Every cyclist knows the climb with its twenty-one hairpin bends to Alpe d’Huez. Some have already climbed it once (or more) during a cycling trip or for charity during the Alpe d’HuZes. Others undoubtedly know the climb from the stories of others or from the finish of last year’s Tour de France Femmes. But no matter how iconic the mountain is; in fact, Jeffrey and Maks prefer to explore the unknown. So when we drove through this region in our camper van, we decided to stay a while to make the Alpe d’Huez not just a one-way trip on the road, but a longer loop on the gravel bike. Up the gravel to descend down the road. From here, a beautiful route of 63 km with over 1500 meters of elevation gain emerged, with almost 25% gravel sections that were too beautiful not to share! You can download the route below via Komoot.
Text and photos: Maks Groeneveld / Jeffrey Wiese – @outfor.adventures
The route starts in Allemond, where there are plenty of campsites (often cheaper and quieter than those at the foot of the climb). From there, the first twelve kilometers are almost flat. It’s great to warm up the legs for what’s to come. However, you can immediately enjoy a beautiful gravel path along the river.
As soon as you enter Le Bourg-d’Oisans, you know that the flat kilometers are over. You ride up the first five hairpin bends of the classic Alpe d’Huez climb. Just before the last bend, the gradient increases to 18%! Fortunately, it’s only for a short while, because in the ‘Dutch bend’ (bend 7) you’re allowed to deviate from the well-known route. Don’t forget to refill your water bottle at the tap there. However, the climb continues here as well. Sometimes steep, but usually it’s easy to do – especially between the trees where you can cycle in the shade.
Starting at kilometer 18, the route becomes truly insanely beautiful. You cycle along a cliff that plunges off to the right of you. Suddenly you see how high you are and how beautiful the surroundings are. We immediately got new energy in our legs when we cycled here; the view provided a good distraction. With stunning vistas and photogenic spots after every bend, it’s definitely a delight here.
Through beautiful tunnels you ride higher and higher. At 24.5 kilometers you see the gravel road on the right where you will be driving in shortly. We chose to drive on to Auris and Oisans for a while to get some Pringles and drinks at the supermarket. With the warm weather we could really use it! Auris and Oisans is a typical ski village, but now in mid-August it is especially the perfect base for hikers and mountain bikers.
Then, finally, it’s time for gravel! From here, you’ll enjoy seven kilometers of beautiful unpaved trails. The route is undulating; sometimes there’s a steep climb, but then you’ll be rewarded with a stretch of descent that offers breathtaking views.
After 34 kilometers, you come to a junction, from where the paved road begins again. Now we actually saw someone on a race bike here, but because of all the loose stones the road definitely felt ‘gravel worthy’ enough to ride with our 45mm tires. The 5 kilometers on this road gradually get a little busier, and that’s for a reason; the village of Alpe d’Huez finally comes into view. The top has been reached!
We chose to take the descent right away, but of course this is the perfect spot to have a quick drink first. After that, the route includes a short stretch of gravel before you descend for twelve kilometers on the paved road. This section does, however, constitute the real Alpe d’Huez route. It’s quite nice to be able to experience the real treat of the descent, without having to climb all those hairpin bends. It almost feels like cheating.
The remaining kilometers to Allemond contain about the same gravel sections as the way back, with occasional twists. Interested in simply riding along? Across the water you can also take the bike path. This way you can enjoy a relaxing ride and reflect on your day.
And, which bike would you most like to take with you to Alpe d’Huez after reading this article? Will you go for the iconic climb on the road or would you rather go off the beaten path? We secretly know the answer…
Would you like to find out more information or inspiration about cycling in France? Check it out here our other stories and articles.
Questions & tips
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