Cycling holidays in the oisans
Cycling in the Oisans Region: The Ultimate Guide
Are you looking for a cycling adventure that combines stunning alpine scenery with challenging terrain? Look no further than a cycling holiday in the Oisans region of France! With its legendary mountain passes, quiet roads, and charming villages, this area is a paradise for cyclists of all levels. In this ultimate guide to cycling in the Oisans region, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.
A cycling holiday in the Oisans is one of the best ways to experience this precipitous and magnificent corner of the French Alps. At Venosc Vacances, we have accommodation to suit all groups and family sizes. We’ll always be on hand to give you great advice, to get the most of your cycling holiday in the oisans. Some of the most popular cycling tours in Oisans include the following:
- Oisans Balcons Tour: This tour takes in some of the most famous climbs in the area, including the legendary Alpe d’Huez, as well as a descent down through Auris .
- Marmotte Route: This tour includes some of the most iconic climbs in the region, including the Cols Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and Glandon. It’s long and extremely challenging.
- Family Cycling Tour of the Voie Vert: If you’re looking for a more relaxed cycling experience, this tour is a great option. It’s designed for families and is an easy cycling route. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the region’s charming villages and local culture.
Voie Verte
The Voie Verte in the Oisans Valley is a popular cycling route that runs through this picturesque region of the French Alps. Covering a distance of approximately 22 kilometers, the Voie Verte is a partly a former railway line that has been converted into a cycling path. The route starts at Venosc and runs to the village of Allemond. It is mostly flat, which is quite unusual for this corner of the world! It makes it ideal for leisurely family bike rides to explore the valley.
One of the highlights of cycling on the Voie Verte is the stunning scenery that surrounds you. The route winds through a verdant landscape of rolling hills, larch forests, and towering peaks. You’ll pass through small, traditional French villages that exude a sense of charm and tranquility, and take in breathtaking views of the Alps in the distance. It really is a unique and unforgettable experience for your cycling holidays in the Oisans
The Voie Verte is also a relatively easy ride, with a gentle incline that makes it accessible to cyclists of all levels. The path is well-maintained and smooth, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery along the way.
One of the highlights of the Voie Verte is the opportunity to explore the small villages that dot the route. These villages are steeped in history and offer a glimpse into traditional French culture. You’ll find charming cafes and restaurants, artisanal shops selling locally made goods, and picturesque churches and chapels.
One of the most popular stops along the route is the village of Venosc. This charming village is home to a number of artisanal shops and galleries, as well as a 13th-century church that is well worth a visit. You can also take a cable car from Venosc to the nearby ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Alps from the top of the mountain.
Another highlight of the Voie Verte is the opportunity to see some of the region’s stunning natural features up close. One of the most popular stops along the route is the Gorges de Rochail and its Himalayan bridge, a narrow canyon that has been carved out of the rock over millennia by the rushing waters of the Vénéon river. The canyon is only accessible on foot, but offers a stunning display of natural beauty, and a great excursion.
Overall, cycling the Voie Verte in the Oisans Valley is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and charm of the French Alps. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or simply looking for a leisurely day out, the Voie Verte is a must-see destination that should not be missed on your cycling holidays in the Oisans.
4 hrs
50 m
Easy
Road routes and cols
Alpe D’huez (and Sarenne)
The cycle route from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez is a classic climb that has been a fixture of the Tour de France since 1952. This challenging ascent features 21 hairpin bends, each marked with the names of previous Tour de France winners, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Starting in the bustling town of Bourg d’Oisans, the climb up Alpe d’Huez is around 13.8 km long with an average gradient of 7.9%. The first few kilometers are relatively gentle, but the gradient quickly steepens as you approach the first hairpin bend. From there, it’s a grueling climb up the winding road to the summit, with each bend bringing you closer to the breathtaking views from the top.
Once you’ve conquered Alpe d’Huez, you can take on the Sarenne, a challenging descent that is not for the faint of heart. This narrow road descends over 1,000 meters in just over 15 km, with hairpin bends and steep drops that require careful attention and skill.
The Sarenne is the longest black run in the Alps, and the descent offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The road is not recommended for inexperienced cyclists, but for those who are up for the challenge, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Overall, the cycle route from Bourg d’Oisans to Alpe d’Huez and the Sarenne is a must-ride for any serious cyclist visiting the Oisans region. With its challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and breathtaking scenery, this route is sure to be a highlight of any cycling trip to the area.
6 hrs
1150 m
Hard
You can find the route and download the GPX here
Venosc to La Berade
The cycle route from Venosc to La Bérarde is a hidden gem in the heart of the Ecrins National Park. This picturesque route winds its way along the rushing waters of the Vénéon river, through lush forests and pastures, and up into the towering peaks of the Ecrins range.
Starting in the charming village of Venosc, the route follows a relatively flat path along the river, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. As you make your way further up the valley, the terrain becomes more challenging, with steep climbs and winding switchbacks that require a bit more effort.
After around 25 km of cycling, you’ll arrive in the remote mountain village of La Bérarde, nestled in a glacial valley at the foot of the Ecrins massif. This peaceful village is surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in the region, making it a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers.
The cycle route from Venosc to La Bérarde is a great option for cyclists of all levels, from beginners looking for a scenic ride to experienced riders seeking a challenge. The route is well-marked and offers plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
If you’re planning a cycling trip to the Ecrins region, be sure to add the Venosc to La Bérarde route to your itinerary. With its stunning natural beauty and challenging terrain, this route is sure to be a highlight of any of your cycling holidays in the Oisans.
