Challenging loop of between 80km to 90km with the famed Alpe d'Huez climb.
Les 2 Alpes to Alpe d'Huez via Lac du Chambon
A route that includes the iconic Alpe d'Huez's 21 hairpin bends
Les 2 Alpes - Lac du Chambon - Alpe d'Huez loop
This route links two of the most famous cycling bases in the Alps - Les 2 Alpes and Alpe d'Huez - by descending into the Oisans valley, looping through Bourg d'Oisans, and climbing the legendary 21 bends. A classic Tour de France experience with varied terrain and stunning scenery.
From Les 2 Alpes
Distance: 85km to 90km
Elevation gain: around 2,000m
Average gradient: 8.2% (but steeper in sections)
Route description:
- descent from Les 2 Alpes to Lac du Chambon is fast and winding on the D213 that brings you to the dam - it can be steep and is shaded in the morning so take care
- join the D1091 west towards Bourg d'Oisans - a relatively flat stretch that's a good warm-up before the big climb
- the 21 bends climb begins in Bourg d'OIsans and is a relentless climb to Alpe d'Huez (1,860m)
- the bends are all numbered and named after past Tour de France winners, with the earliest ones being the steepest (around 10%) before easing after bend six.
- you can descend the same way or take the quieter alternative route via Villard-Reculas
- the final ascent back up to Les 2 Alpes is via the D213, a bit tough after such a big day but it's steady
Tip:
take a breather in the village of Huez (around bend six or seven) - there's a fountain and a café
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Les 2 Alpes
See all Bike Hire in Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website 
Mountain bike hire
MTB hire, servicing and repairs, with clothes and equipment for sale, plus accessories and protection
Looking to hire a mountain bike? This shop has you covered. It’s a great place to find the right ride for your alpine adventures.
What to see
Route highlights
- the Alpe d'Huez climb with its rich Tour de France history
- views over Lac du Chambon
- the quiet sections through forests and alpine villages
- mix of climbs and descents
Sights in Les 2 Alpes
See all Sights in Les 2 Alpes-
Visit website 
Sunset 3200
Sip, savour, and watch the sun set over the Alps
Enjoy a magical alpine evening with a sunset aperitif at the restaurant Le 3200. Savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats while admiring the sun setting over the peaks, casting a golden glow across the slopes.
-
Visit website
Funicular visit
Journey beneath the glacier to breathtaking alpine heights
The Dôme Express funicular offers a unique way to reach 3,400 m, taking both skiers and pedestrians safely beneath the glacier. Starting from 3,100 m, this remarkable transport allows visitors to access the high-altitude environment of Les 2 Alpes with ease, making the glacier more accessible to everyone.
-
Visit website 
Horse drawn sleigh rides
Family sleigh rides around resort
Discover the joys of sleigh rides through an idyllic setting on one of our 3 daily departures: 10am, 2pm and 3.30pm (1 hr 15 minute ride).
-
Visit website
Ice cave
3200m above sea level at the top of the Jandry Express
Walk through a two-hundred-metre gallery to reach a magical network of rooms carved twenty metres below the surface of the snow, deep inside the glacier.
-
Visit website
Behind the scenes at Jandri
Discover the engineering behind the resort’s newest lift
Step inside the heart of Les Deux Alpes’ newest lift and discover the engineering behind the Jandri three-S. Every Tuesday from late December, with extra sessions during the February holidays, you can join a guided visit to the intermediate station at two-thousand-six-hundred metres.
-
Visit website
Chasal Lento Museum
Traditional arts & crafts museum
The aim of the museum is to preserve and display objects of bygone life in Oisans, displaying the traditions and arts of Mont de Lans.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Deux Alpes
See all Restaurants in Les Deux Alpes-
Enquire
Le Paellou Restaurant
A great place for all things cheesy - raclette, fondue, tartiflette and the like
Known for its simple, but great, traditional French cuisine and reasonable prices, Le Paellou restaurant is also organiser of the unofficial "World Championship for raclette eaters".
-
Enquire 
Smithy's Tavern Restaurant
A great place for families and friends alike serving Tex Mex cuisine, gourmet burgers and grilled meat
Smithy’s in Les Deux Alpes is a lively restaurant and bar serving generous portions of grilled meats, steaks and sizzling fajitas. The gourmet burgers are a standout, packed with flavour and served with all the classic trimmings. With its vibrant, energetic atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a hearty dinner followed by a fun night out in the heart of the resort, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors looking for great food and a lively après-ski scene.
-
Pasta Mia Trattoria Restaurant 
Pasta Mia Trattoria Restaurant
Authentic Italian trattoria, café and restaurant great for lunch or a quick stop for coffee and cake
Trattoria selling authentic Italian products, as well as in-house dining.
-
Enquire
La Porte d'à Côte Restaurant
Rustic restaurant serving traditional local specialities found in the centre of the resort
Traditional regional cuisine made with local produce all year.
-
Enquire
Casa Nostra Restaurant
A charming restaurant serving a mixture of local French and Italian dishes
They have a great wine menu from Corsican and French vineyards, or try the Corsican chestnut beer.
-
Enquire
La Grange Restaurant
Seafood and Montagnard cuisine plus Savoyard classics overlooking the ice rink
Located next to the ice rink, this restaurant offers an extensive menu, with Savoyard specialities like fondue and raclette, as well as pizzas, grilled meats and home made desserts. A warm and friendly atmosphere with a large interior, making it the perfect place for large groups, families and friends and we hear the moules frites and steak tartare are great!
What to do
Things To Do in Les Deux Alpes
See all Things To Do in Les Deux Alpes-
Visit website
Sunset 3200
Sip, savour, and watch the sun set over the Alps
Enjoy a magical alpine evening with a sunset aperitif at the restaurant Le 3200. Savour a selection of sweet and savoury treats while admiring the sun setting over the peaks, casting a golden glow across the slopes.
-
Visit website
Behind the scenes at Jandri
Discover the engineering behind the resort’s newest lift
Step inside the heart of Les Deux Alpes’ newest lift and discover the engineering behind the Jandri three-S. Every Tuesday from late December, with extra sessions during the February holidays, you can join a guided visit to the intermediate station at two-thousand-six-hundred metres.
-
Visit website
Ice cave
3200m above sea level at the top of the Jandry Express
Walk through a two-hundred-metre gallery to reach a magical network of rooms carved twenty metres below the surface of the snow, deep inside the glacier.
-
Visit website 
Palais des Sports
Main sports centre and conference facilities
Located in the heart of the resort, the Palais des Sports offers Les 2 Alpes a versatile space for sporting, cultural, and professional events. With 1,200m² of leisure and sports facilities, a large conference room, and an amphitheatre, the centre caters to a wide variety of activities throughout both summer and winter.
-
Visit website
Funicular visit
Journey beneath the glacier to breathtaking alpine heights
The Dôme Express funicular offers a unique way to reach 3,400 m, taking both skiers and pedestrians safely beneath the glacier. Starting from 3,100 m, this remarkable transport allows visitors to access the high-altitude environment of Les 2 Alpes with ease, making the glacier more accessible to everyone.
-
Visit website
Ice skating rink
Outdoor ice rink, open throughout the winter
Right in the heart of Les Deux Alpes, the open-air ice rink offers one of those classic mountain moments you never really grow out of. You’ll find the entrance beside the Saga Centre amusement arcade on Rue des Sagnes, making it an easy stop whether you’re heading out for a stroll, meeting friends or keeping the kids entertained.
