Alpe-d’Huez
151.5 km
Saturday 12 June
Located 20 kilometres (12.5 miles) from Grenoble, Crolles (with a population of 8,700) lies in a privileged geographical setting at the heart of the Grésivaudan valley, at the foot of the Dent de Crolles peak and the Chartreuse Mountain range, opposite the Belledone Mountain range, at the midst of a superb environment that forms a 600-hectare biotope. The town is home to two castles: Montfort (built in the 13th century) and Bernis (14th century) as well as the Ayes Abbey founded in the 12th century. In this setting, agriculture rubs shoulders with hi-tech. Crolles has managed to preserve its agricultural land and, each Sunday, the market is a showcase for the products of local producers. In tandem, the industrial zone is very dynamic, thanks in particular to the presence of STMicroelectronics, Teisseire and Petzl. As regards sport, skateboard, roller-blading and BMX fanatics can take advantage of facilities that are unique in the region, whilst the Ferrata at the Oule waterfall offers two climbing routes.
A health resort for winter and summer sports since 1936, Alpe-d’Huez, nicknamed “Sun Island” has a south-facing aspect, at an altitude of 1,860 metres, in the heart of the Grandes Rousses range. With a 3-star rating in the Michelin Guide, the Pic Blanc mountain, culminating at a height of 3,330 metres, boasts a majestic view over the Ecrins national park and its prestigious summits, the Belledonne range and Mont-Blanc! In a 10,000-hectare green area, the resort offers a cocktail of activities to hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. A mainstay of the Tour de France, Alpe-d’Huez and its 21 bends are a must-see stage in the Tour. Twenty-one signposts are dotted along the riders’ path along a 14-km countdown stretching over a 1,120-m altitude difference. Having already organised major cycling and sporting events (trail-running, the Marmotte cycle race, the Mégavalanche mountain biking trophy, triathlons, the Super-motard motorbike race, etc.), Alpe-d’Huez is pleased to welcome for the very first time in its history the Critérium du Dauphiné.
