From 1 July to 27 August 2025 are nine well-known and lesser-known cols in the French Alps in the region Oisans completely closed on fixed mornings for motorised traffic. That means: pure climbing fun without car noise or exhaust fumes. Participation is free, no registration required. In France more alternatives like this, allowing you to enjoy the famous (and not so famous) alpine cols.
Dates & details by col
| Col | Date | Distance | Average climb % | Height | Why unique |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpe d'Huez | Wed 27 Aug | 14.4 km | 7.8 % | 1.840 m | 21 hairpin bends, Tour history |
| Col de la Croix de Fer | Di 1 Jul | 29.3 km | 5,5% | 2.067 m | Views of valley, markers and tunnels |
| Col du Glandon | Di 1 Jul | 26.4 km | 7% | 1.924 m | Long and varied, waterfalls along the way |
| Col du Solude | Di 8 Jul | 13.3 km | 8,4% | 1.680m | Quiet climb, hairpin turns, valley views |
| Col du Sabot | Di 15 Jul | 14.6 km | 8,5% | 2.100 m | Quiet, less known, along Lac du Verney |
| Villard-Reculas | Di 22 Jul | 18.4 km | 5.8 % | 1.466 m | Alternative route to Alpe-d'Huez |
| Les 2 Alpes | Di 29 Jul | 9 km | 7 % | 1.650 m | Wide climb, constant ascent |
| Col de Sarenne | Di 5 Aug | 12.8 km | 7.5 % | 1.999 m | Narrow, winding, glacier views |
| Col d'Ornon | Di 12 Aug | 14 km | 4,1% | 1.360 m | Varied landscape, accessible |
| Oz-en-Oisans | Di 19 Aug | 7.6 km | 7.6 % | 1.360 m | Short and snappy, charming mountain village |
Participation & additional info
- Participation is free and you can start whenever you want. Please note that at some point cars will be allowed back in.
- Ravitailling: At the summit, you can count on some food and drink.
- You can't control the weather: So always check the site of the organisation
Why this is special as a cyclist
- No cars, no hassle - You can enjoy riding freely up the col, without motorised traffic whizzing by.
- Choice of legendary climbs or undiscovered gems
From the iconic Alpe d'Huez to unknown milestones like the Col du Sabot - all now accessible at moments of rest. - Perfect entry for your summer holidays
Oisans is a dream location. Bordering Grenoble, accessible via TGV, Oisans is a dream location for cycling enthusiasts.
CyclingDestination tips for your visit
- Logistics: It is likely to be busy those days. So plan some extra time and if you come to the start by car, park outside the closed zone.
- Accommodation: You can start from Grenoble, but Bourg d'Oisans is of course the cycling village in the region.
- Preview: Preparation is half your cycling pleasure. Have a look at the altitude profiles at climbfinder or mycols
- Physical preparation: If you are preparing anyway: take some extra time to train because some of the climbs are really tough.
- Coffee stops: you can find plenty of coffee nearby. Lauvitel Lodge also has an 'Acceuil Velo' label. So this is a good place to go!
- Sleep in Chalet Beyond, a well-known Dutch hotel!
Oisans Col Series are a great opportunity
There is nothing more wonderful than being able to ride up a mountain car-free. Cycling in France is nice, but car-free is even nicer. Other initiatives include the Cols Reserves in the Hautes Alpes.
