Published by Andrew on 13 January 2018
We were asked via our Facebook page about cycling from Grenoble to Alpe d'Huez. It's a popular query, so we're posting the info here to share the love.
Alpe d'Huez. Photo: will_cyclist
We get asked this question a lot, so we're sharing our response here from Gill, who runs the Chateau d'Oz B&B in Bourg d'Oisans and who regularly has guests cycling from Grenoble to Alpe d'Huez.
Q. What is the best route (safest) from Grenoble to Le Bourg d'Oisans. From what I can see from the Michelin 523 Regional France map the most direct route would be via the D1091 national highway ... presumably a somewhat bicycle unfriendly option. Can anyone suggest a better way? We don't mind venturing away from the well beaten path ... in fact we would prefer that. Our bikes are set up for outback Australia so we don't mind a bit of rough meandering back road.
Gill writes: Most of the D1091 has a bike lane and, although it is a main road, win peak cycle season many cyclists use this route. The French are very good at leaving room for cyclists. However, an alternative: Once in Grenoble head for Saint-Martin-d’Hères (cheap lunch in Ikea!) and then head for Uriage on the D524 following it to Vizille, were there is a famous French chateau and a museum to the Resistance). From here, you join the D1091 to Bourg d’Oisans. From Vizille you could go to Laffrey, La Mure, Valbonais and over the Col d’Ornon but it’s a very long diversion.
Have a look at Via Michelin; there are really very few options of routes in the mountains.
Have a look at Via Michelin; there are really very few options of routes in the mountains.
If you are visiting in summer, book ASAP as all the good accommodation goes very quickly.
