Culoz

Culoz is a commune in the Ain department in eastern France. It belongs to the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and lies along the left bank of the Rhône River, at the foothills of the Jura mountains in the Bugey area. The commune covers a small valley settlement and surrounding hills; the population consists of a few thousand residents.

It is a traditional river crossing and transportation link between the Rhône valley and the Alps. The Grand Colombier massif lies to the west, offering hiking routes and scenic views.

Culoz has medieval origins and developed as a crossing point on the Rhône, with a church and local structures reflecting its transport role.

The town is served by the Gare de Culoz, on the historic Culoz–Modane railway line that connects the Rhône valley with the Alps, and by road routes with Chambéry and Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. The local economy combines agriculture and small-scale industry, with tourism tied to outdoor recreation and regional wine and gourmet products of the Bugey region.