Valentine's Day in Alpe d'Huez
If you're looking for a special way of celebrating Valentine's with a loved one then Alpe d'Huez is a great choice.
Alpe d'Huez
The central part of the resort where you'll find the most going on
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 |
Jump to
- Events in Alpe d’Huez
- History & Culture in Alpe d’Huez
- Sights & Attractions in Alpe d’Huez
- Dining in Alpe d’Huez
- Nightlife in Alpe d’Huez
- Things to do in Alpe d’Huez
- Cycling in Alpe d’Huez
- Hiking in Alpe d’Huez
- Watersports in Alpe d’Huez
- Families in Alpe d’Huez
- Chalets in Alpe d’Huez
- Villas in Alpe d’Huez
- Holidays Rentals in Alpe d’Huez
- Hotels in Alpe d’Huez
- Campsites in Alpe d’Huez
- How to get to Alpe d’Huez
- Property For Sale in Alpe d’Huez
Events in Alpe d’Huez
There are events in Alpe d'Huez throughout the summer and winter months. Most well known are the 21 bends which often feature in the Tour de France and the Megavalanche, a mass-start mountain bike race that draws thousands of MTB fans from around the world.
Events in Alpe d’Huez
See all Events in Alpe d’HuezHistory & Culture in Alpe d’Huez
Founded in 1936 Alpe d’Huez is one of the oldest French ski resorts and was built, as are so many Alpine resorts, on the mountain pastures that were once home to grazing cattle. However, the history of the area goes much further back to Roman times and beyond.
Sights & Attractions in Alpe d’Huez
The 21 hairpin bends that lead from Bourg d’Oisans up to Alpe d’Huez is probably the most famous climb in the whole of the cycling world. The views from the top of the Pic Blanc (accessed from the DMC lift centre) offers truly breath taking views, on a clear day you can see Mont Blanc, Les Deux Alpes and even the mighty Mont Ventoux (the giant of Provence!). Around 45 minutes towards Grenoble is the historic town of Vizille with its museum and Chateau. Top-flight rugby is played at the Stade des Alpes by Top14 club Grenoble, which is around an hour away. The historic and incredibly picturesque ‘Route Napoleon’ runs from the area all the way to the Mediterranean, and follows the route taken by Napoleon upon his return from Elba in 1815 and links Grenoble with Cannes (N85).
Sights in Alpe d’Huez
See all Sights in Alpe d’Huez-
Notre Dame des Neiges Church
This church's architecture, stained glass windows and organ are great works of art. Come to see them! The church is open every day. The museum of Huez and Oisansalso organises free visit once weekly all year round (rendezvous on the church square).
-
Brandes Archaeological Site
The highest medieval village in Europe (XII-XIV) related to the operation of a silver mine.
-
Espace Patrimone
This museum showcases the lives, tools and exploits of miners between the 12th to 14th centuries.
Dining in Alpe d’Huez
Be you a fast-food lover or a gourmet fan, Alpe d’Huez caters for all tastes. Pinocchio Pizzeria opposite the ice rink takes some beating, Smithy’s Tavern's Tex-Mex themed menu is hugely popular, and Lounge 21 above the Igloo nightclub offers a more exclusive feel. The Edelweiss and La Pomme de Pin, by the ice rink, offer traditional mountain cuisine and fondues. On the mountain, situated above the Les Bergers commercial centre, Le Spot, whilst being small, is truly a great ‘spot’ for lunch.
Restaurants in Alpe d’Huez
See all Restaurants in Alpe d’Huez-
La Folie Douce Petite Cuisine Restaurant
This great value self-service restaurant adjoins the Folice Douce and is situated at the top of the Marmottes lift.
-
Chamois d'Or Restaurant
Located at the Chamois d'Or hotel, right at the bottom of the pistes, this restaurant serves traditional gourmet French cuisine with a modern twist and made using local ingredients.
-
La Ferme d'Hubert Restaurant
Situated within the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa in Alpe d’Huez, La Ferme d’Hubert offers a dining experience that evolves throughout the day, blending authenticity with modern Alpine cuisine.
-
L'Authentique Restaurant
Dine in or on the sun terrace, and choose from a selection of Italian and local French dishes like their "Tartiflette Valdotaine" or the "Lasagne au Reblochon".
-
L'1 Pres Vue Restaurant
Traditional French cuisine served either on the sunny terrace for afternoon dining or the comfortable cosy dining area for lunch or dinner.
-
L'Empreinte Restaurant
A popular, small restaurant offering modern French and international cuisine. With seating for only 27 covers, you'll want to book your table well in advance.
Nightlife in Alpe d’Huez
Well known and loved for its nightlife, Alpe d’Huez truly offers something for all tastes. La Folie Douce (accessed from Marmottes/Les Bergers lift) kicks off at mid-afternoon and holds legendary status with DJ’s and live acts. Smithy’s Tavern, O Bar and O’Sharkeys all offer good food, drinks promos and show live sport. The FreeRide Bar next to the ice-rink has a ‘stock trading’ theme with TV screens showing constantly changing drink prices, pick the right time to buy your favourite tipple or alternatively try someone new at a market low price, whilst drinks trading is fun, it can get quite messy! After all of this you can move onto the Caves or Igloo Discotheques adjacent to Smithy’s Tavern just below the ice rink.
