Oisans mountain passes · Cycling
Villard-Notre-Dame
One of the most spectacular and wildest routes in the Oisans: tunnels carved into the cliff and very steep slopes above Bourg-d’Oisans.
Live weather
Real-time · Open-Meteo. The mountain top weather often differs from the valley.
Climb profile — Bourg-d’Oisans
Calculated from our GPX track (IGN altitude). Segments coloured according to the gradient.
Gradient kilometre by kilometre view details
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How long does it take to go up?
Estimate based on your power-to-weight ratio (physical model, validated against real times). Indicative only.
Villard-Notre-Dame by bike from Bourg-d’Oisans
The road to Villard-Notre-Dame is one of the most spectacular and wild of Oisans. Carved into the cliff above Bourg-d'Oisans, she is crossing some unlit tunnels carved into the rock: 9.8 km and 819 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 8.3 %, all the way to the village perched at 1,520 m. A climb best suited to seasoned cyclists seeking thrills and tranquillity.
Difficulty
It's an incline demanding the slope is steep and irregular, with ramps reaching 17 % over the 100 hardest metres. The road surface is sometimes in a poor state and the tunnels are plunged into darkness — one bicycle lighting is essential, and caution is required (safety wire and chain on the side). In return, a breathtaking view of the Romanche valley and a rare sense of adventure.
An Oisans adventure road
Little frequented, the road to Villard-Notre-Dame extends towards Villard-Reymond and the Col de Solude, for the more adventurous. It is a must-see for fans of secluded roads and timeless climbs, just a stone's throw from Alpe d'Huez but in a completely different world.
Frequently asked questions
Is the road to Villard-Notre-Dame difficult by bike?
Yes: 9.8 km an average of 8.3 %, with periods of 17 % and unlit tunnels. Reserved for experienced cyclists.
Is lighting required?
Essential: the tunnels are not lit. Take a lamp and ride carefully.
What is the altitude of Villard-Notre-Dame?
The perched village is located approximately 1,520 m, above Bourg-d'Oisans.
Neighbouring passes — South Oisans: Lignarre & perched villages
Route © OpenStreetMap contributors · Altitude © IGN RGE ALTI · Max gradient over 100 m : climbfinder.