Rooted firmly in cycling folklore and serving up one of our favourite views, Alp d’Huez is a classic in every sense. Around a 2.5 hour transfer from our base, this Tour de France favourite is a must for many cyclists.
The ride begins with a 12km flat spin into Bourg d’Oisans to get those legs warmed up. Once in Bourg, we soak up the atmosphere with our fellow riders as we head to the bottom of the Alp.
The first 3km and 4 bends are tough, very tough, but the road eases a little from here. The climb continues with the numbered corners counting down as you ascend. We head past bend 7, the famous ‘Dutch Corner’ and on to the finish. The bars and shops greet you first, but you have to continue the extra km to get to the top and the official TDF finish. 30 stage finishes and one pass of the summit in a 67-year history of the Tour de France, is there anywhere else like it?!
The town itself offers up many options for lunch and for a rest.
Then it is back down to bend 4 and the incredible balcony road that winds and weaves its way back down to the lake and Allemond. The balcony is a true hidden gem of this area offering up beautiful views of Bourg and the valley below, just out of this world!
Of course, if Alp d’Huez has left you wanting more, we are at the bottom of the Glandon!
