Top 14 Mountain Passes around Saint-Vincent-De-Reins
Best mountain passes around Saint-Vincent-De-Reins are located in France, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. The region features several mountain passes popular for cycling and hiking, characterized by diverse gradients and forest environments. These passes offer access to natural landscapes, including views of the surrounding area and dense woodlands. The area's geography supports a range of routes, from gentle ascents to challenging climbs.
Best mountain passes around Saint-Vincent-De-Reins
- The most popular mountain pass is Col de Casse Froide, a…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Cambuse Pass
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Croix d'Ajoux
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Col de la Croix des Fourches
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Col de Casse Froide
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Col de Favardy (862 m)
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Col de Favardy alt 856m Departure from many trails
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Col de la Croix des Fourches, in the middle of the forest, on the heights of the village of Saint-Just d'Avray.
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“Each of these crosses can tell its own story and what prompted people to erect “their” cross at this point. (...) These wayside crosses were erected as visible signs and attract the attention of many people. The cross is a symbol of life. It stands as a sign of our Christian hope and wants to direct our gaze to Jesus Christ, who has overcome death (...). The cross is part of our life as it was in the life of Jesus. So I wish that many people … visit the crosses, whether as places of stillness and breathing space before God, whether as places for community gatherings, prayer and praise to God.” (Text source: Dean Rainald M. Ollig in: “Crossroads. Small sacred monuments as a sign of popular piety")
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Nice pass to do from the Azergues valley via St Nizier and the Col de la Croix Nicelle: until the Croix Nicelle the percentages are around 7/8% then the final flattens out. From Ranchal or from St Vincent de Reins via St Bonnet le Troncy, the climbs are less complicated but long because the pass is quite high at 862 m. The view at the top is non-existent but the forest atmosphere can be appreciable in foggy weather which gives it a mysterious atmosphere. Many gravel or mountain bike trails converge here and the GR7 passes by.
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Nice pass to do from Claveisolles, St Didier sur Beaujeu, Marchampt, la Varenne. The hardest percentages are from Varenne which takes a very small road, very little frequented with a beautiful view of the vines. The other climbs are more regular turning around 5/6%. From Claveisolles we go up in a very pleasant little valley. The view at the top is mainly on the Azergues side. Note that a very pleasant little road goes in the direction of Chénellette or Vernay, we are alone in the world.
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3 or even 5 possible climbs: from Azergues via Grandris 3: the main one, a small annex in less good condition from Grandris Haut and a terrible variant via Gondras with passages at 25% from Grandris bas. They all return to the main road before the pass. The main road and on a road in fairly good condition, little gradient 3/4% for about 9 km with beautiful landscapes and quite a few clear views. On the Rhine valley side, you can climb from Cublize (approximately 5% average but much shorter) or from Magny via Meaux la Montagne. On the latter the climb to Meaux is quite steep at 7/8% then after Meaux the slope is gentle not far from 2/3%. On these faces the landscapes are less clear but still appreciable. In summer be careful because good parts of the pass especially from the Rhine are in full dodger for quite a long time.
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Quite an easy pass on the Ronno side. The beginning of the Col du Pilon is quite frequented by cars, then you turn onto a quieter road. The scenery is not very present, but the atmosphere in the forest is great, especially in damp weather. On the Saint-Just-d'Avray side, from the Azergues valley, the climb is long but progressive. The percentages really become interesting from Saint-Just onwards. On this side, the landscapes are more open before turning for the last part where you enter the forest with an even steeper percentage: 6 and 7% with the same refreshing atmosphere, especially in summer. You can reach the crests forest road by gravel or mountain bike.
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Perfect crossing to start your hike, beautiful wood, unfortunately a little damaged by clear cuts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain passes around Saint-Vincent-De-Reins?
Among the most appreciated mountain passes in the region are Col de Casse Froide, known for its varied ascent routes and views towards the Azergues side. Another popular choice is Cambuse Pass, which offers multiple climbing options and clear views on its main road. Col de Favardy (862 m) is also well-regarded for its forest atmosphere and higher elevation.
