Cyclingtrippers
Alpe d’Huez and Col de Sarenne Loop
French Alps

Alpe d’Huez and Col de Sarenne Loop

A harder and more adventurous way to ride the Alpe d’Huez area, combining the famous hairpins with the quieter, rougher feel of Col de Sarenne.

Distance
65 to 95 km
Elevation Gain
1,900 to 2,700 m
Ride Time
4.5 to 7 hours
Difficulty
Hors Catégorie
Surface
Road
Start
Bourg d’Oisans
Best Season
June to September

This is the route for riders who want more than the classic Alpe d’Huez up and down. The idea is simple: use Bourg d’Oisans as your base, climb the famous hairpins, then connect the day with Col de Sarenne for a more complete Alpine loop.

Sarenne changes the mood. Alpe d’Huez is famous, wide and full of cycling energy. Sarenne feels quieter and more rugged. Together, they make a route that feels less like ticking off one climb and more like riding a proper mountain day.

How to Build This Ride

  • Start in Bourg d’Oisans.
  • Climb Alpe d’Huez via the classic road.
  • Continue towards Col de Sarenne.
  • Use the Sarenne side to build a loop rather than simply returning the same way.
  • Finish back in Bourg d’Oisans.

Villages & Coffee Stops

  • Bourg d’Oisans is the best base. Alpe d’Huez works as a practical refill point. Once you move towards Sarenne, the ride feels more remote, so do not rely on finding easy stops everywhere.

Make it shorter

Ride Alpe d’Huez only and save Sarenne for another day.

Make it harder

Add extra valley kilometres before or after the loop, but be honest about the workload. The climbs already make this a serious day.

Local Notes

Check road surface and weather before committing to the Sarenne loop. It is not the same polished experience as the main Alpe d’Huez road. That is part of the appeal, but also part of the risk.

This is a flexible ride idea, not a turn-by-turn route. Use the climbs, villages and notes above to build your own GPX in Komoot, Strava, Ride with GPS or another planner before you ride.

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