Cycling holidays to Alpe d'Huez

Highlights of Alpe d'Huez Bike Tours

Experience the thrill of cycling the legendary Alpe d'Huez, one of the most iconic climbs in the world of cycling. Ride in the tracks of legends experiencing its 21 hairpin bends, Dutch corner and much more. Ride the climb made famous by legends such as Marco Pantani, Geraint Thomas and Tom Pidcock. #Ridefurther with Love Velo.

The Alpe d'Huez Climb

It's hard not to fall in love with the iconic climb up to Alpe d'Huez, even if the 21 hairpin bends feature an average gradient of 8.1% for 13.8km. This has been the battleground for so many epic Tour de France stages.

Take on this epic climb from Bourg d'Oissans and test yourself against the epic climb, following in the footsteps of legends. Keep an eye out for the 'Depart, KM0', marking the starting point of the climb as you head out of Le Bourg d'Oisans.

The first 6 bends are the most challenging, with a steep average gradient of 11%. You will then cross the village of La Garde where you have a small recovery before the the aggressive gradients kicks in again, this time at an average 8-9%.

A relatively flat stretch will take you to Ribot d’en Bas before your climb becomes tougher and by bend 12 you will have reached 1,161m. The climb remains steep before you arrive at Saint-Ferréol, the cemetery at Huez where those you can refill your bidon in the fountain.

From there, you will ascend to Huez village climbing higher still before the climb to the resort of Alpe D’Huez ends with bend 1 at 1,713. Pass through the tunnel to the summit and you will have finished the 21 most mythical bends in cycling.

Other Epic Climbs Nearby

Col du Glandon This epic Alpine adventure kicks off with a flat roll to Allemond’s Verney Reservoir before you take on the mighty 22km ascent to the Col du Glandon – a brutal yet beautiful climb with gradients hitting 18%, weaving through forests, under towering peaks, and alongside the striking Lac de Grand Maison. After reaching the summit via the Chalet Col du Glandon, you descend swiftly before tackling the final test: a climb to Huez. The forest clears to reveal a stunning balcony road, setting you up for a thrilling descent down the legendary Alpe d’Huez into Bourg d’Oisans – a ride to remember.

Col du Glandon & Croix de Fer Two iconic climbs, one epic day. Your ride kicks off like our Col du Glandon route – 22km of climbing through forest, past alpine peaks and the stunning Lac de Grand Maison. But instead of turning back, you’ll descend deep into the valley to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, where the legendary Col de la Croix de Fer begins. At 29.5km with a teasing 5.5% average, this climb is anything but steady, throwing in unpredictable ramps and false flats. The final stretch from Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves delivers classic Alpine hairpins and tough gradients – a true test for any cyclist.

The Marmotte Granfonod Route This is the full Marmotte Alps Granfondo route – a legendary ride packed with towering climbs and serious elevation, so only tackle it if you're confident in your endurance. After a flat 10km warm-up, you'll hit the Col du Glandon – 20km of steady climbing to 1,924m with ramps reaching 10%. A technical descent drops you into the Vallée de la Maurienne, where the real test begins: the brutal double act of the Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier – a relentless 35km climb gaining 2,000 vertical metres. The descent from the Galibier into Bourg d’Oisans via the Col du Lautaret is pure exhilaration, though watch out for poorly lit tunnels. Finally, the legendary 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez await – one last, iconic ascent to crown an unforgettable day.

Stories & Blogs

We have some amazing stories and routes on all the climbs in the area. Check out our blog on the Alpe d'Huez climb itself the Col de Joux Plane, the Col de Iseran, the Col de la Croix de Fer, the Col de la Madeleine and the Col du Glandon.