Top 14 Mountain Passes around Ranchal
Best mountain passes around Ranchal are situated in a region characterized by varied terrain, including forest atmospheres, valleys, and areas with vineyards. The landscape offers diverse routes for exploration, from gentle slopes to steeper climbs. This area provides opportunities to experience the natural environment through its network of mountain passes. The passes often feature views of the surrounding countryside, including the Azergues side and parts of the Beaujolais region.
Best mountain passes around Ranchal
- The most popular mountain passes is…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Cambuse Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Croix d'Ajoux
Highlight • Religious Site
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Col de la Croix Montmain - 737 m
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Nice to do by mixing with the 76 gravel hiking trail.
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Col de Casse Froide
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Col de Favardy (862 m)
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful pass at 736 m, quite gentle, 6.1% average. Nice to do by mixing with the 76 gravel hiking trail.
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Col de Favardy alt 856m Departure from many trails
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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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Nice pass to do from Lamure sur Azergues, Le Perréon, Le Papilloud (road of the ridges but you can climb from Vaux too). On the Lamure side, the view is absent but it is relatively hard with some good percentages. If you start from the Perréon you take the start of the Col de la Croix Rosier, magnificent... From the Papilloud the climb is very short but there is no shortage of views over the Beaujolais. At the top the view is not very present but the forest atmosphere is very pleasant, we enter the upper Beaujolais...
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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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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 notable mountain passes around Ranchal?
The region around Ranchal offers several distinctive mountain passes. Among them, Col de Casse Froide is popular, offering routes with views of vineyards. Another significant pass is Col de la Croix Montmain - 737 m, known for its 737m elevation and an average gradient of 6.1%. Cambuse Pass provides multiple climbing options and offers clear views along its main road.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the mountain passes near Ranchal?
The mountain passes around Ranchal are characterized by varied terrain, including forest atmospheres, valleys, and areas with vineyards. Many passes offer expansive views of the surrounding countryside, including the Azergues side and parts of the Beaujolais region. For example, the climb to Col de Casse Froide from la Varenne features beautiful vineyard views, while Col de la Croix Montmain - 737 m offers a pleasant forest atmosphere.
Are there any religious or historical sites located at or near the mountain passes?
Yes, for instance, Croix d'Ajoux is a religious building located at a mountain pass. These wayside crosses are significant cultural markers, often erected as visible signs of faith and community, inviting reflection and offering a sense of history to the landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Ranchal?
The area around Ranchal is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including challenging options like the "Col du Pavillon – Lac des Sapins loop from Cours-la-Ville" or the "Col de Crie, 622 m – Champ Juin Pass - 742 m loop from Poule-les-Écharmeaux." For running, there are trails such as the "Col des Aillets (715 m) loop from Belmont-de-la-Loire." Road cyclists can enjoy routes like the "Écharmeaux Pass loop from Poule-les-Écharmeaux." You can explore more options in the Cycling around Ranchal, Running Trails around Ranchal, and Road Cycling Routes around Ranchal guides.
Are there mountain passes suitable for beginners or those looking for easier routes?
Yes, some passes offer gentler gradients. For example, the main road approach to Cambuse Pass features a gentle gradient of about 3-4% for approximately 9 km, making it a more accessible option. Similarly, Col de la Croix Montmain - 737 m is described as quite gentle with an average of 6.1%.
What are some options for more advanced or challenging routes?
For those seeking a challenge, the climb to Col de Casse Froide from la Varenne takes a very small, less frequented road with some of the hardest percentages. The approach to Col de Favardy (862 m) from the Azergues valley via St Nizier and Col de la Croix Nicelle involves percentages around 7-8% initially, offering a more strenuous climb.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the mountain passes in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscapes, from serene forest atmospheres to expansive views over vineyards and the Beaujolais region. The variety of climbing options, whether gentle or challenging, is also highly valued. Many enjoy the sense of being "alone in the world" on less-trafficked roads and the opportunity to combine pass climbs with gravel hiking trails, as noted for Col de la Croix Montmain - 737 m.
Are there opportunities for gravel or mountain biking near the passes?
Yes, the area is well-suited for gravel and mountain biking. For instance, Col de Favardy (862 m) is a hub where many gravel or mountain bike trails converge, and the GR7 long-distance hiking trail also passes by, indicating a network of suitable paths.
Can I find circular walks or loops that incorporate these mountain passes?
While specific circular walks directly over the passes aren't detailed, the presence of numerous cycling and running loops in the nearby guides suggests that many routes incorporate the passes as part of a larger circuit. For example, the "Col du Pavillon – Lac des Sapins loop" is a cycling route that would likely include pass crossings. You can explore the Cycling around Ranchal and Running Trails around Ranchal guides for loop options.
What is the highest mountain pass in the immediate vicinity of Ranchal?
Based on the available highlights, Col de Favardy stands at 862 meters, making it one of the highest mountain passes mentioned in the immediate vicinity.
Are there any passes that offer particularly good viewpoints?
Yes, several passes provide excellent views. Col de Casse Froide offers beautiful views of the vines, especially from the la Varenne approach, and views on the Azergues side. Cambuse Pass also features clear views along its main road. While the view at the very top of Col de Favardy (862 m) might be non-existent due to forest, the journey to it offers appreciable landscapes.
What are the road conditions like on these mountain passes?
Road conditions vary. For instance, the main road to Cambuse Pass is generally in fairly good condition. However, some variants, like an annex road from Grandris Haut to Cambuse Pass, might be in less good condition. The approach to Col de Casse Froide from la Varenne uses a very small, less frequented road.
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