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
- Ski Hire in Alpe d’Huez
- Ski School in Alpe d’Huez
- History & Culture in Alpe d’Huez
- Sights & Attractions in Alpe d’Huez
- Dining in Alpe d’Huez
- Events 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
- Nightlife 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
Ski Hire in Alpe d’Huez
Ski Hire in Alpe d’Huez
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MGM Sports
This ski hire shop is situated in the heart of Alpe d'Huez close to the Telecentre mid station that runs up to the Rond Point des Pistes and just down from the Belle Aurore Hotel on the Route du Signal.
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Pied des Pistes
Snowboard & Ski Hire by the Telepherique des Grandes Rousses. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Olivier Sports Les Bergers
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
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Chic & Performance
Welcome to the ski hire and ski equipment store in the very centre of Alpe d'Huez. Benoit and team will welcome you and assist you in the store.
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Henri Sports V Tourist Office
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Skiset AB Sports Office du Tourisme store!
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Huez Sport
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Alpe d'Huez? Just visit the Huez Sports store!
Ski School in Alpe d’Huez
Ski School Lessons in Alpe d’Huez
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Group ski lessons
This ski school is part of the prestigious Ecole du Ski Français. With schools throughout France in all major resorts, they are one of the best known and well-trusted ski schools in the Alps.
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Private ski lessons
This small independent ski school is dedicated to ensuring its students make real progress in a friendly environment with easy free flowing dialogue between teacher and student.
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Private ski lessons
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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Private ski lessons
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
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Group ski lessons
This ski school is part of the prestigious Ecole du Ski Français. With schools throughout France in all major resorts, they are one of the best known and well-trusted ski schools in the Alps.
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Private ski lessons
Oli Sebbar is a certified ski instructor in France and New Zealand. He loves sharing his passion and knowledge of the mountains and will help you understand and learn how to deal with different types of snow conditions you may encounter while riding on piste and off-piste.
History & 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
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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).
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Espace Patrimone
This museum showcases the lives, tools and exploits of miners between the 12th to 14th centuries.
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Brandes Archaeological Site
The highest medieval village in Europe (XII-XIV) related to the operation of a silver mine.
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
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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.
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Smithy's Tavern Restaurant
Tex-Mex favourites, grilled meats and generous desserts make this a great dinner spot. Freshly made burgers are a firm favourite, with veggie options and all the trimmings. There’s a lively atmosphere with live music and DJs throughout the season.
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A l'Esperance des Grandes Rousses Restaurant
Situated within the Grandes Rousses Hotel & Spa in Alpe d’Huez, L'Espérance offers a warm and inviting dining experience centred on sharing and authenticity.
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Le Genepi Restaurant
Serving modern French brasserie cuisine in a lovely setting, this is a popular restaurant to try good-quality French cuisine in Alpe d'Huez.
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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".
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Au Puits des Saveurs Restaurant
Chef Patrice Blot presents a menu full of fusion cuisine, French classics combine with exotic touches for a refined and sophisticated experience.
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
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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.
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
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Biathlon Activity
Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!
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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.
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ESF Family
Looking for an activity for the whole family this winter? This ski school has you covered.
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ESF Snowshoe Walks
Strap on your snowshoes and discover the Alpe d'Huez trails this winter with a qualified instructor.
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Winter and Summer Paragliding
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
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Palais des Sports et des Congres
The Alpe d'Huez Sports and Conference Centre offers over 20 activities, with free access for Carte Premium holders.
Cycling in Alpe d’Huez
Cycling Routes in Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Advanced routes - Alpe d'Huez to Le Croix de Fer
You can buy a microchip for time trail from €3/day.
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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.
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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
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Lac Besson loop
Especially suitable for families or those looking for a relaxed introduction to alpine hiking.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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
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La Folie Douce
With food, live entertainment and music.
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Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.
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Smithy's Tavern
Friendly staff and great food make this a favourite place to head to after a long tough day on the slopes.
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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.
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Le Sporting Nightclub
Bar, restaurant and nightclub all rolled in to one great place. With plenty of glitter balls and live DJs on the decks, this is a place to enjoy some après on the terrace or a late night of dancing.
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The Underground Bar
Situated on the ground floor of a small hotel, this bar boasts a cracking après scene with live music in the evenings.
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
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Le Vieux Logis 15 Person Chalet, Alpe d'Huez
Holiday rentals in Alpe d'Huez
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S Altiport Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Bergers
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
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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.
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Diane Private 14 Person Chalet, Alpe d'Huez
Holiday rentals in Alpe d'Huez
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Pic Bayle Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Cognet
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
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Le Manoir Chalet
10 Jan 20267 Nights1-12 peopleSelf-cateredChalet Le Manoir would make a perfect family ski holiday; get together with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents in this spacious property with six bedrooms accommodating up to 12 guests. With the nursery pistes just outside, it's a great choice if you have children. Don't let that put off groups of adults though, it would also make a great base for a trip with friends, looking to enjoy this vibrant resort which has a great selection of bars, restaurants and après-ski.
Price: €10,698
Villas in Alpe d’Huez
Villas in Alpe d’Huez
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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
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S Altiport Chalet, Alpe d'Huez - Bergers
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
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Les Gentianes Townhouse
Holiday apartment for weekly rental in the Alps
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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.
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Prestige Residence Phoenix B 3 Room 7 Pers. B02 Apartment, Alpe d'Huez
Holiday rentals in Alpe d'Huez
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The Loft Apartment, Oz en Oisans
A well located apartment, 50m from the closest lift and within walking distance to the village.
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L'Ours Blanc Residence - 1 Bedroom + Alcove Apartment
6 Dec 20257 Nights1-6 peopleSelf-cateredThis homely alpine apartment is situated with the traditional wooden L'Ours Blanc Residence in the heart of resort, close to all the bars, restaurants and shops ass well as the Olympic ice rink.
Price: €787
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
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L'Ours Blanc Apartment Residence
This charming residence features warm wood décor and offers superb mountain views over the Massif de l'Oisans.
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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.
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Le Pic Blanc Hotel
A stylish four-star chalet hotel in Alpe d’Huez offering spacious rooms.
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Chamois d'Or Hotel
Stay in refined comfort at the Hôtel Au Chamois d’Or in Alpe d’Huez.
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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.
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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.
Campsites in Alpe d’Huez
How to get to Alpe d’Huez
Transfers for Alpe d'Huez
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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.
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Private airport transfers
MV Transport provides the best price for airport transfers to destinations throughout the French Alps year-round.
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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
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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.
Price: €646,000
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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.
Price: €1,150,000
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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.
Price: €596,000
