Nantua is a commune and subprefecture in the Ain department in eastern France. The usual demonym for its inhabitants is Nantuatien(ne); however, they are also sometimes called Catholards, after a needle used by leatherworkers. Indeed, Nantua has long been a town of tanners and shoemakers. It is located in the Haut-Bugey region, among the southern foothills of the Jura Mountains, and is famous for its fresh-water fish and crayfish.
