Road bike hire
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.
Classic Alpe d'Huez - The 21 Bends
The most famous and also mythologised cycle route in the Alps
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.
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) |
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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Alpe d'Huez
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Mountain bike hire
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
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.
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Maison du Bouquetin, Allemont
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
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
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
This great value self-service restaurant adjoins the Folice Douce and is situated at the top of the Marmottes lift.
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L'Améthyste Restaurant
Michelin guide restaurant open to hotel guests and the public, serving culinary delights in an elegant dining environment.
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Chalet du Pèr'Sillé Restaurant
Cosy and traditional restaurant with a typical mountain atmosphere. You'll enjoy the simple, local family-style dining, cooked in the restaurants signature style.
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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.
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Le 37 Restaurant
The restaurant has a traditional chalet chic style. Serving traditional French cuisine, Savoyarde specialities such as fondue and raclette, as well as more modern international dishes including pastas and salads.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Alpe d’Huez
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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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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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Biathlon Activity
Escape the busy slopes this winter and get a biathlon lesson!
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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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Winter and Summer Paragliding
You'll be sure to enjoy some amazing views and an experience like no other!
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Evodriver
This company offers instruction on driving around the same ice track that's used for the popular Andros Trophy event and it's guaranteed enjoyment!
