Oisans mountain passes · Cycling
Villard-Reculas
The quiet climb up the balcony of L'Alpe d'Huez, opposite the 21 hairpin bends, all the way to the village of Villard-Reculas.
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.
Cycling from Bourg-d’Oisans to Villard-Reculas
Perched on a balcony overlooking the 21 bends of the Alpe d’Huez, Villard-Reculas (1,445 m) offers a climb discreet and panoramic. Since Bourg-d'Oisans, the road winds gently upwards towards this village nestled on its sun-drenched hillside: 12.2 km and 824 m elevation gain Averaging 6 %. A lovely alternative route – peaceful and easy to cycle – with breathtaking views across the whole of the Romanche Valley.
Difficulty
The slope is moderate and steady (around 6–7 %, up to 9 %), on a quiet road. Nothing too tricky: it’s an accessible climb, ideal for cyclists looking for beautiful scenery without the crowds of Alpe d’Huez. Time trial enthusiasts are also familiar with the Villard-Reculas Vertical Kilometre, a renowned local event.
The quiet ascent of Alpe d’Huez
Since Villard-Reculas, can we join the’Alpe d'Huez by Not from the Confession, a little-known and magnificent variation on the famous pass. A lovely place to explore, which can be combined with the Col de Sarenne or Auris for a loop along the balcony path above the Romanche.
Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of Villard-Reculas?
The ‘balcony village’ is situated in 1,445 m, facing the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez.
Is the climb of Villard-Reculas difficult?
Moderate: 12.2 km at an average of 6 %, on a quiet, even road.
Can you get to Alpe d’Huez from Villard-Reculas?
Yes, by the Step of the Confession : a quiet and stunning route to Alpe d’Huez.
Neighbouring cols — Alpe d’Huez & its balconies
Route © OpenStreetMap contributors · Altitude © IGN RGE ALTI · Max gradient over 100 m : climbfinder.