Top 9 Mountain Passes around Les Sauvages

The mountain passes around Les Sauvages, located in the Rhône department, are generally characterized by moderate elevations (494 to 854 meters) and offer routes through rural landscapes, forests, and the Monts de Tarare and Beaujolais Vert. They are not high-alpine passes but provide enjoyable cycling and hiking opportunities with varying degrees of challenge and scenic viewpoints.

Yes, the Col de la Croix de Thel (650 m) is notable for having been part of the Tour de France in 2019, offering an intermediate challenge with good viewpoints. Another unique feature can be found near Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m), which delimits the watershed between the Rhône and the Loire, and provides magnificent regional views from the nearby Matagrin tower.

For a relatively quiet and moderate experience, the Col des Cassettes (622 m) offers a short climb with rural landscapes and views of wind turbines, accessible from Tarare or Valsonne. The Col de la Croix des Fourches is also considered fairly easy on the Ronno side, with a pleasant forest atmosphere.

Several passes offer excellent viewpoints. From Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m), you can extend your trip to Mont Boussuivre and climb the Matagrin tower for magnificent panoramic views of the region. The Col de la Croix de Thel (650 m) also features viewpoints along its route.

The mountain passes around Les Sauvages are generally best visited during the spring, summer, and autumn months when the weather is mild and conditions are favorable for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. While winter hiking is possible, some routes might be less accessible or require appropriate gear due to colder temperatures and potential snow.

The passes around Les Sauvages are generally accessible and can be enjoyed by families, especially those looking for moderate cycling or hiking experiences. Passes like Col des Cassettes (622 m) offer quieter routes through rural landscapes, suitable for a family outing. Always check the specific route details for elevation and terrain to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the region around Les Sauvages offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, cycling routes, and road cycling routes that incorporate these passes and explore the wider Monts de Tarare and Beaujolais Vert areas.

Yes, road cyclists can find routes that incorporate these passes. For example, the Pilon Pass (727 m) features a wide cycle lane, though it can have significant traffic. Other passes like Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) are known as cycle ways with constant slopes, ideal for road biking.

Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered, from quiet climbs through rural landscapes to routes with more significant elevation gains. The passes are valued for their natural atmosphere, especially in forested sections, and the scenic views they provide over the surrounding countryside. The komoot community has contributed many upvotes and photos, highlighting the area's appeal for cycling and hiking.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, the climb to Col de la Croix de Thel (650 m) from Chamelet is particularly notable, featuring 4 km at an 8% average gradient. The Col de la Croix Cazard (865 m) also offers a pretty long pass with a constant slope around 5% on the Tarare side.

While specific parking details for each pass may vary, the rural nature of the area generally means that parking is available in nearby villages or at trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage or use navigation apps to find suitable parking spots before starting your activity.