Bars & Clubs in Alpe d’Huez
See all Bars & Clubs in Alpe d’Huez-
La Folie Douce
With food, live entertainment and music.
-
Smithy's Tavern
Friendly staff and great food make this a favourite place to head to after a long tough day on the slopes.
-
Prosneige Bar Cafe
Making skiing easy, this is your one stop shop for your ski hire, ski lessons and lunch or an après-ski beer and snack with the family.
-
Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
-
L'Atelier Bar and Restaurant
Welcoming and friendly bar, located in the centre of resort and close to the telecentre mid-station, it couldn't be easier to access from anywhere in the resort, or on your way down from the mountain.
-
Eight Bar
Come in for a game of pool or a cocktail on the terrace as the sun goes down.
Things to do in Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez offers a huge array of activities, skiing, snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, on-piste, off-piste, paragliding, Nordic walking and the latest craze ‘fat biking’ (basically a mountain bike with 4x4 tyres!) to name but a few. There really is something for all abilities and all levels. In summer Alpe d’Huez is a mecca for cyclists and when the Tour de France comes to town so do around one million spectators from all over the world. Alpe d’Huez also offers a tennis club, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, ice rink, leisure centre (gym, climbing wall, indoor tennis, squash, table tennis, etc).
The local nine-hole golf course by the Altiport consists of six ‘pitch and putt’ holes to start and three genuine tough par 3’s to finish. A tougher nine-hole course can be found in Les Deux Alpes, underneath the ‘red jelly bean’ bubble car. For a serious challenge try the Golf International at Eybens, around 45 minutes away towards Grenoble (near Vizille), this Robert Trent Jones designed course is regarding a being amongst the best in France. During the summer in Alpe d’Huez most Thursdays you will find a competition at the course which can be entered on the day. The 6th tee box is literally on the runway of the Altiport and offers fantastic views. There are other courses in the area at Seyssins, Charmeil and Uriage (all near Grenoble).
The main market town of the Oisans region, Bourg d’Oisans, is a 20-minute drive down the famous 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez. Being the main town ‘Bourg’ offers a wide array of shops, bars and restaurants. It has a large supermarket with parking (ideal for stocking up!), petrol stations, banks, post office, pharmacies, medical centre, bus terminus, builder’s merchants, churches, riverside walks, cycle hire, swimming pool, tennis courts, osteopaths (the list goes on!) can all be found in this quaint typically alpine mountain town.
Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez
See all Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez-
ESF ski touring
Are you looking to get into ski touring but don't know where to start? This ski school offers a friendly and safe environment to learn and progress.
-
ESF Snowshoe Walks
Strap on your snowshoes and discover the Alpe d'Huez trails this winter with a qualified instructor.
-
Biathlon Activity
Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!
-
ESF Family
Looking for an activity for the whole family this winter? This ski school has you covered.
-
Winter and Summer Paragliding
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
-
Second Souffle Equestrain Centre
For everything horse related, you'll find a wide range of activities here for all ages in both summer and winter.
Cycling in Alpe d’Huez
Cycling Routes in Alpe d'Huez
See all Cycling Routes in Alpe d'Huez-
Road cycling routes around Alpe d'Huez
Probably more than any other French ski resort Alpe d'Huez has proven itself to be a destination for road cycling enthusiasts.
-
Classic Alpe d'Huez - The 21 Bends
This is one of the most famous sections of the Tour de France and during the summer months around 1,000 cyclists a day tackle the 21 bends.
-
Expert routes - Alpe d'Huez to La Boucle des Cols
With two big climbs and an average of 13% this is a tricky route but once again the views make it worth while.
-
Advanced routes - Alpe d'Huez to Le Croix de Fer
You can buy a microchip for time trail from €3/day.
-
Intermediate routes - Alp d'Huez to Le Balcons du Auris
A gentler ride than many in the area but with some steep sections and great views.
-
Advanced routes - Alpe d'Huez: discreet 21 bends
This route has plenty to offer cyclists who like a challenge.
Hiking in Alpe d’Huez
Walking Routes in Alpe d'Huez
See all Walking Routes in Alpe d'Huez-
Lac Besson loop
Especially suitable for families or those looking for a relaxed introduction to alpine hiking.
-
Le Col de Sarenne
Beginning directly from Alpe d’Huez, the trail gradually ascends to the Col de Sarenne, which sits at 1,999 metres.
-
Lacs Noir and Faucille via Signal de l’Homme
This hike offers so much, making it a top choice for a well-rounded alpine hiking experience.
-
The Roman Road to Villard-Reculas
Starting at approximately 1,860 metres near the Vieil Alpe area of the resort, the trail descends through terraced meadows, coniferous woodland, and timeworn hamlets.
