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.
Classic Alpe d'Huez - The 21 Bends
The most famous and also mythologised cycle route in the Alps
It's a good idea to set off from Bourg de Osains and warm-up on the straight, flat roads of the Oisans valley before you will reach the foot of the climb.
Starting from 737m, the first severe slope takes you to bend 21 at 1,806m and continues with a fearful climb up to bend 17 at 965m. Once you’ve passed this bend, you can recover on the 200m gentle slope crossing the village of La Garde.
The fittest can kick on here while most of us puff and blow until bend 15 at 1,025m where the gradient steepens again.
Bend 14 is marked with the monument dedicated to Joachim Agostino before a gentle slope will take you to Ribot d’en Bas. From here you’ll climb to the next hamlet, the imaginatively titled Ribot d’en Haut.
Bend 12 welcomes you at 1,161m and the following bends 11, 12 and 13 will test your physicality and fitness.
From bend 5 to 2, you get back into the thick of it again until the crossing known as the Patte d’Oie crossing, where the three last bends are linked on a slope similar to the first part of the ascent to La Garde en Oisans.
The climb to the resort ends with bend 1 at 1,713m which is very wide, before you come out in Vieil Alpe and pass through the tunnel. Up by chalet Le Camigane you should see the red flame marking the last kilometre.
| Bends | 21 |
| Departure | 717m |
| Arrival | 1,860m |
| Height difference | 1,143m |
| Length | 14.454km |
| Average gradient | 7.9% |
| Maximum gradient | 14% |
| Climb record | 37 minutes, 35 seconds |
| Avg speed | 23.08km/h 14.34 mph (Marco Pantani, 1997) |
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Alpe d'Huez
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Road bike hire
Top-quality bike shop located at the foot of Alpe d’Huez’s iconic 21 bends
This shop offers bike hire, premium cycling kit and on-the-spot servicing for riders tackling Alpe d’Huez. Since 2011, it’s been a go-to stop for cyclists looking for performance, style and friendly support.
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Mountain bike hire 
Mountain bike hire
Ski and bike hire shop that's situated just moments from the lifts
Open all year round, this shop offers expert ski and bike hire at the foot of the bike trails in Alpe d’Huez.
What to see
Sights in Alpe d'Huez
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Notre Dame des Neiges Church
Church with 13 stained glass windows
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
Cultural museum of miners in the village of Alpe d'Huez
This museum showcases the lives, tools and exploits of miners between the 12th to 14th centuries.
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Brandes Archaeological Site
Medieval archaeological site and ruins
The highest medieval village in Europe (XII-XIV) related to the operation of a silver mine.
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Maison du Bouquetin, Allemont
The house of the ibex
The ibex, a typical animal of the Alps fauna which was on the brink of extinction at the end of the 19th century, is now being reintroduced in different parts of the Alps.
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Bourg d'Oisans Museum
Museum of minerals and fauna of the Alps
Located in the attic of the church of Bourg d'Oisans and is accessed by a building to the left of the church.
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Grotte de Glace
Ice Caves at the top of the DMC lift
Winter ice caves with sculptures that change every year.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Alpe d’Huez
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La Folie Douce Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Great value effecient self-service restaurant right in the heart of slopes
This great value self-service restaurant adjoins the Folice Douce and is situated at the top of the Marmottes lift.Â
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Le Genepi Restaurant
French bistronomic restaurant with beautifully-presented dishes and sunny terrace
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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La Ferme d'Hubert Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with a chic lounge and terrace at the Hotel Grandes Rousses
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.
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La Cremaillere Restaurant 
La Cremaillere Restaurant
Enjoy any number of delights from a wood fired oven at this traditional and charming spot
Just on the outskirts of the centre of Alpe d'Huez this restaurant has traditional charm, with a wood fired oven and seating for up to about 40 people.
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Chamois d'Or Restaurant
A stylish gourmet restaurant at the foot of the slopes serving well-priced lunch and dinner
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.
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Au Dahu Grillé Restaurant
Homely and friendly small bar and restaurant with a sunny terrace to relax on
French run restaurant and bar with a nice terrace to sit out in the sun.Â
What to do
Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez
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Snowshoe walks
Private snowshoe walks for friends and family
Strap on your snowshoes and explore the winter trails of Alpe d’Huez with a qualified instructor, discovering the mountains at a slower pace and in complete tranquillity. Snowshoe walks are suitable for all ages and require only a basic level of fitness, making them perfect for families, mixed groups, or anyone looking for a peaceful winter escape. Each outing is rated by difficulty, allowing you to choose the walk that best suits your group.
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Biathlon activity
Biathlon group activity for 3-6 people
Step away from the bustle of the ski slopes and try your hand at biathlon, a brilliant winter adventure that mixes cross-country skiing with precision rifle shooting. It is an exciting blend of endurance and focus, and it suits mixed groups beautifully. With adapted equipment and clear guidance, it is accessible to absolute beginners as well as those keen to push themselves a little.
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Family activities
Family fun and friendly competition on snow
Discover a brilliant line-up of family activities in Alpe d’Huez, perfect for bringing everyone together on the snow. Whether your crew loves a challenge, prefers shared adventures or wants to try something completely new, there is an experience for every age and level.
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Ski touring
Ski touring for all abilities, with experienced guides, in a friendly and safe environment
Discover the freedom of ski touring and explore the quieter side of Alpe d’Huez, where wide-open landscapes, peaceful summits and fresh air set the tone. With friendly, uncompetitive groups and routes for every level, you can take things at your own pace and enjoy the mountains in a whole new way.
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Winter and Summer Paragliding
25min paragliding flight from the top of the slopes in Alpe d'Huez
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
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Second Souffle Equestrain Centre
Equestrian centre open all year round
For everything horse related, you'll find a wide range of activities here for all ages in both summer and winter.
