériat
• Chalamont
• Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne
• Coligny
• Meximieux
• Miribel
• Montluel
• Montrevel-en-Bresse
• Péronnas
• Pont-d'Ain
• Pont-de-Vaux
• Pont-de-Veyle
• Reyrieux
• Saint-Trivier-de-Courtes
• Saint-Trivier-sur-Moignans
• Thoissey
• Treffort-Cuisiat
• Trévoux
• Villars-les-Dombes
• Viriat

Gex Arrondissement

The Gex Arrondissement is located in the eastern part of the Ain department. It is close to the border with Switzerland. This area is known for its beautiful mountains and proximity to Geneva. It has 3 cantons, making it the smallest arrondissement by number of cantons.

• Collonges
• Ferney-Voltaire
• Gex

Nantua Arrondissement

The Nantua Arrondissement is found in the eastern part of the Ain department. It is known for its lakes and natural beauty. This area is popular for outdoor activities. It has 7 cantons.

• Bellegarde-sur-Valserine
• Brénod
• Izernore
• Nantua
• Oyonnax-Nord
• Oyonnax-Sud
• Poncin

See also

In Spanish: Cantones de Ain para niños