Want to relive the moments of euphoria on this mythical stage of the Tour de France?
From Bourg d'Oisans, the climb has an incline of 7.9% over a total length of 13.8 km. No one has ever beaten Marco Pantani’s impressive record of 37’35’’.
Itinerary no. 4 of the “Cycling in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Departure / Arrival: Bourg d'Oisans 720 m
Time: 2 h
Distance (R/T): 31 km
Highest point: 1850 m
Lowest point: 720 m
Total ascent: 1266 m
Max. gradient: 15%
Map: Michelin Local Map no. 333 Isère, Savoie
ITINERARY
The ride starts in front of the tourist office in Bourg d'Oisans.
From Bourg d’Oisans, follow the road towards Alpe d'Huez. Enjoy pedalling on the flat for a short kilometre before tackling the famous 21 bends.
The first bit is very hard, with 12% gradients for some sections. Make sure you save your energy on those first 2 to 3 kilometres. From Huez, 6 km from the finishing line, it will be easier to impose your rhythm.
When arriving at Alpe d'Huez, follow signs to “Office de Tourisme”, then follow the indications “Itinéraire du Tour de France” until the official arrival at the top of the Rif Nel avenue (above the Étendard roundabout).
THAT LITTLE BIT FURTHER: Lac Besson
You may wish to continue the road up to Lake Besson.
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Distance (R/T): 8 km
Time: 25 min
Total ascent: 232 m
The Tour de France
The “road up to Alpe”, as it is affectionately called, has become a cyclists’ sanctuary. It is unique and magical for its itinerary and its hairpin bends, each of which has a name and a number, and when the Tour de France passes by, its hillsides are all packed with spectators. On the very day of the Tour, both sides of the road are flanked with crowds along the 14 km ascent. The ride to Alpe d’Huez has become a real legend!
31 km
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max. 1842 m
min. 717 m
1266 m
1266 m
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Accessibility | ||||
Styles : MountainTrainingCompetition Public : SportsmenCyclists |
From Bourg d’Oisans follow the road towards Briançon, cross the river Romanche, turn left and follow the D211. In summer, the Tourist Information Offices of Alpe-d'Huez and Bourg d'Oisans organise cycling competitions for the steep climb up this road every week. You can also use the Timtoo system to know your time !
On passe du plat à LA Montée sans transition. L'effort est intense jusqu'à La Garde-en-Oisans.
First church of Huez village, the place is famous thanks to the 7th turn of the road.
Continuer tout droit
You arrive in Alpe d'Huez and you cross the resort to Rond-point des pistes.
Although mentioned for the first time in documents in 1058, Saint Peter's Church is almost certainly older. Its very good current condition conceals this fact, especially following recent renovation work to replace the damaged belfry.We know from the archives that La Garde held an important position in the parishes of Oisans in the Middle Ages, as it had a castle mound (typically a mediaeval defence structure), two towers and a stronghold. The position of the church bears witness to its age, since churches were traditionally built on a rocky outcrop or promentory in order to be both seen and heard. Indeed, the sound of ringing bells had to travel far to reach the peasants in the Alpine pastures or other villages. Having survived for centuries, the church has undergone a number of changes, since architectural digs have revealed an earlier building and graves. In April 2013, the wooden belfry supporting the bells was replaced and a bell ringing the note "D" was added! A sundial can be seen on the southern face.
Just taking the road for the “Alpe” is an immersion in the world that is Alpe d’Huez. In the winter, this resort is well-known for the longest ski run in the world (la Sarenne, 16km), but in the summer, it is given over to cycling and mountain activities.This almost 34 km circuit start in Bourg d'Oisans. Only 21 switchbacks from Bourgd'Oisans, Alpe d’Huez hands you its mountain lakes and incredible maze of peaks on a plate. To get there, you’ll go up the mythical ↘“montée de l’Alpe”, that sends a thrill through cyclists the world over. Each hairpin bend is dedicated to a winner of the Tour stage, so you can improve your sporting knowledge as you wind your way up. You arrive in the resort by the old village, Vieil Alpe, which is a reminder of how things were at the beginning of the century, when this international resort consisted only of a few pasture barns. Near the tourist office you will find ↘Alpe d'Huez Chantournage, a fretwork craftsman who creates unique items from solid wood. He has a varied collection, including wall and table decorations, pictures, signs and trophies, together with any customised productions. You will note the busy streets and the ↘museum as you go through the resort. The museum is located inside the Sport and Convention Centre, it presents the history of the resort, of the mountain through various exhibitions. Then, at the end of the road, ↘Lac Besson, a paradise for trout, charfish… and fishermen, sits majestically. Why not enjoy a picnic on the water’s edge? Keep going up and don’t miss the fabulous panoramic view from the ↘Pic Blanc cable car terrace at an altitude of 3,330m. You can reach this superb belvedere in less than 30 minutes and you are rewarded with a view, given 3 stars by the Michelin guide, of up to a fifth of the French territory.
Mountain location
Mountain view
Oisans Tourisme - 08/04/2024
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From 01/05 to 15/11.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Phone : 04 76 80 03 25
Email : info@oisans.com
Website : www.bike-oisans.com
Topo guides references :
Itinerary no. 4 of the “Cycling in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)
Map references :
Michelin Local Map no. 333 Isère, Savoie