Alpe d‘Huez

[paulb55]

Hi All,

Looking at doing a guided or self guided tour of Alpe d'Huez and other southern alps next year and wondering if you have any recommendations for tour companies that do this sort of thing or if any of you have tips etc for DIY'ing it

in appreciation of your views

 

[rich p]

If it's self-guided why do you need a company? Pick a route to include some of the peaks and google accommodation using Booking.com etc.

 

[paulb55]

If it's self-guided why do you need a company? Pick a route to include some of the peaks and google accommodation using Booking.com etc.

dosent matter if its guided or not, just looking for any advice either way

 

[simon.r]

I can recommend this campsite: http://www.camping-piscine.com/index.html They also have chalets on site.

 

[jdtate101]

I used alpcycles.com for my Marmotte trip and would highly recommend them, however it's a structured travel company and if you want to freestyle (ie do climbs not on their itinery) then I don't think a travel company would be best. There are loads of hotels in the region and plenty of camp sites. You could just sling the bike and kit in the back of a car and eurotunnel it over. The trip down via the motorways is long and costs a bit in fuel and tolls, but is do-able in about 8hrs. Le-bourg D'osians is as good a place as any to base yourself, as you are on the doorstep to climb the Alpe D'Huez, Col d'Ornon, Lauteret/Galibier, Glandon/Croix de Fer and a few others. Plus if you have the car with you, you can go further afield and ride from the car.

 

[bianchi1]

I drive down every other year. If I have time I will avoid the autoroute, it's expensive, but it is faster. One hint is to NEVER buy fuel from the service stations on the motorway. It can be up to 10% more than supermarkets that are just off the junctions.

If I am around alpe dhuez, I tend to camp in Allemont. It's quieter and a bit more attractive. If you are around the area do get up the col de sabot (head up to the ski village of vaujany and just carry on up). It's a truly amazing climb, and generally completely deserted.

I have used tour companies in the past, but find the freedom of a self organised trip far more enjoyable, and at a fraction of the cost.

One important thing I always do is make sure that there is not some huge cycling event / crazy triathlon or french national holiday happening at the time I want to travel!

 

[paulb55]

I used alpcycles.com for my Marmotte trip and would highly recommend them, however it's a structured travel company and if you want to freestyle (ie do climbs not on their itinery) then I don't think a travel company would be best. There are loads of hotels in the region and plenty of camp sites. You could just sling the bike and kit in the back of a car and eurotunnel it over. The trip down via the motorways is long and costs a bit in fuel and tolls, but is do-able in about 8hrs. Le-bourg D'osians is as good a place as any to base yourself, as you are on the doorstep to climb the Alpe D'Huez, Col d'Ornon, Lauteret/Galibier, Glandon/Croix de Fer and a few others. Plus if you have the car with you, you can go further afield and ride from the car.

Thanks Jdtate
Good advice and just what i was looking for, appreciate it

 

[paulb55]

I drive down every other year. If I have time I will avoid the autoroute, it's expensive, but it is faster. One hint is to NEVER buy fuel from the service stations on the motorway. It can be up to 10% more than supermarkets that are just off the junctions.

If I am around alpe dhuez, I tend to camp in Allemont. It's quieter and a bit more attractive. If you are around the area do get up the col de sabot (head up to the ski village of vaujany and just carry on up). It's a truly amazing climb, and generally completely deserted.

I have used tour companies in the past, but find the freedom of a self organised trip far more enjoyable, and at a fraction of the cost.

One important thing I always do is make sure that there is not some huge cycling event / crazy triathlon or french national holiday happening at the time I want to travel!

Thanks bianchi.
Was thinking of driving down and going for the cheaper option, good advice and thanks again

 

[bianchi1]

Thanks bianchi.
Was thinking of driving down and going for the cheaper option, good advice and thanks again

If you are taking a car you do open up the option of having a couple of 'bases'. I quite often stay in the village of la chambre which is in the valley over from bourg. Beautiful climbs up the Glandon and the Madelene plus good access to the Galibier via the Telegraph. I will spend a few days here then have a rest day driving over the col to the other valley.

My favourite campsite in la chambre is : http://www.campingleboisjoli.com/fr/index.aspx .Not posh at all but peaceful, shaded and has a bar and a pool. All for 10 quid a day!

 

[rich p]

I stayed in a cheap hotel (35 euros p.n. between 3 of us) in St Jean du Maurienne. It enabled us to do the Col du Glandon, Croix de Fer, Galibier and Alpe d'Huez without much logistics. We did have a car so we didn't have to do the Marmotte-lite every day.

 

[paulb55]

Thanks Guys,

Really good info recieved and just what i was looking for