Watersports in Alpe d’Huez
Watersports in Alpe d’Huez
See all Watersports in Alpe d’Huez-
Veneon Eaux Vives Watersports
This watersports centre is located between Venosc and St Christophe, not far from the Ecrins National Park.
Families in Alpe d’Huez
Chalets in Alpe d’Huez
From the super-modern to the more traditional Alpine style, there are lots of chalets in Alpe d'Huez to suit every level of budget and group size.
Chalets in Alpe d’Huez
See all Chalets in Alpe d’Huez-
The Snug Apartment, Oz en Oisans
A well located apartment, 50m from the closest lift and within walking distance to the village.
-
Pic Bayle Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Cognet
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
-
The Loft Apartment, Oz en Oisans
A well located apartment, 50m from the closest lift and within walking distance to the village.
-
Altiport 7 Bed 15-Person Chalet
Traditional Savoyarde style chalet located on the ski slopes of the Alpe d'Huez Grand Domaine providing ski-in, ski-out accommodation
-
Le Vieux Logis 15 Person Chalet
Holiday rentals in Alpe d'Huez
-
Du Golf Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Bergers
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
Villas in Alpe d’Huez
Villas in Alpe d’Huez
See all Villas in Alpe d’Huez-
Les Gentianes Townhouse
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
Holidays Rentals in Alpe d’Huez
You can find apartments in the centre of Alpe d'Huez ranging from small two person studios up to larger ones with seven or eight bedrooms for groups or families to share. Most are self-catered but some do offer catering options if you prefer someone else to do all the cooking!
Holiday Rentals in Alpe d’Huez
See all Holiday Rentals in Alpe d’Huez-
Cheval Blanc Apartment, Alpe d'Huez - Jeux
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
-
Prestige Residence L'eclose 1 Or 2-bedroom 6 Person Apartment
Holiday rentals in Alpe d'Huez
-
Du Golf Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Bergers
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
-
L'Ours Blanc Residence - Studio Apartment
This apartment is based within the L'Ours Blanc Residence which is in the heart of resort close to all local amenities as well as the lifts and the Olympic ice rink.
L'Ours Blanc Residence - Studio Apartment
11 Apr 2026, 7 Nights, 1-4 people, Self-cateredFrom €476 -
Le Lauteret Chalet, Oz en Oisans
This chalet is situated in a fantastic location, just 50 metres from the lift and a short walk from all the villages amenities.
-
MGM Apartment
This 90m2 apartment is in a great location, just 10 metres away from the lift, making it easy for you to access the slopes during the winter months.
Hotels in Alpe d’Huez
There are a handful of hotels in the resort centre which are open both in the winter and summer months. Some can be quite traditional in style with others being more modern.
Hotels in Alpe d’Huez
See all Hotels in Alpe d’Huez-
L'Ours Blanc Apartment Residence
This charming residence features warm wood décor and offers superb mountain views over the Massif de l'Oisans.
-
Les Bergers Apartment Residence
Situated in the Les Bergers district, this recently refurbished Pierre & Vacances residence offers a wide selection of apartments in various sizes.
-
Le Pic Blanc Hotel
A stylish four-star chalet hotel in Alpe d’Huez offering spacious rooms.
-
Royal Ours Blanc Hotel
Enjoy warm hospitality and modern comforts at this four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Alpe d’Huez. Unwind in the spa, relax in the bar, and take in the sweeping mountain views.
-
Chamois d'Or Hotel
Stay in refined comfort at the Hôtel Au Chamois d’Or in Alpe d’Huez.
-
Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa
Discover the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa, a four-generation family-run haven nestled at 1,830 metres in Alpe d’Huez.
Campsites in Alpe d’Huez
How to get to Alpe d’Huez
Transfers for Alpe d'Huez
See all Transfers for Alpe d'Huez-
Private airport transfers
They provide the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps, year-round.
-
Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Alpe d'Huez, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
-
Shared airport transfers
Booking with them means your holiday won’t involve the stress of public transport, the cost of private transfers, or the hassle of fitting snow chains on a hire car.
-
Private airport transfers
Alp Venture offers safe, reliable and professional private transfers to Alpe d’Huez at competitive prices.
Property For Sale in Alpe d’Huez
Property for Sale in Alpe d’Huez
See all Property for Sale in Alpe d’Huez-
Apartment for Sale
This newly built chalet-apartment is ideally located at the heart of Alpe d'Huez, only 200m from the chairlift and next to the public ice rink.
Apartment for Sale
€596,000 -
Apartment for Sale
This newly built duplex is ideally located at the heart of Alpe d'Huez, only 200m from the chairlift and next to the public ice rink.
Apartment for Sale
€1,150,000 -
Apartment for Sale
This newly built chalet-apartment is ideally located at the heart of Alpe d'Huez, only 200m from the chairlift and next to the public ice rink.
Apartment for Sale
€646,000
