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
extremeMonte San Lorenzo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Monte San Lorenzo: Spain's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Perched at 2,137 meters (7,011 feet) in La Rioja's stunning Sierra de la Demanda range, Monte San Lorenzo is calling—but only for the brave. This gravel track starts from the Valdezcaray mountain resort and basically serves as a chairlift access road that'll test every ounce of your driving confidence. Let's be real: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road has earned its terrifying reputation fair and square. Vertigo sufferers should absolutely sit this one out—we're talking hundreds of meters of sheer, unguarded drops that'll make your palms sweat. Landslide worries? Yeah, those are legitimate concerns here. The real villain? Unpredictable winter weather. Snowstorms and blizzards can strike out of nowhere, turning an already challenging route into a white-knuckle nightmare. Conditions deteriorate fast in wet or dark weather (and sometimes both), leaving virtually zero room for mistakes. That's why the road gets completely closed from November through March most years—Mother Nature doesn't mess around up here. If you're seriously considering this drive, pick your timing carefully. Summer months offer your best shot, and honestly? Even then, treat it with serious respect. This is pure adrenaline-junkie territory, where one wrong move has real consequences. But for those with genuine skills and nerves of steel, it's an unforgettable Spanish mountain adventure.
hardWhere is Col de Moissiere?
🇫🇷 France
Hey adventurers! Let me tell you about the Col de Moissière, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, so you already know the scenery's gonna be epic. This baby climbs to 1,575m (that's 5,167ft!) in the Massif des Écrins, and the whole ride is paved – follow the D213T. Don't get too comfy though, it’s not all smooth sailing. Expect some bumpy, narrow sections and seriously steep inclines that top out around 14.6%! Clocking in at 18.6 km (11.55 miles) between Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes and La Bâtie-Neuve, it’s perfect for a chill bike ride. Just be prepared for some huffing and puffing on those steeper bits! Trust me, though, the views are worth it.
hardHow to Get by Car to Kaminakia Beach on Astypalaia: A Road Worth Exploring
🇬🇷 Greece
# Kaminakia Beach: Astypalaia's Hidden Gem Tucked away on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Astypalaia, Kaminakia Beach is the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with Greek islands. Picture crystal-clear blue-green waters, rocky hills framing a sheltered bay, and that quintessential Mediterranean vibe—all yours for the taking if you're willing to handle a bit of rough road. Just south of Chora, the island's main town, Kaminakia sits in its own little pocket of paradise. The beach itself is a charming mix of fine sand and pebbles, with tamarisk trees providing natural shade and a small taverna nearby dishing out authentic local food. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax without fighting crowds, even when the island's packed with summer visitors. **Getting There: The Adventure Part** Here's the thing—you've got to earn this one. The drive from Livadia (near Chora) covers about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) on a dirt road that can get pretty steep, narrow, and uneven in spots. Budget around 20 minutes for the drive, though it'll depend on your vehicle and how the road's looking that day. A regular car will get you there, but a high-clearance vehicle makes life easier. A 4x4 isn't absolutely necessary, but it'll handle the rougher patches without complaint. Pro tip: stick to daylight hours for the drive to avoid navigating that dirt road in the dark. Spring and fall offer the most peaceful experience, though even peak summer won't feel crowded here. Once you arrive, you'll find great swimming and snorkeling in those impossibly clear waters, plenty of shade to escape the heat, and the kind of calm, undeveloped atmosphere that feels increasingly rare. Totally worth the bumpy ride.
hardWhere is Kistefjell?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Norway, Troms og Finnmark county to be exact, and you spot this mountain called Kistefjell. It's not just any mountain, though. Perched right on top, at 1,001 meters (3,284 feet), is this massive 78-meter TV mast, blasting out radio, TV, mobile signals – the works! Now, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. Forget smooth asphalt; the 8.9 km (5.53 miles) road is all unpaved, and seriously steep. We're talking a consistent 11% gradient, gaining almost a kilometer in elevation. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast! Built back in the '60s, it's a real climb. Heads up though: Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The weather at the summit is wild, especially in winter. Ice and heavy snow can make the road totally impassable, and it can close without warning. But if you time it right, and get a clear day, the views from the top, combined with the sheer audacity of that massive mast, are totally worth the bumpy ride.