4 hrs
900 m
Medium
You can find the route and download the GPX here
Les balcons de la Oisans
The Balcons road cycling route around Oisans is a must-ride for anyone looking to experience the stunning beauty of the French Alps on their cycling holidays in the Oisans. The route covers approximately 100 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
One of the highlights of the route is the Pas de la Confession, which runs from the Villard Reculas to Alpe d’Huez. This challenging climb is known for its steep gradients and switchback turns, and is a favorite of many professional cyclists. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the valley below.
From Alpe d’Huez, the route continues along the Balcons road to Auris. This section of the route is known for its gentle inclines and stunning scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road winds through picturesque villages and past traditional chalets, offering a glimpse into the charming culture of the region.
After reaching Auris, the route retraces its path through Le Freney before returning to Venosc. This final stretch of the route offers a chance to take in the stunning beauty of the valley one last time before completing the journey.
Overall, the Balcons road cycling route around Oisans is a challenging yet rewarding experience that offers a unique glimpse into the natural and cultural beauty of the French Alps. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or simply looking for a memorable day out, this route is a must-ride that should not be missed.
6 hrs
1400 m
Hard
You can find the route and download the GPX here
Col de la Croix de Fer
The cycle route from Venosc to Col de la Croix de Fer is one of the most challenging climbs in the Alps, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This route starts in the charming village of Venosc and winds its way up the steep slopes of the Col de la Croix de Fer, passing through the picturesque town of Saint Sorlin d’Arves along the way.
The climb up the Col de la Croix de Fer is a grueling 29 km, with an average gradient of 5.2%. The road is well-maintained and features several switchbacks, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you climb higher, you’ll pass through alpine forests and pastures, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance.
After around 22 km of cycling, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Saint Sorlin d’Arves, where you can stop for a well-deserved lunch break. This picturesque town is nestled in a narrow valley, surrounded by towering mountains and scenic vistas. There are several cafes and restaurants in the town center, offering delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks.
After lunch, it’s time to tackle the descent back down to Venosc. The route back follows the same road as the climb up, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The descent can be fast and thrilling, so be sure to keep your speed in check and stay focused on the road.
Overall, the cycle route from Venosc to Col de la Croix de Fer and Saint Sorlin d’Arves is a challenging but rewarding ride that offers stunning views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Alps. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge or a casual rider seeking a scenic route, this ride is sure to be a highlight of any cycling holidays in the Oisans region.
5 hrs
1300 m
Medium
You can find the route and download the GPX here
Ornon and Grand Serre
The cycling route from Bourg d’Oisans to Col d’Ornon, passing through the ski resort of Alpe du Grand Serre, is a scenic and challenging ride that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Oisans region.
Starting in the bustling town of Bourg d’Oisans, the route takes you up the winding road to Col d’Ornon, a challenging climb that features steep gradients and hairpin bends. The ascent is around 11 km long, with an average gradient of 6.7%, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once you reach the top of Col d’Ornon, you’ll have a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular views before descending towards the ski resort of Alpe du Grand Serre. This picturesque resort is nestled in a narrow valley, surrounded by towering peaks and scenic vistas.
After passing through the resort, the route descends towards the picturesque village of La Morte, where you’ll find several cafes and restaurants to stop for a refreshment break. From there, the route continues towards the stunning Roctaillee pass, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The descent down the Sechilienne pass is fast and thrilling, with sweeping curves and stunning scenery. As you wind your way down the mountain, you’ll pass through charming villages and lush forests, with glimpses of the nearby peaks in the distance.
Overall, the cycling route from Bourg d’Oisans to Col d’Ornon, through Alpe du Grand Serre and past Roctaillee, is a challenging and rewarding ride that offers stunning views of the Oisans region. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge or a casual rider seeking a scenic route, this ride is sure to be a highlight of any cycling holidays in the Oisans area.
10+ hrs
1800 m
Hard
You can find the route and download the GPX here
La marmotte
The Marmotte race is one of the most famous and challenging cycling events in the world, taking riders on a grueling 174 km route through the stunning mountain scenery of the Oisans region. The route is named after the iconic marmot, a furry rodent that is native to the Alps and is often spotted by riders along the way.
The Marmotte race route starts in Bourg d’Oisans and takes riders over four of the most famous mountain passes in the region. The first climb is the Col du Glandon, a 21.7 km ascent that features an average gradient of 5.1% and reaches an elevation of 1,924 meters. This climb takes riders through a beautiful valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
After descending from the Col du Glandon, riders tackle the Col du Telegraphe, a shorter climb that still features steep gradients and stunning views. From there, the route takes riders over the Col du Galibier, the highest point of the race at an elevation of 2,645 meters. This climb is a true test of endurance, with an average gradient of 6.9% and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
The final climb of the Marmotte race is the famous Alpe d’Huez, a 13.8 km ascent that features 21 hairpin bends and an average gradient of 8.1%. This climb is a true test of strength and endurance, with riders pushing themselves to the limit as they make their way up the winding road to the finish line.
The Marmotte race route is a challenging and unforgettable experience, taking riders through some of the most beautiful and iconic landscapes of the Oisans region. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a challenge or a casual rider, seeking a scenic route over a few days, the Marmotte race route is sure to be a highlight of any cycling holidays in the Oisans area.
10+ hrs
4100 m
Extreme
You can find the route and download the GPX here
