Just picture this… Oisans with its high mountain passes. Oisans and its twisting mountain roads. Oisans and the cycle paths that wind all the way up to the peaks…
If you hear about Bourg d’Oisans as being the heart and soul of Oisans, it’s not only due to its geographic location, but also thanks to the importance that cyclists give to the village. From April to October, Bourg d’Oisans well and truly shifts gear and becomes the cycling capital.
Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – Departure of the Tour de France in Bourg d’Oisans ©Laurent Salino
Départ du Tour de France à Bourg d’Oisans Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – Cycling through Bourg d’Oisans ©Laurent Salino
A vélo dans Bourg d’Oisans Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – The Alpe d’Huez uphill climb ©Cyrille Quintard
La montée de l’Alpe d’Huez Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – Cycling up to Alpe d’Huez ©Cyrille Quintard
La montée de l’Alpe d’Huez à Vélo Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – Cycling up the Col de la Croix de Fer / Glando ©Cyrille Quintard
Montée au col de la Croix de Fer / Glando Cycling in Bourg d’Oisans – A souvenir photo up at the Col de la Croix de Fer ©Cyrille Quintard
Photo souvenir au col de la Croix de Fer
Tour de france
Bourg d’Oisans has been the starting point for the ‘Grand Boucle’ 22 times now out of over 100 editions, yes that’s right! So imagine just how many people watching the Tour de France on TV have seen the magical setting of Bourg d’Oisans. Every summer we can see how well-known the place has become on an international scale, with tourists coming from all over the world, enjoying themselves and admiring the exceptional surroundings as they explore these iconic mountains.
Living and Breathing Cycling
As soon as the sun comes up in Bourg d’Oisans, the place is buzzing with excitement. The cyclists are getting ready to set off, and as we stroll through the streets of the village, we see various groups ready to take on a mountain pass. When we see them psyching themselves up, motivated for the climb ahead, we could imagine they’re a bit mad; but they always come back with a huge grin on their faces, absolutely exhausted, to then enjoy a beer in front of a café and relive their adventures through the videos taken during the day!
That’s the true essence of cycling in Bourg d’Oisans; intense thrilling moments, some tough sporting challenges and the feeling of achievement when your dream comes true.