Top 6 Mountain Passes around Crest

The komoot community highly recommends several passes. Among the most popular are Pas de Lauzun Pass, known for its remarkable road through the Saoû syncline and Forêt de Saoû, and Jérôme Cavalli Pass, 842 m, which offers beautiful views and is named after an aviation pioneer. Another favorite is Col de Bard (1051 m) – Forêt de Saoû, situated within a magnificent 2,500-hectare mountain range.

Yes, Pas de Lauzun Pass is described as not too steep or long, offering a shaded route through the Saoû syncline and Forêt de Saoû, making it suitable for those seeking a less challenging experience. Col du Devès is also noted as a pleasant pass without too much traffic.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You'll find passes winding through dense forests, such as the Forêt de Saoû, which is a magnificent 2,500-hectare mountain range. Many passes offer expansive viewpoints, providing vistas of the Drôme valley, the Saoû syncline, and the Vercors plateau. The Pas de Lauzun Pass, for instance, is known for its shaded route through the forest.

Yes, Jérôme Cavalli Pass, 842 m is named after one of France's great aviation pioneers, adding a historical dimension to your visit. The region itself has a history that can be explored alongside its natural beauty.

The area around Crest offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops like 'The Rocks and the Tower of Crest' and 'The Drôme – Crest Tower loop'. For hiking enthusiasts, there are trails such as 'Nice view loop from Crest' and 'The Drôme at Crest – the Drôme loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like 'Pas de Lauzun Pass – Saou loop'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Crest, Hiking around Crest, and Gravel biking around Crest guide pages.

Many passes in the Crest region boast excellent viewpoints. Jérôme Cavalli Pass, 842 m is noted for its beautiful views. Boîte Pass provides a beautiful view of the surroundings, and Col du Devès offers a nice view of the Vercors plateau in the background. The Pas de Lauzun Pass also offers a passage between 'two marvelous worlds'.

Passes that are 'not too steep nor too long and shady' like Pas de Lauzun Pass can be enjoyable for families. The general character of the passes around Crest, with moderate climbs and access to natural settings like the Forêt de Saoû, suggests many could be suitable for family outings, depending on the activity chosen.

The climbs vary. For example, Jérôme Cavalli Pass, 842 m extends over 9 kilometers with a positive elevation of 486 meters, featuring slopes of up to 6%. Boîte Pass involves a 4.5 km climb with an average gradient of 4.5% and steepest sections reaching 9.2% over 100 meters.

Visitors appreciate the diverse topography, including the Saoû syncline and views towards the Drôme valley and Vercors plateau. The mix of forest routes, historical sites, and scenic viewpoints is highly valued. Many enjoy the 'remarkable road' through the syncline and the Forêt de Saoû, and the 'beautiful views' from various passes. The komoot community has upvoted these highlights more than 90 times and shared over 30 photos, showcasing their appeal.

While the guide highlights popular passes, the description of Col du Devès as a 'pleasant pass without too much traffic' suggests it might offer a quieter experience. Similarly, the tip for Boîte Pass mentions 'a small quiet street' for approach, hinting at a more serene journey.

Absolutely. The region is known for its forest routes. Pas de Lauzun Pass, for instance, features a remarkable road through the Forêt de Saoû, offering a shaded and pleasant experience. Col de Bard (1051 m) – Forêt de Saoû is located directly within this magnificent forest complex.

The Forêt de Saoû is a central and significant natural setting in the Drôme region, encompassing a magnificent mountain range of 2,500 hectares. Several passes, like Pas de Lauzun Pass and Col de Bard (1051 m) – Forêt de Saoû, are either located within or pass through this remarkable forest, making it a key feature of the mountain pass experience in Crest.