Set at around 1,800m at the top of the world-famous Tour de France climb of the 21 bends, Alpe d’Huez is a large south-facing, purpose-built resort with a fantastic record for both snow and sunshine. Often sitting above the clouds, Alpe d’Huez is referred to by the locals as “Ile du Soleil” or “Island in the Sun”.
Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez is a lively year-round resort made up of several distinct quartiers, each with its own character. The oldest area, Quartier des Vieil Alpe, is peaceful and full of traditional buildings and family-run restaurants, offering a charming village feel. Quartier des Jeux is the bustling centre with most of the bars, shops and restaurants, perfect if you want to be close to the action. Quartier des Bergers is more modern and mainly self-catered apartments, with plenty of places to eat, drink and shop nearby.
Other quieter residential areas like Passeaux, Eclose and Outaris sit at the bottom of the resort, while Cognet at the top hosts most of the hotels along the base of the Signal piste, offering great ski-in ski-out access and stunning views.
Getting around Alpe d’Huez is easy thanks to free shuttle buses and lifts, so wherever you stay, you’ll be well connected. Staying in the centre means you’ll be close to lifts, ski schools and nightlife, perfect if you want to be first on the slopes and last out of the bars. With such a variety of areas to choose from, Alpe d’Huez suits all tastes and group sizes.
Huez
Huez is a small traditional village just below Alpe d’Huez, sitting at 1,450 metres. It’s a great choice if you’re after a quieter holiday away from the lively après-ski scene of the main resort. With a few hotels and bars, Huez is linked to Alpe d’Huez by the Télévillage gondola, which drops you right near the resort’s charming Vieil Alpe quarter.
Auris en Oisans
Auris en Oisans sits on the south-facing slope of the same valley as Alpe d’Huez, at 1,600 metres. It’s a small resort connected to Alpe d’Huez by the Alpauris chairlift, also known as the ‘Scare Chair’. If you’re holidaying with your family and want something a bit quieter and more intimate than Alpe d’Huez, Auris is a great choice, with all residences close to the lifts and local facilities.
Villard Reculas
Villard Reculas is a traditional village at 1,500 metres, part of the Grande Domaine ski area and linked to Alpe d’Huez by the Le Villarais lift. If you’re after peace and quiet in a charming Alpine setting, this is the spot for you, with wood and stone chalets and traditional hotels. Wherever you stay, you’ll never be more than 300 metres from the nearest lift.
| Location | Kms from centre | Best for |
| Alpe d'Huez | - | Being at the heart of everything |
| Huez | 0.75 | Quiet village vibe |
| Vaujany | 21 | Chaming alpine resort |
| Oz en Oisans | 15 | Modern purpose-built |
| Auris en Oisans | 15 | Small and family friendly |
| Villard Reculas | 4.6 | Traditional chalets and calm |





















































































