Top 6 Mountain Passes around Brandon
Best mountain passes around Brandon offer diverse terrain for cyclists and explorers. This region features passes with varying gradients, from gentle climbs to sections with gradients up to 11%. Many routes provide views of surrounding landscapes, including distant mountain ranges and valleys. The area is characterized by quiet roads and forested sections, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Best mountain passes around Brandon
- The most popular mountain passes is Col de Gerbet, a mountain pass with an average gradient…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Col de Gerbet
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Col des Enceints - 529 m
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Col du Bois Clair
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
Col de la Grange du Bois
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Col de la Sibérie, 638 m
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Brandon.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Although the pass is located in France and is not extremely high, its name translates to "Siberia Pass". The name goes back to the often very cold, snow-rich winds and the harsh weather conditions in winter.
0
0
The Col de Gerbet (612 m) is an idyllic mountain pass in the French wine-growing region of Beaujolais. Depending on the starting point, various roads with little traffic lead up to the pass via the D137. From Juliénas (south-east approach): This route is 7.3 kilometers long. It overcomes 342 meters of altitude with a steady, moderate gradient of 4.7% on average. The road winds through shady forest sections. From La Croix Blanche (west approach): A tougher variant 4.5 kilometers long. Here you conquer 270 meters of altitude with an average gradient of 6% and ramps of up to 11%.
0
0
The Col du Bois Clair is a 396-meter high French mountain pass in the Massif Central. It is located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in the Saône-et-Loire department and lies within the municipality of Sologny. The pass summit is crossed by the departmental road D17. Beneath the pass runs the Tunnel du Bois Clair, a former railway tunnel. At 1.6 kilometers long, it is the longest tunnel in France accessible to bicycles. Today it serves as part of the Voie Verte cycle path, but is closed from October to April to protect hibernating bats.
0
0
The Col des Enceints is a mountain pass in the French region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté (Département Saône-et-Loire) with a summit elevation of 529 meters. The pass is located in the Mâconnais mountains (Monts du Mâconnais) near the municipality of Bourgvilain. It is a popular route, especially among cyclists and hikers: For cyclists: The ascent from Pierreclos extends over approximately 4.3 kilometers with an elevation difference of about 257 meters and an average gradient of just under 6% (up to 12% at its steepest). For hikers: A moderate, approximately 8.5-kilometer circular hiking trail from Bourgvilain leads over the pass, among other routes, passing through forests and past small hamlets.
0
0
Magnificent view after a nice, not very technical descent
0
0
Finally there is a sign, certainly not like we are used to seeing them. Towards the orientation table, there is a post with a green border at the top where the name of the pass is indicated. In the area, that seems to be how the passes are marked, like its neighbor the Col de Pierreclos for example.
0
0
Passage of the Gerbet (612 m) and Siberia (611 m) are beautiful, but also recall the martyrs of resistance who fought against occupiers.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain passes around Brandon?
The most popular mountain pass is Col de Gerbet, known for its average gradient of 6% over 4.5 km. Other highly appreciated passes include Col de la Grange du Bois, offering views of the Rock of Solutré, and Col de la Sibérie, 638 m, which provides views of the Alps and Mont Blanc on clear days.
What kind of views can I expect from the mountain passes in the Brandon area?
Many passes offer stunning panoramic views. From Col de la Sibérie, 638 m and Boubon Pass (638 m), you can see the Alps and Mont Blanc on clear days. Col de la Grange du Bois is known for its views of the Rock of Solutré.
Are there any mountain passes around Brandon suitable for intermediate cyclists?
Yes, several passes are well-suited for intermediate cyclists. Col de Gerbet has an average gradient of 6% with maximums of 11%. Col de la Grange du Bois features quiet roads, and Col de la Sibérie, 638 m offers an ultra-calm road without overly steep percentages.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes around Brandon?
Summer is generally appreciated for visiting the passes, especially for the forested sections of Col de la Sibérie, 638 m. However, be aware that passes like Col de la Grange du Bois and Boubon Pass (638 m) can get very hot due to lack of shade. Conversely, Col de Fontmartin is known for its cold temperatures, so plan accordingly.
What outdoor activities can I do near these mountain passes?
The region around Brandon offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, such as the 'Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Saint-Point' (51.6 km, difficult). There are also hiking trails like the 'Lake Saint-Point – Berthaud Wood loop from Saint-Point' (7.9 km, moderate), and general cycling routes including the 'Bois Clair Tunnel – Tunnel du bois clair loop from La Chapelle-du-Mont-de-France' (113.6 km, difficult). For more options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Brandon, Hiking around Brandon, and Cycling around Brandon guides.
Are there any quiet roads for cycling or driving through the passes?
Yes, many of the mountain passes around Brandon are known for their quiet roads. Col de la Grange du Bois and Col de la Sibérie, 638 m are particularly noted for their calm, peaceful routes, making them enjoyable for leisurely rides or drives.
What are the characteristics of Col de Gerbet?
Col de Gerbet, when approached from La Croix Blanche, is 4.5 km long with a total elevation gain of about 270 m. It features an average gradient of 6% and maximum gradients reaching 11%. It is situated between the Maconnais and Beaujolais regions.
What makes Col de la Sibérie, 638 m, a unique pass?
Col de la Sibérie, 638 m offers an ultra-calm road with gentle gradients and numerous forested sections, which are particularly appreciated in summer. On clear days, visitors can enjoy incredible views of the Saône valley, and even the Alps and Mont Blanc.
Are there any passes that are particularly cold?
Yes, Col de Fontmartin is known for its cold temperatures, so it's advisable to dress warmly when visiting, especially outside of peak summer.
What is the difficulty level of cycling routes near these passes?
The cycling routes vary in difficulty. For example, the 'Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Saint-Point' is rated difficult (51.6 km), while the 'Tramayes – Lake Saint-Point loop from Trambly' is easy (30.6 km). You can find a range of options from easy to difficult in the Road Cycling Routes around Brandon guide.
What do visitors say about the mountain passes around Brandon?
Visitors appreciate the diverse terrain, quiet roads, and scenic viewpoints. Many enjoy the challenging climbs and the rewarding views, such as the Rock of Solutré from Col de la Grange du Bois, or the distant Alps from Col de la Sibérie, 638 m. The forested sections are also a highlight, especially during warmer months.
Most popular routes around Brandon
Most popular attractions around Brandon
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Brandon:
