Update September 2026: The Oisans Col Series will be postponed to 2026 and will return in 2027, reports Bike Oisans. The dates in this article are for 2025. As soon as the schedule for 2027 is known, we will update this story.
Van 1 July to 27 August 2025 Nine well-known and lesser-known passes in the French Alps are included in the region. Oisans completely closed on weekdays for motorized traffic. That means: pure pleasure driving without car noise or exhaust fumes. Participation is free, no registration required. In France, more of this kind of alternatives, This allows you to enjoy the well-known (and lesser-known) Alpencols to the fullest.
Data & special features per 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 | On July 1st | 29.3 km | 5,5% | 2,067 m | View of valley, markings and tunnels |
| Col du Glandon | On July 1st | 26.4 km | 7% | 1,924 m | Long and varied, waterfalls along the way |
| Col du Solude | On July 8 | 13.3 km | 8,4% | 1,680m | Smooth climb, hairpin bends, view of the valley |
| Col du Sabot | On 15 July | 14.6 km | 8,5% | 2,100 m | Less known, quieter, along Lac du Verney |
| Villard-Reculas | On 22 July | 18.4 km | 5,8 % | 1,466 m | Alternative route to Alpe‑d’Huez |
| Les 2 Alpes | On 29 July | 9 km | 7 % | 1,650 m | Wide climb, constant rise |
| Col de Sarenne | On the 5th of August | 12.8 km | 7,5 % | 1,999 m | Narrow, curved, view of glaciers |
| Col d’Ornon | On 12 August | 14 km | 4,1% | 1,360 m | Varied landscape, accessible |
| Oz-en-Oisans | On 19 August | 7.6 km | 7,6 % | 1,360 m | Short and intense, charming mountain village |
Participation & additional information
- Participation is free and you can start whenever you want. Just be aware that at some point the cars will be returned to their owners.
- Ravitalization: At the summit you can expect some food and drink.
- You can't control the weather: So always check the organization's website
Why this is special as a cyclist
- No cars, no hassleYou can ride the bike freely without any motorized traffic passing by.
- Choose from legendary climbs or so-called hidden gems: undiscovered gems
From the iconic Alpe d’Huez to unknown milestones like the Col du Sabot. They are now all accessible without the hassle of cars. - Perfect pick-up for your summer vacationOisans is a dream location. It borders Grenoble, accessible via TGV, making Oisans a dream location for cycling enthusiasts.
CyclingDestination tips for your visit
- Logistics: It will probably be busy those days. So plan some extra time and if you’re coming by car to the start, park outside the closed-off area.
- Accommodation: You can start working from Grenoble, but Bourg d’Oisans is of course the ultimate cycling village in the region.
- Pre-event: Preparation is half the fun of cycling. Take a look at the elevation profiles now. climbfinder of mycols
- Physical preparation: If you are preparing anyway: take some extra time to train because some climbs are really tough.
- Coffee stopsYou can find plenty of coffee nearby. Lauvitel Lodge also has an ‘Acceuil Velo’ label. So you can definitely find something here!
- You sleep in Chalet Beyond, a well-known bike hotel run by the Dutchman Simon Rosmolen.
Other options in the region? You can check them on the map below:
The Oisans Col Series is a great opportunity
Nothing is more wonderful than being able to drive up a mountain without a car. Cycling in France is beautiful, but being car-free is even more beautiful. Other initiatives include: Cols Reserves in the Hautes Alpes.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.