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Bourg-d’Oisans climbs

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The eastern road towards Col de Sarenne above Lac du Chambon
Col de Sarenne, approached from Lac du Chambon.

Use Bourg-d’Oisans as a base for five different Alpine climbs: Alpe d’Huez, Glandon, Ornon, Sarenne and Lautaret. Choose four riding days for a week with a free day, accounting for the connection to each recorded start and the journey back.

Compare the climbs

5 selected routes, from 10.5 km to 33.6 km, with 642 m to 1,414 m of elevation gain.

Scenery and traffic highlights are based on published ratings.

Climb and approachDistanceElevation gainAverage gradient
Alpe d'Huez from Le Bourg-d'Oisans via Tour de France13.9 km1,121 m8.0%
Col du Glandon from Barrage du Verney / Allemont26.5 km1,378 m4.5%
Col d'Ornon10.5 km642 m6.0%
Col de Sarenne from Lac du Chambon12.8 km955 m7.4%
Col du Lautaret from Bourg d'Oisans33.6 km1,414 m3.9%

Where to stay and reach the starts

Le Bourg-d’Oisans sits at the foot of the Alpe d’Huez road. For Glandon, reach the recorded start by Barrage du Verney near Allemond. Ornon begins on the western side of the valley; the Sarenne entry starts at Lac du Chambon farther east. Allow for these valley connections, by bike or transfer, as well as the return.

Four rides in a week

One possible order is arrival, Ornon, Alpe d’Huez, a free day, Glandon, Sarenne, then departure. Move the longer rides to suit conditions and your plans. Keep each as its own outing when comparing the profiles; the climb distance does not include the ride from your accommodation.

Different roads from the same valley

Glandon and Croix de Fer share much of their approach from Allemond, so this selection keeps Glandon alongside Ornon and Sarenne for variety. The long Lautaret approach follows the main valley road; its lower average gradient does not make it a short outing. Sarenne starts at Lac du Chambon. Check Oisans road-opening information before travelling.

Average gradient describes the recorded route as a whole. Open a climb to see its elevation profile and how the gradient changes along the road.

Further reading

Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome climbing Alpe d’Huez at the 2018 Tour de France

Tour de France climbs

11 climbs · Alpine and Pyrenean classics, Ventoux and two contrasting Vosges climbs.

The Col des Aravis road below limestone mountain walls

Aravis climbs

5 climbs · Compare Aravis, Colombière and Croix Fry, with a separate Reposoir-side Romme ascent.

The road at Col d’Izoard surrounded by high Alpine slopes

Briançon climbs

6 climbs · Both sides of Izoard, steep Granon and high passes above the Queyras.