Mountain passes around Ordonnaz are located within the Bugey region, an area of the French Prealps. This landscape features varied terrain, including forested sections and open vistas. The passes offer routes that provide views of the Rhône valley and, on clear days, distant glimpses of the Alps, including Mont Blanc. These routes are utilized by those seeking scenic journeys and challenging climbs.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
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A magnificent view at an altitude of 680 m
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Beautiful and very wild without cars
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Officially referenced pass and completely passable by road bike!
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Col named after the small village located lower down, magnificent. To be made during a detour to continue on the Col de Portes.
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Pass at 929 m altitude, ascent from Virieu-le-Grand or Tenay.
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The pass, located at an altitude of 1,050 meters, offers you a magnificent view of the Alps and the Rhône valley. Like most of the peaks in this region, it sometimes allows you to see Mont Blanc.
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Very nice road with a very progressive drop 👌🏻 very calm in terms of traffic 😀
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The mountain passes around Ordonnaz are appreciated by the komoot community. Col de Fay is a popular choice, known for its flexible rise and scenic surroundings. Another highly regarded spot is Petit Pertuis Pass, which offers magnificent views of the Alps and the Rhône valley from its 1,050-meter altitude.
Many passes in the region offer stunning panoramic views. From Petit Pertuis Pass, you can often see Mont Blanc on clear days, along with the Rhône valley. Fosses Pass provides beautiful pastoral scenery and panoramas of the Alps on its east side.
Yes, the area offers a variety of passes suitable for cycling, from those with progressive gradients to more challenging climbs. For instance, Col de Ballon (929 m) is 14.1km long with an average gradient of 5%, making it a good challenge. Col du Ballon, starting from Tenay, features portions beyond 10% gradient, offering a rewarding climb.
Beyond enjoying the passes themselves, the region around Ordonnaz offers various outdoor activities. You can explore gravel biking routes, running trails, and mountain biking trails. These guides provide options ranging from easy to difficult, allowing you to choose an adventure that suits your skill level.
Yes, for runners, there are trails like the 'Le col du Petit Perthuis – loop' which is a moderate 8.9 km route. Another challenging option is the 'Petit Pertuis Pass – La Croix de la Roche loop from Ordonnaz', covering over 20 km. You can find more details in the Running Trails around Ordonnaz guide.
Fosses Pass is noted for its minimal traffic, offering a peaceful experience with beautiful pastoral scenery. Similarly, the ascent to Col du Ballon from Tenay is described as having very few cars all year round, making for a tranquil ride or hike.
Yes, on clear days, Petit Pertuis Pass, located at an altitude of 1,050 meters, offers magnificent views that sometimes include Mont Blanc. The Col du Ballon also provides a nice viewpoint over Mont Blanc and the Alps on good weather days.
The mountain passes in the Bugey region, where Ordonnaz is located, feature varied terrain. You'll find forested sections alongside open vistas, offering routes with views of the Rhône valley and distant glimpses of the Alps. They are generally appreciated for their scenic journeys and range from progressive gradients to more challenging climbs.
Col de Fay is often included as part of a longer route, continuing towards the Col de Portes, making it a good starting point or segment for extended tours.
The ascent to Col du Ballon from Tenay is a superb discovery. The first part is challenging with portions beyond 10% gradient, but the landscape is pleasant and the road peaceful with minimal traffic. The second part becomes less steep, offering a very nice discovery for cyclists.
The passes vary in altitude. For example, Petit Pertuis Pass is located at 1,050 meters. Col de Ballon (929 m) reaches an altitude of 929 meters.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Ordonnaz: