Best mountain passes around Chevillard are located in the Jura mountains, within the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This area features mountainous terrain with routes that connect valleys and traverse forests. The region is known for its agricultural heritage, including dairy farming. The landscape offers varied opportunities for exploring mountain passes.
Last updated: September 29, 2026
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A 10 km climb from the small roundabout in Châtillon, it's more like 14 km from the Nantua road or the center of Bellegarde. The gradient is fairly steady, ranging from 5.5% to 7.2%, with about ten small steep sections at +8.5%. Very quiet, with very few cars. The road is generally in good condition, but nothing more. There are some beautiful views along the way.
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The Col de Cuvillat connects Brénod to Champdor in the heart of Haut-Bugey. Easily accessible, it winds through forests and high-altitude meadows and reaches an altitude of 1,073 meters.
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The Col de Bérentin connects the Valserine Valley to the Retord Plateau, passing through the beautiful Jura forests. Its ascent is gradual and the road is little traveled.
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Small pass, but no way to drive into the valley on the D39. Road closed. I didn't even try.
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Small, very quiet pass between valleys and forests with very few car passages.
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Second pass for today. Pass elevation 1144 m above sea level. Long climb, basically from Saint Germain to here. A total of about 700 m elevation gain and 12 km. The gradient is only 4-6%, but with 20 kg of luggage, everything is difficult ;) Here, too, the weather was still quite cool in very early April. Partly rain, partly windy.
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Rest after a 12 km climb from Saint-Germain-de-Joux.
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The mountain passes in the Jura mountains near Chevillard offer varied terrain. You can find routes with gradual ascents winding through forests, as well as more challenging climbs. The landscape often features high-altitude meadows and quiet roads, making for a diverse experience.
Yes, several passes offer scenic views. For instance, Cuvéry Pass provides beautiful views along its route. The Belleroche Pass is also known as a 'nice wild place' with motivating scenery, despite its challenging ascent.
The Cuvéry Pass is popular for cycling, featuring a regular rise and quiet roads. The Belleroche Pass is also highlighted as an ideal setting for cycling and wheel-skiing from May to October, with very little frequented roads.
The passes offer a range of difficulties. For example, Cuvéry Pass has an average gradient of 5-6%, with some steeper sections. The Belleroche Pass is considered quite challenging, with a maximum gradient of 9%. Other passes like Col de Bérentin and Cuvillat Pass feature more gradual ascents, making them more accessible.
Passes with gradual ascents and less traffic, such as Col de Bérentin and Cuvillat Pass, which wind through forests and high-altitude meadows, could be suitable for families looking for easier exploration. These areas tend to have quieter roads.
Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the region around Chevillard offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, gravel biking routes, and road cycling routes. These often traverse similar forested and mountainous terrain.
The Jura mountains are generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. For cycling and exploring the passes, May to October is often recommended, as mentioned for the Belleroche Pass, when roads are clear and conditions are favorable.
While the passes themselves are often routes for cycling or driving, the surrounding Jura forests and high-altitude meadows, particularly near passes like Col de Bérentin and Cuvillat Pass, provide opportunities for hiking. You can find various MTB and gravel biking routes in the area that can also be adapted for hiking.
Many of the passes, such as Cuvéry Pass and Col de Bérentin, are noted for being quiet and little traveled, offering a peaceful experience through the Jura forests. The Belleroche Pass is described as a 'wild place,' suggesting a more secluded natural environment.
The region around Chevillard is primarily rural. While specific public transport routes directly to individual mountain passes are not widely highlighted, accessing these areas typically requires personal transportation. It's advisable to check local transport options for the nearest towns if relying on public transit.
The mountain passes are situated within the Jura mountains, characterized by dense forests and high-altitude meadows. The region is known for its agricultural heritage, including dairy farming, which contributes to the pastoral landscape. Expect a natural environment with varied flora and fauna typical of a mountainous, forested area.


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