Are there mountain passes suitable for cycling in the Saint-Vincent-De-Reins area?
Yes, the region is popular for cycling. Cambuse Pass offers 3 to 5 possible ascents, with the main road featuring a gentle 3-4% gradient over about 9 km, making it suitable for various cycling abilities. The approach from Cublize is around 5% average, while a variant via Gondras can reach 25% for a challenge. Col de Casse Froide also provides routes with regular gradients around 5-6%.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at these mountain passes?
Many passes offer beautiful landscapes and forest environments. For instance, the main road of Cambuse Pass provides clear views. Col de Favardy (862 m) is noted for its distinct forest atmosphere, which can be particularly mysterious in foggy weather. Col de la Croix des Fourches offers a refreshing forest atmosphere, especially in summer, even if the summit views are not expansive.
Are there challenging mountain passes for experienced cyclists or hikers?
Absolutely. For cyclists, Cambuse Pass has a steep variant via Gondras with sections reaching a 25% gradient. From Varenne, the ascent to Col de Casse Froide features some of the hardest percentages on a very small, less-frequented road. For those seeking a challenging climb with a consistent gradient, the ascent to Col de la Croix des Fourches from St Just d'Avray becomes quite interesting, with the final forest section steepening to 6-7%.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
Beyond cycling and hiking the passes themselves, the area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including those around Lac des Sapins, which is also a starting point for mountain bike trails. For hiking, there are trails like the 'Pine Lake – View of Lac des Sapins loop'. You can explore more options for cycling, hiking, and road cycling in the Saint-Vincent-De-Reins region.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly mountain passes for a relaxed experience?
Yes, for a more relaxed experience, Col de la Croix des Fourches is considered fairly easy on the Ronno side. Additionally, Col de la Croix de l'Orme, easily accessible from St Just d'Avray, is described as a 'good pass' within a forest, without significant steep percentages and being 'quite short', making it suitable for a more relaxed cycling or walking experience.
What is the best time to visit the mountain passes around Saint-Vincent-De-Reins?
The mountain passes are generally enjoyable during warmer months. For cycling, be aware that some parts of Cambuse Pass can be exposed to full sun for extended periods in summer. The refreshing atmosphere of the forest climbs, such as those found at Col de la Croix des Fourches, is particularly pleasant in summer. While the forest atmosphere of Col de Favardy (862 m) can be appreciable in foggy weather, clear conditions are generally preferred for views.
Are there any cultural or historical landmarks near the mountain passes?
While the focus is primarily on natural landscapes and outdoor activities, you can find points of interest like Croix d'Ajoux. This religious building and viewpoint is described as a 'perfect crossing to start your hike' and features beautiful wood, offering a glimpse into local traditions and history through its wayside crosses.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes in this region?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse terrain, offering everything from gentle ascents to challenging climbs. The beautiful landscapes and clear views, especially on passes like Cambuse Pass, are a major draw. The refreshing forest atmosphere found on climbs such as Col de la Croix des Fourches and the mysterious ambiance of Col de Favardy (862 m) in foggy conditions are also highly valued. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is a key highlight.
Can I find mountain biking or gravel trails near these passes?
Yes, the region is well-suited for mountain biking and gravel riding. Near Col de Favardy (862 m), many gravel or mountain bike trails converge, and the GR7 also passes by. Similarly, from the top of Col de la Croix des Fourches, you can connect to forest roads suitable for gravel or mountain biking, allowing for extended off-road adventures.
Are there any unique viewpoints or scenic spots among the passes?
While some passes are more about the forest atmosphere, others offer distinct views. The main road of Cambuse Pass provides clear views. From one approach to Col de la Croix de l'Orme (from St Appo), you can enjoy beautiful views of the Pilon wind turbines, adding a unique visual element to the landscape. Col de Casse Froide offers views mainly on the Azergues side.
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