Alpe d'Huez is a mythical climb with 21 hairpin turns
France, europe
13.8 km
1,859 m
hard
Year-round
# Alpe d'Huez: The Cycling Pilgrimage
Alpe d'Huez isn't just a climb—it's a rite of passage for cyclists. Nestled in the southeastern French Alps within the Oisans region of Isère, this legendary ski resort sits at 1,860m and has become synonymous with Tour de France glory since its debut in 1952.
The ride itself kicks off from Le Bourg d'Oisans and stretches 13.8 km of perfectly paved road (the D211) with an average gradient of 8.1%. Sounds reasonable, right? Well, hold on—those sneaky 13% ramps throughout will humble you real quick. This climb isn't the longest or steepest in the Alps, but it's relentlessly punishing in the best possible way.
What makes Alpe d'Huez truly special are its 21 iconic hairpin bends, each one named after a Tour de France stage winner who claimed their moment of glory here. It's like riding through cycling history itself. The road stays open year-round, though winter weather occasionally forces brief closures. Come summer, you'll be sharing the asphalt with around 1,000 other riders daily—a testament to this climb's magnetic pull.
The views? Spectacular. The ski resort facilities at the summit? Top-notch. And here's the cherry on top: between May and September, you can earn an official diploma for conquering the Alpe (on two wheels or two feet) for just €1, with proceeds going to charity.
Known as "L'Isle du Soleil" (The Island of the Sun), this is the climb every cyclist dreams about. Ready to join the legend?
Where is it?
Alpe d'Huez is a mythical climb with 21 hairpin turns is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.8001, 3.6946
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,859 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.8001, 3.6946
Related Roads in europe
hardA Perilous Journey: The Frozen Road from Dudinka to Norilsk Above the Arctic Circle
🌍 Russia
Hey thrill-seekers, ever dreamt of road-tripping above the Arctic Circle? Buckle up for the wild ride from Dudinka to Norilsk in Russia! This 88km (55-mile) stretch plunges you into raw, untamed tundra, connecting Dudinka, a riverside capital, with Norilsk—a mining hub famous (or infamous!) for churning out metals like palladium, nickel, and copper. Norilsk is the planet's most northerly city. Don't let the fact that it's paved fool you. This isn't your average highway. The asphalt's laid right over permafrost, so expect a bumpy, uneven ride. Plus, you’ll be cruising alongside a gas pipeline, giving off serious industrial vibes. The weather? Let’s just say Mother Nature throws curveballs. Even in summer, prepare for sudden temperature drops and winter-like conditions. Snow dominates the landscape for much of the year, and blizzards can turn even a short drive into an adventure. During the three months of total darkness, headlights are your best friend. Oh, and did I mention winter temps can plummet below -30°C? Keep in mind, getting into Norilsk and Dudinka isn't as simple as hopping in the car. Since the Russian Security Service tightly controls access, foreigners need to apply for special permission well in advance. Only a couple hundred foreigners make it here each year.
hardCol du Lac Blanc
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Lac Blanc: France's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure Ready to tackle one of France's most thrilling mountain drives? Col du Lac Blanc sits at a breathtaking 2,803 meters (9,196 feet) in the Grandes Rousses range of Isère, southeastern France—and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. This gravel and rocky route is seriously steep, with surfaces that get tippy and bumpy when you're not expecting it. You'll definitely need a sturdy 4x4 to handle what Mother Nature throws at you. Fair warning: if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, or if heights make you queasy, this isn't your drive. You'll also want solid off-road experience under your belt. The weather here is genuinely intense. The road typically sits under snow and ice from October through June, making it completely impassable for most of the year. Summer brings its own surprises—surprise snowfall isn't uncommon, and the wind is relentless year-round, howling across the exposed peaks with real force. Winter temperatures? Brutally cold. Dense mist can roll in suddenly, chopping visibility to nearly nothing, which bumps up the danger factor considerably. This is chairlift territory, so you're climbing seriously high—one of France's loftiest drivable summits. The road closure risk is constant thanks to sudden snowfall at this elevation. Bottom line: this is an epic adventure for experienced mountain drivers who thrive on extreme terrain and unpredictable alpine conditions.
moderateWhere is Col du Fréjus?
🇫🇷 France
Col du Fréjus, also known as Passo del Frejus, is a crazy-high international mountain pass chilling right on the border between France and Italy at 2,546m (8,353ft). You'll find it linking the Piedmont region of Italy with the Savoie department of France. At the top, you're greeted by the serene Petit lac du Frejus, a simple cross, and some seriously cool views. Back in the 1890s, some French general decided they needed a road up here. The area is littered with old military ruins – barracks, forts, the works – with little signs dotted around giving you a history lesson. Apparently, there were even some scuffles between the Italians and French during WWII. This pass used to be the main route, but then they built a massive 13 km tunnel in 1980, and everyone started using that instead. Now, here's the thing: if you're thinking of driving up, listen up. The French side is all unpaved. You'll NEED a 4x4, and even then, the road is officially closed to private vehicles. Word is the road surface isn't too bad, but it can get slippery. The Italian side? Forget about it. It's just a super-steep hiking trail. The French side, starting from Le Seuil, is a beast, stretching 8.4 km (5.21 miles) with an elevation gain of 873 meters. We're talking some brutally steep sections, maxing out at a gradient of 30%! On average, you're looking at a 10.39% incline. It's a proper workout for your vehicle! You'll find this tough climb on the western edge of the Massif du Mont Cenis, nestled in the Cottian Alps.
moderateThe wild road to Bocca di Chiralba in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Bocca di Chiralba in Corsica is calling! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a rugged, high-altitude experience reaching 1,749m (5,738ft). Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and some of the most breathtaking, yet bumpy, gravel roads Corsica has to offer. It's not for the faint of heart - heights are definitely a factor, and you'll want some off-road experience under your belt. Weather can change in a heartbeat, turning those gravel tracks into a 4x4 obstacle course, or even making them impassable. But stick with it, and you'll be rewarded. Near the top, you'll find the Bergerie de Croci, a mountain refuge where you can soak in the views and brag about conquering one of Corsica's highest peaks!