Alpe d'Huez / Cycling routes

The Best Road Cycling Routes in Alpe d'Huez

Discover the best road cycling routes in Alpe d'Huez, France. Our curated collection includes 13 handpicked road cycling routes, from shorter coffee rides to challenging all-day rides. The region offers mountainous terrain, perfect for climbers seeking challenging ascents and dramatic elevation gains. Each route includes GPX files, detailed elevation profiles, highlighted climbs, and recommended café stops along the way. Browse the cycling routes map below to find your next ride, or use the filters to narrow by distance, elevation, and difficulty.

13 routes

Route de la Roche

Distance
47.9 km
Elevation
1457 m
Difficulty
moderate

Cycling on a road overlooking the valley will have a whole new feel after this route. After beginning the traditional climb to Alpe d'Huez, turn right at La Garde and immerse yourself in a timeless road. The descent to Le Freney d'Oisans is also captivating.

Two sides of Col de la Croix de Fer

Distance
146.9 km
Elevation
3613 m
Difficulty
epic

The Col de la Croix de Fer is one of those climbs that earns its name. This is a big mountain day, built around tackling the Croix de Fer from both sides.

The majestic Sarenne

Distance
71.0 km
Elevation
2377 m
Difficulty
hard

The valley that climbs to the Col de la Sarenne is stunning, peaceful, and traffic-free. Enjoy it to the fullest, even allowing time for a short detour to the charming village of Besse. Especially between the Sarenne and Alpe d'Huez, it feels like riding among clouds.

High mountain adventure

Distance
163.4 km
Elevation
4122 m
Difficulty
epic

Two of the world's most famous climbs in one epic day. Taking this loop clockwise, you can ascend the Croix de Fer and the Galibier via their most famous sides. For many kilometers, you'll see references to the Tour de France, which has shaped its history in these mountains, on the asphalt.

Marmotte Granfondo

Distance
189.9 km
Elevation
5082 m
Difficulty
epic

The long route of one of the world's most famous Granfondos. For many amateurs, La Marmotte has become synonymous with beauty, hard work, and Tour de France climbs. After the Col du Glandon, the long Maurienne Valley leads to the entrance to the Galibier. The final effort of the day is the fearsome Alpe d'Huez. Although the Marmotte finishes at the top of Alpe d'Huez we included the descent back to town as well.

Loop around Lac du Chambon

Distance
37.2 km
Elevation
1002 m
Difficulty
moderate

A short but scenic loop from Les Deux Alpes. Descent down to cicrle around Lac du Chambon before heading back up again with a little detour to keep things interesting.

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Plan Your Visit to Alpe d'Huez

Discover where to stay, climbs, routes, bike rentals, cafes, and everything you need to plan your cycling trip in the Alpe d'Huez Guide.