Alpe d'Huez (Northern Alps) - At the foot of the Grandes Rousses massif, Alpe d'Huez is a pretty resort offering a complete change of scenery, just an hour from Grenoble. It's a great place for outdoor sports.
What's new
Kids area
Welcome to children's paradise! This summer, the recently inaugurated extension to the Palais des Sports et des Congrès is home to a large play area for toddlers up to the age of 6. With motor skills games, a reading corner and giant bricks, there's plenty to keep them entertained throughout their stay.
Prices : 5 for children aged 2 to 6, free for children under 2. Open in the afternoon.
Outdoor activities
The lakes and the alpine garden
This is a not-to-be-missed walk in Alpe d'Huez. Located in the mid-range mountains, the Lakes and Alpine Garden circuit is easily accessible by ski lift. Once you reach the top, you'll be treated to magnificent panoramic views of the Grandes Rousses massif and three lakes: Lac Blanc, Lac du Moyen and Lac de la Fare.
During your walk, you can admire the different plant species that make up the alpine garden, which rises to an altitude of 2,700 metres. These include Alpine pansy, Arnica and cloudberry.
Tubing all the way
Sitting in an inflatable buoy, you'll be able to enjoy the thrill of sliding! Tubing is an activity suitable for all the family, from age 3 upwards. There are three choices: a group start with up to six buoys, an individual start or a finish with an airbag.
Prices : single passage €4, 5 passages €18, 10 passages €30, 20 passages €50
Address: quartier des Bergers, 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Yoga at 3,330 metres
Need to disconnect? This summer, Alpe d'Huez is organising outdoor Vinyasa (energetic) yoga sessions in the heart of lush natural surroundings. At the summit of the Pic Blanc, at an altitude of 3,330 metres, you'll enjoy a 360° view and a unique moment of disconnection.
Further information and booking on www.laurasana.yoga
Events not to be missed
Feel Good Ladies
On 13 and 14 July, women will be in the spotlight at the Feel Good Ladies Festival! Sportswomen will come together to celebrate physical activity in this year of Olympic and Paralympic Games on French soil during two days of raid. On the programme: two races in a friendly atmosphere, with a bivouac, campfire, music and a few surprises.
A meeting place for women winegrowers
Once again, women are making their presence felt at Alpe d'Huez. The Marcon wine cellar, run by Julie, has been welcoming women winemakers from all over France one Friday a month since June, to share their experiences over a tasting session.
Next sessions: 12 July and 16 August
Petanque National
Petanque is a sport that has gradually been democratised in France, bringing together everyone. For 5 days, National Alpes d'Huez will be taking place in the Oisans resort, kicking off on Wednesday and Thursday with the youngsters in the minimes, cadets and juniors categories (aged 10 to 17). Then it's the adults' turn from Friday to Sunday.
Our favourites
What could be more wonderful than discovering this mountain panorama from the air? Paragliding, as offered by the Akènefly paragliding school, is certainly the perfect activity for anyone who loves thrills and beautiful scenery. You can try your hand at paragliding, soaring to an altitude of 2108 metres before landing in the Bourg d'Oisans valley.
Information and bookings on www.akenefly.fr
Where to stay in Alpe d'Huez?
Pic Blanc
Here's a comfortable chalet just a stone's throw from the centre of the village. With its breathtaking views over the resort, the 4-star Hotel Pic Blanc offers the very best for a relaxing holiday, with its indoor pool and spa, intimate bar and traditional cuisine in its restaurant.
Address: 90 rue du Rif Briant, 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Contact: 04 76 11 42 42
Les Grandes Rousses
Why not treat yourself to a top-of-the-range establishment? The 5-star Les Grandes Rousses combines luxury and simplicity in a fabulous setting. Owned by a family for 4 generations, here, conviviality is at the heart of the services, with class in each of its rooms, suites, lofts and chalets. Here, too, you can enjoy a wellness area and fine dining in one of the restaurants.
Address: 425 route du Signal 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Contact: 04 76 80 33 11
Pop Alp
As singular as it is attractive, the Pop Alp is the hotel for those who love originality. Inspired by Pop Art, it stands out from the crowd with its colourful façade and its many artistic references inside. Its rooms and triplex flats guarantee guests every comfort, in an upmarket atmosphere.
Address: 1235 place Joseph Paganon, 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Contact: 04 76 79 54 48
Where to eat in Alpe d'Huez?
The Alpine bus
Looking for originality? This is it! The Alpine Bus is a travelling restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner. This unique experience takes place in a fully-equipped Mercedes tour bus, serving gourmet dishes in front of an idyllic mountain landscape.
Address: the bus will be in the Bergers sector at the beginning of August
Prices : menu from €30 for lunch and from €49 for dinner
La Bergerie
If you want to eat locally and enjoy an exceptional natural setting, head for the sheepfold on the Col de Sarenne. On site, the team sells products from the sheepfold, as well as offering a restaurant. Gourmets can enjoy home-made charcuterie, cheeses and omelettes at an altitude of 2,000 metres.
Address: Col de Sarenne, 38142 Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans
Pine cone
A rustic restaurant, La Pomme de Pin is housed in an old barn dating back to the 19th century. With its Savoyard specialities, langoustine ravioli, calf's head and foie gras, this is an address not to be missed for a gourmet break.
Address: 101 avenue des jeux 38750 Alpe d'Huez
Contact: 04 76 80 42 34
How do I get to Alpe d'Huez?
By car
From Grenoble, head towards Gap Sisteron on the A480 before joining the N91 to Bourg d'Oisans. Only 13 kilometres separate the town from the resort.
By train
You'll need to stop at Grenoble station to get as close as possible to the station.
By bus
Shuttle bus networks such as Resalp link the stations to the resort.
By plane
The nearest airports to Alpe d'Huez are Grenoble, Chambéry, Myon and Geneva.
Alpe d'Huez in brief
The pretty resort of Alpe d'Huez is perched at an altitude of 1860 metres, in the heart of the Oisans massif. Much appreciated for its sunny climate, it boasts a vast ski area and magnificent mountains where you can enjoy a wide range of activities, whether relaxing, sporting or sensational.
READ MORE: Les 2 Alpes: mountain activities, highlights, restaurants, hotels... What to do in summer?
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