Watching the finish at Alpe d’Huez from Auris-en-Oisans
This year, the Oisans region is once again hosting the Tour de France, one of the world’s greatest cycling races, with a special feature: L’Alpe d’Huez will host not one, but two stage finishes! A first in the history of the Tour.
These stages will take place on 24 and 25 July 2026, just before the final finish in Paris. From Auris-en-Oisans, the ski lifts will take you there in 30 minutes, without a car and without any traffic jams.
Find all the practical information you need to make the most of the Tour de France’s visit to Oisans.
The two stages of the Tour de France at Alpe d’Huez
Friday 24 July – Stage 19
Gap – Alpe d’Huez: The legendary 21 bends
128 km, short and explosive. After the Col Bayard, the Col du Noyer and the Col d’Ornon, the riders will tackle the 21 legendary bends (13.8 km at an average gradient of 8.1%). A first finish at Alpe d’Huez ahead of the decisive stage the following day.
Saturday 25 July – Stage 20
Le Bourg-d’Oisans – Alpe d’Huez: The Queen Stage of the Tour
171 km, 5,600 m of climbing: this is the queen stage of the 2026 Tour: Croix de Fer, Télégraphe, Galibier, then the Col de Sarenne for a historic finish at Alpe d’Huez: for the first time in the Tour, the Col de Sarenne will be climbed from the Ferrand valley.
Reaching Alpe d’Huez from Auris-en-Oisans by chairlift
The ski lifts connecting Auris-en-Oisans to Alpe d’Huez will be open exceptionally on both race days!
A direct, fast and stress-free connection.
Practical information
Opening dates: 24 and 25 July 2026
Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm
Journey time: 30 minutes
Price: to be confirmed
Ticket sales points: tourist office, ticket machines and ski lift ticket office
Parking: free car parks in the resort
Traffic in Oisans during the Tour de France
The two days of racing will cause significant disruption on the roads leading to Alpe d’Huez. Plan your journey in advance and check this page before you set off.
Road closures
D1091 (Romanche Valley)*
Significant road closures are expected on 24 and 25 July to allow the peloton to pass through. Allow plenty of time for your journey and check official information before setting off.
Col de Sarenne*
The road between Auris-en-Oisans and Alpe d’Huez may be closed to traffic for the passage of Stage 20. Taking the ski lifts from Auris will be the easiest way to reach Alpe d’Huez on that day.
*Further information to follow. This page will be updated as official announcements are made.
Getting to Alpe d’Huez for the Tour: which route to take?
Depending on where you’re coming from, Auris-en-Oisans may be your best option for getting to Alpe d’Huez on 24 and 25 July. Here’s how to plan your journey.
From Briançon or Les 2 Alpes
- 35 minutes from Les 2 Alpes
- 1 hour’s drive from Briançon
- Via the D1091, Le Freney-d’Oisans exit
Auris-en-Oisans is your most direct route to Alpe d’Huez from Les 2 Alpes or Briançon. Heading up the D1091 from Briançon, you’ll naturally pass through Le Freney-d’Oisans, at the start of the road to Auris. It’s both quicker and easier than continuing on to Le Bourg-d’Oisans to tackle the 21 bends.
Park in Auris, take the ski lifts and reach Alpe d’Huez in 30 minutes. No traffic jams, no hassle with parking at high altitude.
From Gap and the south
- 2-hour drive
- Via the Col d’Ornon then the D1091, Le Freney-d’Oisans exit
From Gap, the natural route goes via the Col d’Ornon, which takes you directly onto the D1091 on the Oisans side — a stone’s throw from Auris. A much smoother option than trying to reach the finish via the 21 bends on race day.
From Grenoble and the north of Isère
- A 1 hour 15 minute drive from Grenoble
- Via the D1091, take the Le Freney-d’Oisans exit
From Grenoble, follow the D1091 to Le Freney-d’Oisans and head towards Auris. This way, you avoid the busiest sections around Le Bourg-d’Oisans and the 21 bends, and can make your way up to Alpe d’Huez stress-free via the ski lifts.
From Chambéry, Lyon and the north
- 2 hours from Chambéry
- 2½ hours from Lyon
Head down to Grenoble then follow the D1091 to Le Freney-d’Oisans. The same applies: heading via Auris means you avoid the direct routes to Alpe d’Huez, which will be extremely busy this weekend.
Our tips for making the most of your visit
Set off early
The best spots along the route are snapped up first thing in the morning. Plan to head up as soon as the lifts open at 9am.
Prepare for the day
A packed lunch, sun cream and warm clothes: yes, you’ll feel the altitude even in July on the heights of Alpe d’Huez.
Plan your return journey
Alpe d’Huez will be buzzing. Allow plenty of time for queues at the lifts, especially after the riders have finished.
Stay informed
Lift prices, road closures and last-minute updates will be added to this page as soon as they become available.
L’étape du Tour – amateur Race
This year, the L’Étape du Tour de France amateur race follows the route of the 20th stage of the Tour de France (Le Bourg-d’Oisans – L’Alpe d’Huez) under real race conditions.
Find all the information about this event at bike-oisans.fr.
To find out more about the history of the Tour de France in Oisans, visit oisans.com.
