Discovering One of the Hidden Cycling Gems of the Alpe d’Huez region : The Climb to Oulles
If you’re a cycling enthusiast looking for a challenge, let me introduce you to one of the most invigorating yet lesser-known climbs in the Alpe d’Huez region of the French Alps—the ascent to Oulles from Le Bourg d’Oisans. Check out the YouTube or carry on reading below
The Ascent Begins
Starting just outside the charming town of Le Bourg d’Oisans, the road begins to climb almost immediately. At first, it’s a gentle incline as you follow the valley up towards the COl d’Ornon, lulling you into a false sense of ease before the real challenge kicks in. Once you turn onto the road to Oulles, the climb ramps up dramatically.
You’ll soon find yourself navigating a series of 14 tight hairpin bends, each carved into the mountainside. These bends are numbered with small wooden plaques, adding a sense of progression to the climb . As you grind your way up, it’s hard not to marvel at the sheer engineering feat it took to build this road.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
This climb might only be just under 7 kilometers in length, but it’s a beast. With 635 meters of vertical gain and an average gradient of 9.9%, this is no casual ride. The switchbacks provide short moments of relief, but they are few and far between.
Breathtaking Views on Every Turn
As you conquer each bend, you’re treated to spectacular panoramic views over the Oisans valley. You’ll catch glimpses of the road snaking up towards Alpe d’Huez and the. These vistas are a perfect excuse to pause, catch your breath, and appreciate the stunning alpine scenery that you have come to explore.
Each Bend, a New Challenge
Every one of the 14 bends has its own character. Some are tight and sharp, while others offer a brief stretch of comparative ease. Personally, I think one of the bends barely qualifies as a turn, but who am I to argue with the plaque?
The higher you climb, the more isolated you feel from the valley below. By the time you approach the top, it’s just you, your bike, and the towering Oisans’ peaks ahead.
Reaching the Summit of Oulles
At 1,405 meters, you finally reach the tiny village of Oulles. It’s a place that feels frozen in time, with no bustling cafés or tourist shops to greet you—just peace, quiet, and perhaps a friendly dog or two from the village. The climb may be over, but the sense of accomplishment is immense.
A quick note on Oulles itself: the road we ride on today (the D211) was built in the 1960s, but the village dates back much further. Oulles was once home to several hundred people during its peak as a mining community in the 17th to 19th centuries. Today, however, it’s one of the smallest communes in France, with depending on who you ask up to seven permanent residents. Despite this, there’s a delightful water fountain where you can refill your bottles with fresh mountain spring water.
The Descent: A Technical Challenge
After taking in the sights, it’s time to descend the same route. Here’s where things get tricky: the descent is just as technical as the climb. The road is steep, narrow, and often littered with rocks or branches, so caution is key. You might meet the occasional car or fellow cyclist on their way up, but traffic is rare, even in what could be considered “rush hour” by local standards.
As you navigate your way down the 14 bends, you’ll realize just how demanding the road really is. But descending the road you worked so hard to climb only adds to the satisfaction of the day’s efforts.
Why Oulles Deserves Your Attention
Oulles is not a climb for the faint-hearted. It doesn’t offer the crowds, fanfare, or amenities of more famous ascents like Alpe d’Huez, but it does give you something much more rewarding—an authentic, peaceful challenge, a true escape into the mountains. And in the end, isn’t that what we seek when we cycle through the Alps?
So if you’re looking for a climb that’s off the beaten path, that tests both your body and mind, then add the ascent to Oulles to your cycling bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.