Top 10 Mountain Passes around Saint-Jacques-Des-Arrêts

Visitors frequently enjoy the Col de la Grange du Bois, known for its quiet roads and views of the rock of Solutré. Another favorite is the Col du Fût d'Avenas, which offers expansive views of the Beaujolais plain and the Dombes, with Mont Blanc visible on clear days. The Col de la Sibérie, 638 m is also highly rated for its incredible views over the Saône valley, including the Alps and Mont Blanc in good weather.

Yes, the Col de Crie Hiking and Trail Center is an excellent starting point for families. It offers multiple hikes, picnic areas, and games for children, including a zip line. The center is open from April to October and provides hiking advice, bike rental, a café, and a shop.

The mountain passes in the Beaujolais Vert region, such as Col de Boubon and Col de la Sibérie, are renowned for their panoramic vistas. You can expect magnificent views over the Eastern Grosne river valley and the surrounding Beaujolais landscapes. On clear days, it's possible to see the Saône valley and even the distant Alps and Mont Blanc from passes like Col de la Sibérie, 638 m and Col du Fût d'Avenas.

The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including routes like the 'Siberia Pass (638 m) – Les hauts de Jullié loop'. There are also options for gravel biking and running trails, such as the 'La Grange du Bois – Col de la Sibérie loop'.

Yes, the mountain passes are integral to the area's hiking opportunities. A popular 15-kilometer hiking trail starts from Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts, passing through pastures and offering various viewpoints, including the Col de Boubon and Col de la Sibérie. The Col de Crie Hiking and Trail Center also serves as a great starting point for multiple hikes.

Saint-Jacques-des-Arrêts holds historical significance as a stop for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James (Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle), specifically on the route between Cluny and Le Puy-en-Velay. The passes in the area may have historically been, and continue to be, part of the journey for modern-day pilgrims and hikers traversing this ancient path.

The area around the mountain passes is characterized by a peaceful, rural environment. You can experience the local bocage (hedged farmland), observe Charolais cows, and enjoy verdant scenery. The passes themselves offer exceptional panoramic views, making them ideal for appreciating the natural beauty of the region.

Visitors particularly appreciate the exceptional panoramic views, with many noting the possibility of seeing the Alps and Mont Blanc on clear days from passes like Col de la Sibérie, 638 m. The quiet roads, serene natural environment, and the variety of hiking and cycling opportunities are also highly valued.

Many passes in the region are suitable for cycling. For instance, Col de la Sibérie, 638 m features a cycle way, offering calm roads and forest sections. The Col de Crie, 622 m is a good pass to cycle from various starting points and is known for a giant bike sculpture made by the Beaujolais bike club. Col du Fût d'Avenas is also a well-known site for road cycling and a starting point for mountain biking trails.

The Col de Crie Hiking and Trail Center is a great option, offering a café and a shop. It's a convenient spot to grab refreshments or supplies before or after your outdoor activities.

While the region offers beauty year-round, the period from April to October is particularly favorable, especially if you plan to utilize facilities like the Col de Crie Hiking and Trail Center, which operates during these months. Summer offers pleasant conditions for cycling and hiking, with the added benefit of forest shade on some routes. However, be aware that some passes, like Col de la Grange du Bois, may lack shade and can get hot quickly.