Alpe d'Huez I Sunshine in the French Alps
Alpe d'Huez, the most orange spot in France in the summer months. And of course especially when the Tour de France crosses this mountain. There is no place during the Tour de France where you will find more Dutch people than on the Alpe d'Huez. But that is of course not the only reason why the Alpe d'Huez is a popular holiday destination. The Alpe d'Huez is a popular destination for active people in both the winter months and the summer months.
Where is the Alpe d'Huez located?
The Alpe d'Huez is a mountain and a mountain village with the same name in the French Alps. It is about an hour's drive from Grenoble and close to the Ecrins and Vercors national parks. The Alpe d'Huez is located in the Grandes Rousses mountain massif, at an altitude of 1,860 meters. The Alpe d'Huez is close to the valley of Bourg d'Oisans, another popular holiday destination in the French Alps, especially for families.
Alpe d'Huez I The perfect holiday destination for active people
The Alpe d'Huez is a popular holiday destination for many, but especially for those looking for a more active holiday. Because on this mountain in the French Alps, you will find plenty to do in both summer and winter. Both extreme athletes and leisurely hikers will have a great time on the Alpe d'Huez.
Alpe d'Huez I A great destination for families with kids
The French Alps are a great destination for families with young children or older children. Both young children and older children will not be bored for a second on this mountain in the Alps. There is something for everyone to do in this mountain village. And if you just want to do nothing as a family, that is of course also possible. Because due to the location of Alpe d'Huez on the south side of the mountain, the sun shines here no less than 300 days a year.
The Alpe d'Huez has received the Famille Plus quality mark from the French government and is therefore officially labeled as a great holiday destination for families. We can say from experience that the Alpe d'Huez is a wonderful destination as a family. With two older children, we had a great time here.
What to do on the Alpe d'Huez?
But what is there to do on the Alpe d'Huez. So everything. Young, old, cyclists, hikers, no one will be bored during a summer holiday to the Alpe d'Huez. We have listed some fun activities to do on the Alpe d'Huez for you. Read all about fun things to do and see on the Alpe d'Huez below.
Pic Blanc I Up to 3323 meters altitude in the French Alps
Pic Blanc is perhaps the main attraction when you are on holiday to the Alpe d'Huez. El Pic Blanc is the white mountain peak that rises high above the Alpe d'Huez. From the Alpe d'Huez there is a cable car to this white mountain top.
This is really one of the nicest things to do in the Alpe d'Huez. Because how nice is it to just stand with your feet in the snow in the middle of summer? Moreover, the view from Pic Blanc is nothing short of spectacular. From Pic Blanc you have a panoramic view over the French Alps and you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance, which is about a 2.5 drive away.
The famous climb of the Alpe d'Huez I Cycling in the Alpe d'Huez
Cycling is a popular activity on the Alpe d'Huez. The climb of the Alpe d'Huez is one of the most popular stages of the Tour de France for a reason. The ascent of the Alpe d'Huez starts in the nice village, Bourg des Oisans, from where you climb 13.8 kilometers and 1061 through 21 hairpin bends.
Alpe d'HuZes is also well known in the Netherlands, a fundraising event for KWF Cancer Control, in which thousands of participants climb the mountain several times.
In the summer months, many bicycle tourists try to do this same climb. Moreover, there are many more great cycling routes in the Alpe d'Huez area. A somewhat less challenging climb is, for example, the Col d'Ornon. This climb is a lot shorter and less steep.
Mountainbiking on the Alpe d'Huez
But besides climbing the Alpe d'Huez, descending this mountain is just as popular. Alpe d'Huez is a paradise for mountain bikers. It is one of the largest mountain biking areas in France. In total there are more than 250 kilometers of trails for mountain biking, connecting the villages on this mountain plateau. 36 different, marked trails have been laid out on the Alpe d'Huez up to an altitude of no less than 2,600 metres.
The most special trail on the Alpe d'Huez is the Megavalnache EN1. From the highest point of the Alpe d'Huez, Pic Blanc, you descend all the way down to the village Bourg d'Oisans. An exciting descent that goes through snow, rocks, forests and meadows. Are you a novice mountain biker? Even then there are plenty of nice routes to descend. As a beginner it is wise to follow the green and blue routes.
Cool off in the lakes of the Alpe d'Huez
The Alpe d'Huez is located in the mountain massif les Grandes Rousses. On this mountain plateau are several clear blue lakes with ice-cold mountain water. Perfect for cooling off during the hot summer days. The most famous lake is Lac Besson. This lake is right next to the gondola lift. Many people who arrive here immediately take the opportunity to descend towards the bright blue water of this lake.
Other beautiful lakes on the Alpe d'Huez are Carrelt, Faucille and Noir. If you really want to take a dip in these lakes, be prepared for ice-cold water that flows down from the glaciers into these lakes.
X-Fly I More Adreline on the Alpe d'Huez
There are so many fun things to do on the Alpe d'Huez. Are you looking for an adrenaline boost? Then X-Fly is the best place for this on the Alpe d'Huez. From this 9 meter high tower, you can do four activities. You can go down the zip wire, abseil or go for the ultimate thrill and go for a free fall of 4 or 8 meters, where you land on a bouncy castle. You can also climb the tower.
What other activities can you do on the Alpe d'Huez?
We can't possibly describe all the activities you can do on the Alpe d'Huez separately, because there really is so much to do. So here's a quick rundown of everything else you can do on this mountain plateau in the French Alps.
-Indoor adventure park Vertigo, a great indoor park to visit in bad weather - Tobogganing, even in the summer months you can toboggan over a rail while wearing a virtual reality mask. - Golf. There is a golf course, which is also suitable for beginners. Children from 6 years old are allowed to play golf here. - To climb. Rocks enough on the Alpe d'Huez. Around Lake Besson there are several rocks that can be climbed. Some rocks are as high as 120 meters. Both experienced and novice climbers can climb the Alpe d'Huez. - Horse riding. The riding school on the Alpe d'Huez provides various horseback riding trips. But you can also go here for a nice walking route with a donkey. - Another fun activity is canoeing on the river La Rive or something more exciting, rafting Le Vénéon.
Summer holiday to the Alpe d'Huez I An active holiday full of fun activities
When you go on holiday to the Alpe d'Huez, it can only be an active holiday full of fun activities and unforgettable experiences. The surroundings are beautiful and that only makes all activities more fun. If you want a relaxed holiday, the Alpe d'Huez is definitely not the destination for you. Because lounging on this mountain plateau might be fun for a day, but afterwards you can't help but itch to go back into the mountains of the French Alps and participate in all the fun activities you can do here.
Alpe d'Huez in winter
The Alpe d'Huez is not only a great destination in summer. Maybe even less in the summer than in the winter. Because during the cold winter months, this mountain plateau in the French Alps turns into a winter sports paradise. Every year thousands of winter sports tourists head for the Alpe d'Huez and the nearby Les Deux Alpes.
Sleeping near the Alpe d'Huez
The Alpe d'Huez is a ski resort. You will therefore find many accommodations here that are intended as accommodation during the winter months. We love this "Austrian" atmosphere of these accommodations. Below are some of our suggestions for a special night's sleep in the Alpe d'Huez area. Accommodations with that wonderful atmosphere that belongs to the mountains of the French Alps.
A luxury resort with spa on top of the French Alps.
An attractive hotel in the middle of the Alps with that wonderful Alpine appearance!
A beautiful hotel in a beautiful place. What a view!
