When bike in France says Isère. That in turn equals Bourg d'Oisans and once in Bourg d'Oisans, all you can think about is The Alpe: Alpe d'Huez. With its 21 turns, rich history for pros, beginners and everything in between, here you are in the beating heart of cycling tourism. Yet connoisseurs agree: 'the alp' is certainly not the most beautiful climb there is, nor is it the most difficult. Indeed, there are perhaps 100 mountains more interesting than the Alpe D'Huez. There is even a whole site dedicated to it. We rest our case. Therefore, we now give some alternatives to cycling the Isère that might be more fun, more difficult or more beautiful than the '21 virages d'Alpe D'Huez.
Collet de Vaujany
This little giant is somehow hardly ever mentioned when it comes to the Isere. You can find it in the two Vaujany events of GFNY but otherwise people seem to ignore this climb. It may have to do with the fact that this climb is (also) a dead-end, so it doesn't necessarily lend itself to a good lap. But with 9.4 kilometres and a steepness that measures up to the Passo Giau, you'll be in for a treat here.
Alpe d'Huez the other side:
When you talk about Alpe d'Huez, there is only one side. The one with those 21 bends. It's always about the Dutch corner, turn 7. About the world time of the late Marco Pantani. But there is also another side. That one is less spectacular and less showered with cycling history. But while you're in the area. The route is a lot friendlier in terms of gradient and you end up riding the last part on the same route as the more famous climb. This pass is also known as the Pas de la Confession. You start in the village of Allemond, so not in Bourg d'Oisans.
Once at the summit, you have three choices:
- Directly back via the same we
- Back via the famous 21 bends
- Continue to the Col de Sarenne
We would opt for the latter, then descend to the reservoir and then take a nice tour of the area. Not bad, if it's up to us.
Col du Sabot
Just north of Alpe d'Huez you will find this beautiful climb. It is a 'one-way' so you will unfortunately have to ride the same way up if you also have to descend. But let's be clear: this climb is highly recommended. The summit is well higher than its neighbour, as a total of 14.5 kilometres, with a percentage of 8.9, this road takes you to 2,100 metres altitude. But it is a lot quieter and the views are a lot better than on that of its famous brother. Thereby, the number of hairpin bends is certainly not bad.
Col du Sabot, Vaujany, France
- Distance: 14.6 km, Elevation: 1248 m, Avg. Grade: 8.5 %
Col du Parquetout
We have seen this climb before namely in our overview of cols where you can probably never heard of. A brilliant climb, it doesn't necessarily get high, so that also offers opportunities longer into the year. This one is going to hurt, though! At just 1382 metres, this is therefore not a high-flyer, but in 7.1 kilometres you do climb up at 9.7% average. At least, if you take the steep side.
More info
The area has much more to offer than the tips above. Check out the site of Oisans, you'll find a lot of great routes and alternatives there.
Also, the site of Isere Tourisme provides a world of info on the area. Have fun cycling!
