Oisans in Isère in the French Alps is an unmissable destination for any cyclist. To enjoy some glorious scenic rides and take the pain out of some strength-sapping climbs, e-bikes provide the perfect answer!
The famous 21 hairpin-bend climb up to Alpe d’Huez is one of the most iconic cycle routes. Now, thanks to Oisan’s huge investment in e-bikes this and many other spectacular rides can be enjoyed by people of all sporting abilities – not just Tour de France champions!
With a growing network of battery charging points and shops that rent out e-bikes, and an extensive range of bike-friendly accommodation, there are 29 detailed itineraries to try from tours around the Lac du Verney to epic climbs up the many mountain passes which enable you to enter or leave Oisans: the Glandon Pass, the Croix de Fer Pass, the Galibier Pass, the Lautaret Pass, the Ornon Pass…
The Col de la Croix de Fer and the Col du Glandon
Vaujany
Distance: 60km
Time: 7 hrs
E-bikes are no barrier to long rides, and this one needs a scheduled recharge stop. But it’s well worth it once you get to the top of the pass! You will be rewarded with a 360° view in high-altitude scenery that is often a backdrop for the Tour de France.
Recharging: restaurants in Le Rivier d’Allemont.
Around the Lac du Verney
Oz-en-Oisans
Distance: 29km
Time: 4hrs
Come down off the mountains to visit the beautful Lac du Verney and enjoy a cool bike ride around the shore. The views over the surrounding valleys from each side of the lake are always different, A quiet and beautiful ride!
Recharging: at restaurants in the town of Allemont.
Alpe d’Huez: the Sarenne Gorges
Alpe d’Huez
Distance: 27.7km
Time: 7hrs
MTB road
This route takes you up the Oz cable car to the Alpe d’Huez “Domaine VTT” mountain-biking area. You then ride through the lovely Sarenne Gorges before returning to the start point by road.
Recharging: restaurants in Huez and Alpe d’Huez.
Alpe d’Huez: the classic climb
Le Bourg d’Oisans
Distance: 31km
Time: up to you!
Follow in the tyretracks of the Tour de France champion riders. Enjoy the famous climb up the 21 hairpin bends to Alpe d’Huez! You can also carry on to Lac Besson (5.5 extra kms and 250m extra height gain). Return on the same road.
Recharging: at restaurants in Huez and Alpe d’Huez.
The Vallée Blanche ‘off-piste’
Les Deux Alpes
Distance: 6km
Time: 4hrs
MTB road
One of the most famous of ski itineraries, the Vallée Blanche is also accessible to e-bikers in the summer. On your left, the mountain stretches up to the 3400m glacier, on your right, you have the Vallée Blanche with its summit, Le Pied Moutet, at 2,339m.
Recharging: restaurants in Les Deux Alpes.
Follow the Routes to discovery
There are 21 signposted road cycling routes in the Isère region, covering a total of 1,000 kilometres, to guide road bikers and even e-bikers through the huge variety of landscape and terrain, with routes for beginners and experienced riders alike.
You can enjoy the cultural heritage of Vienne, visit the incredible caves around Crémieu, experience the natural wonders of Chartreuse Regional Park or take on epic challenges - from the Belledonne Balconies, to the Four Mountains route in Vercors.
For a full list of routes and more info, go to uk.bike-oisans.com
