Oyonnax Property Insight

Oyonnax is located in the centre east of France, in the Ain department and in the Rhone Alpes region. With 23,600 inhabitants, called the Oyonnaxiens, it is the second largest town of the department. It is located in the north of the Ain department, in a region of lakes, forests and rivers, between Lyon and Geneva. The town is situated in the Jura Massif, close to the Haut-Jura Natural Park.

Overview

During the 18th century, the town developed thanks to the production of wood and horn combs. By the end of the 19th century the production was industrialized, before another revolution arrived: the appearance of plastic. Oyonnax specialised then in the plastic industry, making all kind of products: glasses, garden furniture, toys, etc. Nowadays, Oyonnax is at the heart of the Plastics Valley, which was recognized in 2005 as a competitive pole for the plasturgy industry. The industrial area gathers 660 firms working in the plasturgy industry in 14 industrial parks. The European plasturgy pole was created in 1989. Thanks to its competitiveness, Oyonnax attracts people from all over Europe, which makes it a cosmopolitan and dynamic town.

Oyonnax Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Oyonnax is a very affordable town, as house prices for an apartment vary between €1,160/ sq m and €1,570/sq m, while the national average for property is €3,200/sq m. Most properties are main houses (93%), and amongst them, 70% are apartments. Moreover, the area should be an interesting investment for a buy-to-let as 65% of the residents are tenants. Thanks to the Plastics Valley, demand in housing is quite high, and return on investment should be quick.

To get updated info about the property prices in Ain, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

4 Reasons to Buy a Property in Oyonnax

• Culture, art and historical heritage: Oyonnax’s history and heritage has been influenced by industrial activities, right from the beginning. One of the most famous monument is the Grande Vapeur - Big Steam in English - which used to be a building that provided steam energy. Its use changed several times over the years, from an energy provider it became a theatre then it was destroyed and rebuilt as an electricity factory. Nowadays, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1988, and is to house the comb and plastic museum. The Croix-Rousse Square (meaning ‘hill which works’) is another important place on the town. The name was given by Lyonnais workers that found the square looked like their own Croix-Rousse Square in Lyon. Characteristics of both squares are as following: significant industrial presence in a sloping quarter accessible by sloping streets. In Oyonnax you will also see the vestiges of the religious influence with the Gothic church of Veyziat, built during the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Saint-Léger church, built in 1840 by the architect Chenavard.

• Tranquillity and scenery: Oyonnax is also a nice town, where there are plenty of parks and green spaces; little pieces of heaven when you finish working, or just when you fancy walking or running! The town was also awarded two flowers by the National Committee of flowered Towns and Villages. Following are some places where you can find peace and tranquillity: the Genin Lake, the René-Nicod Park, the Oyonnalite Park, and plenty of squares in the town.

• Walking/hiking: Oyonnax’s countryside offers plenty of beautiful walkways and hiking. The most famous is probably the Route des Sapins (‘fir-tree road’). The road varies between 500m and 1,144m of altitude. Along the walk you will discover some green pastures, conifer forests, lakes and historical villages, with the Jura mountain range as a background. Each season has its own charm: in spring you will be charmed by the thousands of coloured flowers, while in autumn you will be amazed by the red and yellow shades of trees’ leafs. In winter, of course, you will have access to ski resorts.

• Countryside: Oyonnax’s countryside and nature is rich and varied; from lakes to forests and mountains, everybody will find its piece of heaven. The Genin Lake is nicknamed the “Small Canada of Haut-Bugey”, as it is in a clearing, surrounded by a forest. There you can do all kind of water activities, from swimming in summer, to ice-skating in winter. The Vouglans Lake is another lake where you can also do plenty of acitivities. If you like hiking, you may want to go to the Brétouze forest. It is the place where the Oyonnaxiens like to go for a peaceful promenade during week-ends.

Property Styles and Architecture in Oyonnax

• Town houses: they represent 23% of housing in Oyonnax. When they are located in the town centre, they are mainly old houses that were renovated. Some of them have a courtyard behind the house. They have usually one storey, and at least 4 rooms. Their main advantage is that they are located in the town centre, hence are next to all amenities.

• Apartments: as they represent 70% of housing, they are the main dwellings in Oyonnax. There are all types of apartments, from the studio, to the 5-room apartments, all sizes are available. As Oyonnax is not a very big town, apartments usually come with a parking, and some of them even with a cellar.

Click here for more info about the Architecture in Rhone Alpes.