Road Cycling

The Oisans is one of the top cycling locations in the world. This area is a compulsory mountain stage in the Tour de France, and is also famous for La Marmotte and La Vaujany races. To get the most from the area it is recommended to purchase the "Cyclo Guide" of 30 great touring routes. This yeer the Tour de France (http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/COURSE/us/index.html) will climb Alpe D'Huez on 23rd July 2008

For amateurs the 16 miles round trip ride from Bourg d'Oisans to Alpe d'Huez with its 1,100m climb, is a once in a lifetime experience (so I'm told). The ride has 21 switchbacks and an average gradient of 7.7% with a maximum of 12%. There is another way to climb Alpe d'Huez, via Rochetaillee, and is over 20km, but with a 'gentler' average gradient of five percent. This may be an option if the legs are tired and you need to get home at the end of the day. There are also great views over the valley and surrounding mountains from this ascent.

There are two notable climbs above Alpe d'Huez and both are well worth riding to if you have the time. The first is the Col de Poutran and a little further on, the Lac Besson. The Col de Poutran is at 1,995m and the car park at the Lac Besson is 2,080m. You can find the road at the top of the ski resort next to the cable car to the Grande Rousses. The second climb is the Col de Sarenne, a lovely little road that can take you up to the Col at 1,989m. You will find the Col de Sarenne signposted in Alpe d'Huez, a small road that passes the altiport as it leaves the village. From Alpe d'Huez, the road quality deteriorates in places on the 200m vertical climb to the Col. There is then a lovely descent down to the Barrage du Chambon and the foot of the climb to Deux Alpes.