There are few places in the world where you can string together so many legendary mountain passes without ever getting back in the car. Nestled at an altitude of 720 metres at the foot of Alpe d'Huez, at the crossroads of five Alpine valleys, Bourg-d'Oisans is quite simply one of the best cycling base camps in Europe. Here is why you should make it the starting point for your cycling holiday, and how to organise an unforgettable week.
A unique geographical location
Bourg-d’Oisans occupies the floor of the Romanche valley, right where the roads from Grenoble, the Briançon region, the Maurienne and the Écrins meet. As a result, around ten hors catégorie mountain passes are accessible for the day, in four different directions. You can thus climb a giant every day, vary the atmospheres and return to town for dinner.
The mountain passes by valley, departing from the town
Towards Alpe d'Huez and its balconies
Impossible to stay here without climbing the 21 bends of the’Alpe d'Huez. Right opposite, the Col de Sarenne offers a wild escape, while the balcony roads of’Auris and Villard-Reculas overlooking the valley. To go higher, continue to Lake Besson, at over 2,000 m.
Towards the Romanche, the Lautaret and the Galibier
Going back up the Romanche, we reach the Col du Lautaret then the legendary Col du Galibier. On the way, the resort of Les Deux Alpes and the high mountain pasture village of Besse-en-Oisans well worth a visit.
Towards Allemond, the Croix de Fer and the Glandon
The Eau d'Olle valley leads to the neighbours Col de la Croix de Fer and Col du Glandon, as well as the steep climb of’Oz-en-Oisans and to the giant Col du Sabot.
Towards the south and the perched villages
More confidential, the routes of Col d’Ornon, de Villard-Notre-Dame, of’Oulles or the long Vénéon valley as far as La Bérarde offer peace and quiet and wide open spaces.
A one-week programme example
- Day 1 — Warm-up: Col d'Ornon (gentle gradient) to test one's form.
- Day 2 — The must-visit: Alpe d'Huez, then down via Sarenne.
- Day 3 — Active recovery: balcony of Villard-Reculas or Auris.
- Day 4 — Great day: Croix de Fer and Glandon loop.
- Day 5 — Rest or a quiet little outing (Les Deux Alpes).
- Day 6 The highlight of the trip: the Galibier via the Romanche valley.
- Day 7 — Personal challenge: the Col du Sabot or an Oisans Col Series time trial.
Always alternate giant cols and gentle climbs to recover well. To put together your programme according to your fitness level, consult our guide which mountain pass to climb according to your level.
Accommodation and appliances
Bourg-d'Oisans offers numerous cyclist-friendly accommodations (hotels, campsites, gîtes), bicycle rental and repair shops, as well as all useful amenities. Its manageable size and cycling atmosphere make it a friendly place where you can meet enthusiasts from all over the world, especially around the time of The Marmotte.
When to come?
The peak cycling season runs from June to October. Remember to check the opening of high mountain passes like the Galibier before you set off: all our tips are in the article when to climb the Oisans mountain passes.
Frequently asked questions
How many mountain passes can be climbed from Bourg-d’Oisans?
A good dozen major mountain passes are accessible for a day ride, across four different valleys, without having to get back in the car.
What is the easiest col starting from Bourg-d’Oisans?
The Col d’Ornon, with its gentle and steady gradient, is ideal for warming up.
Is Bourg-d'Oisans suitable for beginners?
Yes: between gentle climbs and legendary mountain passes, everyone can put together their own itinerary. There is plenty of scope to improve at any level.
Ready to plan your stay? Explore all the mountain passes, sorted by area, on the Oisans mountain passes page.