Cycling Paradise:
From small country roads to solitary mountain passes lost in the clouds, Oisans is a very popular area for cycling. Come and explore the six valleys of this fantastic area with its winding roads, its perched villages, sitting on mountain tops like eagles’ nests, or its more gentle roads opening up its hidden valleys. As you will see, each road has its own history and each village has its own distinctive character.
The ‘30 Cyclo Tourisme’ guide lists 30 routes all starting from Bourg d’Oisans, including the infamous 21 hairpin bends to Alpe d’Huez, as well as some less strenuous routes suitable for all the family.
Oisans hosts spectacular mountain bike competitions such as ‘Megavalanche’, the longest MTB downhill race in the world, starting in Alpe d’Huez and finishing 30km and 2800m further down. There are events for everyone to participate in and with the cable car open all year round, the route up the mountain could not be easier!
Summer Activities for Kids and Big Kids!:
Take flight! Paragliding courses for beginners, tandem jumps and advanced courses all available. On the water -
whether you choose the peace and tranquility of fishing or the excitement of white water rafting, you can find it here, with over 200km of streams and rivers and many mountain lakes. Sailing, kayaking, rafting and canyoning, swimming pools, fountains in the summer, the water offers a wide range of refreshing possibilities.
The childrens club is open all summer to children aged 4 to 14, with all sorts of activities, swimming outings, tree climbing and sports tournaments. The Ecrins National park was created to protect and enhance the extraordinary natural heritage of Oisans. It has over 680km of way-marked trials ranging from simple strolls to adventurous hikes. Surrounded by the majestic mountains, whatever path you choose the setting is sure to be memorable. The 'Via Ferratas' (ladders, ramps and cables fixed to the rock face) provide climbers with complete security
Getting to Bourg and Alpe d'Huez:
Our closest airport is Grenoble, a small provincial airport that is wonderfully quick to get in and out from. Ryanair fly all year round and Easyjet in winter. Grenoble airport is 56 miles and about an hours drive from Bourg. We recommend pre-booking car-hire or you can take the transfer to Grenoble City Centre and a bus from there. Almost as easy is Lyon airport which is 85 miles and about an hour and a quarter drive. British Airways and many of the low cost airlines operate flights to Lyon and there is more choice to Lyon from airports in the Midlands and the North. Some guests also fly into Geneva which is about 2 1/2 hours drive. Grenoble train station and city centre is 44 miles from Bourg d'Oisans with a number of buses available. If you prefer to drive it is 8 to 9 hours from Calais or Boulougne. It's an easy, if long drive, as the motorways tend to be much quieter than the UK. The tolls are about 80 euros each way.
Other Activities:
white water rafting, kayaking
