{"id":24201,"date":"2025-10-06T13:16:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T11:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=24201"},"modified":"2026-09-29T19:44:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T19:44:46","slug":"huttopia-as-an-ideal-base-in-the-french-alps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/frankrijk\/franse-alpen\/huttopia-als-ideale-uitvalbasis-in-de-franse-alpen","title":{"rendered":"Huttopia as an ideal base in the French Alps"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you think of France, you think of the Alps. Cycling in the French Alps<\/a> It\u2019s a dream for every cycling enthusiast. In the Hautes-Alpes region, you can find your heart\u2019s delight around Brian\u00e7on. We were invited by Huttopia to the Vallouise and La Clar\u00e9e campsites. Both are just a stone\u2019s throw from Brian\u00e7on and perfect for tackling the various mountain climbs you know from the Tour de France and Giro d\u2019Italia. What\u2019s more, during our trip, stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a came our way! We\u2019ll take you through the region and give you our tips for an epic cycling adventure in the Hautes-Alpes region \u2013 Brian\u00e7on<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Photo: Erwin Reijneveld<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Electric to France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We start our trip early in the morning. We get up at five o\u2019clock in the morning and head straight to France.. Since we drive electric, we had to charge a few times, but you can easily combine that with a small pit stop. It\u2019s a long drive, but in the end we arrive at the campsite around half past eleven at night. Huttopia Vallouise<\/a>. We were called in advance to tell that you should report to the restaurant instead of the reception upon your late arrival. That was nice to know, so we could pick up our key and information about our stay. The chalet looks nice and has almost everything you need to spend a few days comfortably. We have made up the beds so we can go to sleep quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On to the Col de Vars and Col de l\u2019izoard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After a long journey yesterday, we are a bit tired today, but the morale is high: we are going to conquer two epic Alpine passes. We have our breakfast and dinner in the village and start the day calmly. The first kilometers of the day take us downhill towards Guillestre, a perfect warm-up. The climb to the Col de Vars starts immediately with steep sections at the beginning and end. The middle section is flatter, ideal for a quick break. Above, we enjoy the view and descend via an easy trail, with a short passage through a village where we need to be careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Guillestre, the climb to the Col de l\u2019Izoard begins. The road winds up among impressive rock walls. After 15 km, we turn left and the real climbing begins. We pass charming villages and fill up our water bottles for the last, steep part. The hairpin bends and slopes of over 10% make it difficult, but the view along the way is stunning. At the top, there is a small shelter with a souvenir shop. Unfortunately, we couldn\u2019t buy cola because we didn\u2019t have any cash, but thanks to a friendly lady, we were able to fill our water bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The descent to Brian\u00e7on is spectacular, with many curves and beautiful views. Then there are another 20 km of slightly uphill descent to our campsite in Vallouise<\/a>. Around six o\u2019clock we drive up to the campsite, tired but satisfied. Time to shower and cook in our cozy chalet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steven Kruiswijk's nightmare: Col d\u2019Agnel \u2013 Colle d\u2019Agnello<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After a quiet start to the day, we still feel the kilometers from yesterday in our legs, but we are ready for a new challenge: the Col d\u2019Agnel. This impressive climb is well known from both the Giro d\u2019Italia and the Tour de France. We have our breakfast at the bakery and Carrefour in the village, and we are there in a minute by bike. The route for today is 137 km round trip, with the highlight being the border crossing into Italy. The first 20 km towards Guillestre are ideal for warming up. After that, we drive via Ch\u00e2teau Queyras to the Col d\u2019Agnel: a tough climb of 21 km with steep sections at the beginning and end. Along the way, we see curious marmots and enjoy the view in the hairpin bends just before the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Above the col, on the border between France and Italy, the view is breathtaking. There is no catering, but the tranquility and the panorama more than make up for it. After a short stop, we descend, first technically with curves, then quickly and straight. On the way back, we stop in L\u2019Argenti\u00e8re-la-Bess\u00e9e for a well-deserved cola and coffee in the sunshine. The last kilometers to the campsite are relaxed and enjoyable. A successful day full of highlights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transition stage Huttopia Vallouise \u2013 Huttopia La Clar\u00e9e<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our last day in Vallouise starts early. We get in the car and leave at half past 9 towards our next destination: Huttopia La Clar\u00e9e<\/a>. On the way, we have breakfast in Brian\u00e7on and arrive at the new campsite around 10:00. Since we can only check in at 16:00, we get dressed in the parking lot and immediately get on our bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Today is all about the Vuelta, which takes place over the Col du Lautaret. We cycle at a nice pace up and share the road with many other cycling enthusiasts. It\u2019s lively up on the Lautaret, and the atmosphere is great. When the riders come by, we enthusiastically encourage them, and before we know it they\u2019re already gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After this spectacular climb, we continue to the Galibier. It\u2019s windy, but the view from above is worth it. We take the classic photo at the sign and descend towards the Granon, our final climb of the day. The Granon is short but powerful: 10 km with an average gradient of 9%. It\u2019s tough, but the route through the forest and the views make up for it a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Back at the campsite, we are greeted kindly and can check in again. Our new chalet is comfortable and a nice place to recover from this impressive day. The chalet has a kitchen, we have two bedrooms with nice beds, and the bathroom is also more than adequate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even raise the legs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Today is a day off on the schedule. This is also a good thing with the weather because it is a rainy day. After our breakfast, we decide to go to the old town of Brian\u00e7on, Cit\u00e9 Vauban. It is a beautiful fortress with nice little streets. Perfect to spend the day off in. We have lunch in a side street near the church. After a good lunch, we go back to the campsite. We make it a quiet afternoon and evening. We still do some shopping and then look forward to tomorrow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Finestre falls into the water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The last cycling day of this beautiful week has arrived. We get up and look outside; it is dry but\u2026 a full day of rain is predicted. This is a disappointment because today we have a nice ride planned. We want to ride the Colle delle Finestre today, the climb from the 2025 Giro where Del Toro lost his pink jersey and Yates won the Giro. The weather isn\u2019t cooperating today, but it looks like we can still cycle for another hour at the end of the afternoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the afternoon, at half past six, we will go cycling for another hour. We are going for a route of 23 km to the Italian border and back. The route includes the Mont\u00e9e Montgenevre, a climb of 7 km at 6%. It is a beautiful climb that runs steadily uphill. We drive through the village of Montgenevre and on towards the Italian border. We take a quick photo because in the distance we can already see dark clouds approaching. We drive back and are just before the rain at the campsite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are going out to eat here for our last evening in the village near the La Vachette campsite. After having a nice meal, it\u2019s time to pack our bags because tomorrow we\u2019ll be leaving early to return to the Netherlands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huttopia La Clar\u00e9e and Huttopia Vallouise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Huttopia offers campsites with both camping pitches, furnished tents and also mobile homes, wooden cabins and more. Both on Vallouise<\/a> as La Clar\u00e9e<\/a> Do you have bread service for breakfast, bike rental, a restaurant with pizzas and, for example, pancakes, and you can have a drink at the bar?.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Huttopia La Claree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Huttopia Vallouise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


Both campsites have a heated swimming pool. There are also various activities such as table tennis, p\u00e9tanque and a football\/basketball court at La Clar\u00e9e. In Vallouise there is also a tennis court and volleyball court. There is also a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near Vallouise you have several restaurants, such as the hotel on the corner near the bridge and a small supermarket. There is also a nice bakery in the village where you can get your breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
The pool at Vallouise is wonderful<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At La Clar\u00e9e you have to go to Brian\u00e7on to get to the supermarket, but at the campsite you can order bread from the baker himself. For restaurants, for example, you can go to La Vauchette. Les Copains d\u2019Abord<\/a>, Here you can eat very well and they are very hospitable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Nice chalet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Fixing your bike at La Claree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both campsites are therefore perfect for exploring the Alps and tackling some of the major passes such as the Col du Galibier, Izoard, Col de Vars and Col du Granon. And of course, the Agnello, Col d\u2019Agnel. With a little time and imagination, the Colle del Finestre is also an option!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you get there<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By car, it\u2019s 1,200 km from, for example, Utrecht. It normally takes you a day to get there. We were using the electric car and had to charge it three times; that\u2019s 45-minute breaks. We therefore spent 13 hours on it, which was quite manageable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We drove both ways along the route du soleil. We had to pay tolls a few times. The total cost of the trip was about 140 euros. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trip could also be done by train, but travel times and costs vary greatly. It\u2019s easy to get to Brian\u00e7on, but you\u2019ll still have to get to the final destination. There is at least one train that runs between Briancon and the TGV station in Valence. According to Google, a single trip from Utrecht takes about 12 hours via Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Routes Huttopia La Clar\u00e9e \u2013 Vallouise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Huttopa Vallouise and Huttopia La Clar\u00e9e are perfect for going mountain biking. You can also enjoy some good gravel and mountain biking there. On our trip, we mainly went on mountain biking. These are our routes from this trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n