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Les Deux Alpes to Alpe d’Huez to Col De Sarenne Loop

Les Deux Alpes to Alpe d’Huez to Col De Sarenne Loop

#3 on our Great Rides list

Alpe d'Huez

Any fan of the Tour de France has heard of the iconic climb, Alpe d’Huez.

Location

Alpe d'Huez, Haut Alps, France

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Distance

43 miles / 69km

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Elevation Gain

4,520ft / 1,378m

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Best Time to Visit

Spring, fall, or winter

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Surface

Paved Road

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Difficulty

Level 4

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Traffic

Level 2

Discover this ride on our Classic Climbs bike tour

Legendary Climbs including Colombière, Glandon, Croix de Fer, and Alpe d’Huez

With the name comes images of cycling greats battling each other while ascending the 21 switchbacks to the village of Alpe d’Huez.

The climb itself is 13.8km long at an average gradient of 8.1%, gaining 1135m of climbing. Each switchback has a plaque counting down the turns so you don’t forget, while offering inspiration of previous tour winners and their year. There are two podiums to showcase your feat of ascending the Alpe, one is in the town, and the other is at the official finish line of the Tour de France. Our route will take us on a similiar path as the 100th of Edition of the tour in 2013 tour, which ascended the Col de Sarenne. This Col is little known, but offers the cyclist stunning views of La Meije, Les Deux Alpes, and the surrounding Haute Alpes. The descent to the Lac du Chambon is stunning, and we pass through stunning villages. Once at the Lac we have one more climb back to the village of Les Deux Alpes.

What you need to know

RIDE DETAILS
While climbing Alpe d’Huez is every cyclists dream, in the summer time, the village of Alpe d’Huez is extremely busy with tourists, and the road is usually full with cyclists and vehicles.

WEATHER
During the summer months, it is best to tackle Alpe d’Huez earlier in the day versus later in the day. The combination between high temperatures and late afternoon thunderstorms can make the ascent a true adventure. If you are wanting to tackle Alpe d’Huez to see your fastest time, it is best to experience it the first time at a comfortable pace and to take in the views, the switchbacks, and the crowds. This will allow you to understand the climb better, along with knowing where the finish of the Tour de France line is located. Then, your second attempt, if you are going for your Personal Record, you are able to really go for it!

FUEL
There are numerous places to refuel on today’s ride, but it is best to refuel before you begin your ascent of the Alpe. Once on top of Alpe d’Huez, it is another great time to refuel. There are limited services between Alpe d’Huez and Mizoën.

While you’re in town

At the finish line of the in the village of Alpe d’Huez is the Trek Store. This is one of our favorite locations to purchase an Alpe d’Huez cycling kit, and or some form of memorabilia reminding you of your famous ascent. At times, they have medals that you can purchase to remind you of your climb.

In Alpe d’Huez Tourism office, one is able to purchase a certificate that you can have officially stamped to show your time up Alpe d’Huez. It is a great way to immortalize your ascent up this famous climb!

If cycling back up to Les Deux Alpes is not for you. After your ascent up Alpe d’Huez and the Col de Sarenne, you could descend back to the valley floor, make a left onto the D 530 to Venosc and then for a few Euro’s, you can take a ride in the Telecabin back to Les Deux Alpes. It is a great way to achieve longer descent, with less uphill effort.

Ready for for this ride?

Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest Assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed. 

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

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Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself