Alpe d’Huez Road Cycling Holidays

Alpe d’Huez is a cycling paradise. The 21 hairpin bends are made famous by the Tour de France and amateur cycling events such as La Marmotte Gran Fondo Alpes, the Haute Route Alps and the Etape du Tour. The Alpe and its surrounding area are also a perfect cycling destination for those who want to enjoy stunning scenery and challenging climbs without taking part in an event. With Sportive Breaks ride one of the Gran Fondo events in Alpe d’Huez or explore the region at your own pace with our guided and self-guided Alpe d’Huez road cycling holidays.

Cycling in and around Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez is located in the French Alps in the Isere Department. The nearest big city is Grenoble. Alpe d’Huez is located in the Oisans area. The “Alpe”, as it is affectionately called, has become a cyclists’ bucket list climb. It is unique and magical for its itinerary and its 21 hairpin bends, each of which has a name and a number, and when the Tour de France passes by, its hillsides are all packed with spectators. On the very day of the Tour, both sides of the road are flanked with crowds along the 14 km ascent. The ride to Alpe d’Huez has become a real legend! For cycling fans it is not just Alpe d’Huez which provides a challenge. there are several other cols nearby including the Col du Glandon, the Col du Galibier, Col du Sarenne, the climb up to Les 2 Alpes, Croix du fer and several other routes.

Sportive Breaks offers you several ways to discover Alpe d’Huez and it surrounding area. 

Marmotte Alpes Gran Fondo

The original European Gran Fondo/ Cyclo Sportive and still one of the hardest. La Marmotte takes in four giant alpine climbs, finishing with the mighty Galibier and then Alpe d’Huez – a serious challenge! Also part of La Marmotte Granfondo Alpes 2026 weekend is the Grimpee Alpe d’Huez Time Trial on Friday.

Etape du Tour

Alpe d’Huez features regularly on the route of the Tour de France and is chosen often as the Etape du Tour stage. The 2022 Étape du Tour, followed Stage 12 of the Tour de France from Briançon to Alpe d’Huez, covering 167 km with climbs over the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and the final ascent of Alpe d’Huez’s 21 hairpin bends

Tour de France

The Alpe features often in the Tour. When it does the place is heaving with fans and provides a spectacle to behold every time.

Alpe d’Huez Cycling Holidays (guided and self-guided)

Based in Le Bourg d’Oisans join us in the stunning French alps, a location steeped in cycling history and plenty of mountains and cols to explore. Alpe d’Huez is the most famous climb in cycling and a true icon in professional racing. This tour allows you to cycle  at a pace your group can dictate, for instance company and croissants can be prioritised over KOM hunting or vice versa.