Tour of the Beaujolais Passes

This racebike loop is approximately 72 kilometers long and generally takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete, depending on your cycling pace and stops.

The route is rated as difficult overall due to its length and total elevation gain of nearly 1,400 meters. While the climb to Col des Aillets itself is described as relatively gentle with an average gradient of 2.5%, the full loop presents a significant challenge. It's more suited for experienced cyclists.

The loop starts and ends in Lamure-sur-Azergues. While specific parking details aren't provided, Lamure-sur-Azergues is a common starting point for cycling routes in the area, and you can typically find public parking within the village.

The terrain primarily consists of paved roads through the rolling hills of the Beaujolais region. The climb to Col des Aillets is known for being 'rolling' and manageable, allowing for a steady pace. Expect varied gradients throughout the longer loop, including several mountain passes.

You'll cross several mountain passes, including the main Col des Aillets (715 m). Other significant passes on the route include Col de la Croix Nicelle (782 m), Col de Favardy (862 m), and Col du Pavillon. You will also pass near the Ecorbans Pass - 853 m.

The Beaujolais region is beautiful during spring and autumn, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can also be good, but be prepared for warmer weather, especially on climbs. Winter cycling might be challenging due to colder temperatures and potential for icy conditions on higher passes.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for road cycling on public roads within the Geopark Beaujolais. However, always respect local regulations, especially concerning private property or protected areas you might pass through.

As this is a road cycling route, it is generally not suitable for dogs to accompany you on the bike. If you plan to bring a dog, they would need to be safely secured in a bike trailer, but this route is primarily designed for human cyclists.

Yes, sections of this route intersect with several official paths. Notably, it covers about 10% of the 'La Vaseraie - Signal du Ventalon' trail and 8% of 'Le Grand Tour du territoire'. Smaller portions also overlap with 'Croix bleue', 'Les Douglas', and 'Chemin des Écorbans'.

While the route itself is primarily through rural areas, Lamure-sur-Azergues offers amenities like cafes and restaurants. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as services might be sparse between villages on the loop.

The Col des Aillets loop from Lamure-sur-Azergues features a significant total elevation gain of approximately 1,390 meters, making it a challenging ride for its distance.