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Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holiday

3 nights from £395.00

Cycling Trip Highlights

  • The 21 hairpins of Alpe D’Huez
  • The Col de la Croix de Fer
  • The Col du Glandon
  • The Col du Galibier
Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holiday
3 nights from £395.00
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WE LOVEThe Climbing
Alpe D'Huez, Glandon, Galibier, Crox de Fer, the famous climbs just roll off the tongue in the French Alps. We love conquering these behemoths.
WE LOVEDutch corner and the 21 hair pins
We love the history and character of Alpe D'Huez. The climbs is an absolute classic and on most serious cyclists' bucket list.

What's Included

Our suggested Alpe d'Huez Cycling Holiday

We can tailor make this trip for you
Day 1Arrival

The best airport for you to arrive to is Geneva or Lyon. This trip is totally flexible so we can arrange transfers for you or we can arrange car hire which can be a great cost effective alternative.

Choose from one of the many hotels in the area and stay either atop Alpe D’Huez, down in Bourg d’Oissans or elsewhere in the valley.

Day 2The Glandon, Croix de Fer and Telegraphe

As the trip is entirely flexible you’re free to choose where you cycle but today we recommend riding some of the iconic cols. Take on the Glandon by riding out west where you will be met by the crystal clear waters of the Lac de Grand Maison. As you climb, the valley of Vaujany falls away beneath you. Climbed from Vaujany, the Glandon is 25km with an average of 5% but keep plenty in your legs for the 9% sections.

If you’re feeling good, ride on to the Col de la Croix de Fer and for more of a challenge, the Col du Telegraphe summit is 30km away.

Day 3Col du Galibier & Alpe D'Huez

Today we recommend climbing the Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez. From Bourg d’Oissans, the Galibier summit is 50km away so this is a big day with some tough climbing. The climb is 35km averaging 8%.

After summiting the Galibier, you can enjoy a truly incredible 35km descent. All roads lead back to Alpe D’Huez so you will come face to face with the “Dutch Mountain’s” 21 hairpins and over 1km vertical ascent. The Alpe is 13.8km with an average of 8.1%, although watch out for the 13% sections.

Keep Marco Pantani’s 37 and half minute ascent and report back if you beat him….as partners of British Cycling we are sure we can get you a job as part of Team GB if you come close to that!

Day 4Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before we pick you up for transfer to the airport unless you’ve hired a car. If you want to stay longer in the Alps just let us know as all our itineraries are fully flexible.

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What to ExpectFrom famous climbs to truly unforgettable views

Saw-edged mountains, snow capped peaks and passes conquered by legends, there really is no place quite like the French Alps. Home to some of the most iconic climbing in Europe, the Alps offers famous climb after famous climb with Alpe D’Huez and its 21 hairpins being the most revered. The valleys are home to deep green forests whilst the mountain sides glow red and orange in the early Autumn.

13.2km long at 8% average
Alpe D'Huez
19.7km long at 7.3% average
Col du Glandon
18.1km long at 6.9% average
Col du Galibier
27.5km long at 4.5% average
Col de la Croix de Fer
Cycling Climbs of the AlpsAlpe d'Huez Cycling Climb Profile

How's the Weather? in French Alps

The SpringMarch to May
Most Alpine passes are closed in the early Spring as the snow line is still quite low. As you move into May, the passes open but the threat of inclement weather is always a possibility in the Alps.
The SummerJune to August
The Alpine climbs are best ridden in the summer months. Wild flowers and snow capped peaks will be your views as you ride across the Alps.
The AutumnSeptember to November
You can ride the climbs in September and the early part of the month is a great time to cycle. The weather turns colder as you move through the Autumn and from the end of September onwards, it is too cold to ride and the climbs are likely to be shut
The WinterDecember to February
The snow envelopes the mountains and you can swap the bike for a pair of skis.

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