Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Alpe d'Huez

Alpe d'Huez

L'Alpe d'Huez

France · Isère

1,860m

Key Facts

Elevation
1,860m
Route length
13.8 km
Max gradient
13%
Hairpins
19
Driving difficulty
Challenging (3/5)
Surface
Excellent
Open
Year-round

Route & Map

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Route

SLe Bourg-d'Oisans
13.8 km · max 13%
Alpe d'Huez (1,860m)
Descent
EAlpe d'Huez (village)
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The most famous cycling climb in the world with 21 legendary numbered hairpin bends. A dead-end climb to a ski resort, each bend named after a Tour de France stage winner.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

719m998m1,276m1,555m1,833m0 km5 km10 km15 km1,833m
1,244m gain
138m loss
727m → 1,833m → 1,833m

Difficulty

Challenging

3/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

19

Serious switchback territory

When to Drive

Year-round (best: July - September)

  • Open year-round, though winter conditions may require snow equipment.
  • Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for clear views, ideal light, and less traffic.
  • Steep gradients demand good brakes. Use low gears on descent to avoid brake fade.

Coordinates

Summit
45.0928°N, 6.0694°E
Start (Le Bourg-d'Oisans)
45.0542°N, 6.0303°E
End (Alpe d'Huez (village))
45.0928°N, 6.0694°E
#iconic#cycling#tour-de-france#21-hairpins#dead-end

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