Les Balcons d’Auris (1764m)
La Garde, after the first five hairpins of Alpe d’Huez is the start of this route. Take the D211 to Auris, a wonderful deserted cliff road with epic views of the Oisans valley below.
Along the cliff road is a signed turn-off to the little ski station of Maronne. It’s a 4.5km extension but definitely worth it. After descending back to the cliff road (if you went up to Maronne) carry on up through Armentier-le-Haut and then follow the road to Le Chatain. A few more quiet, open hairpins over the 5km stretch stand between you and the ski station village, Auris where you can stop off for a well-earned rest.
From here the preferred descent is to continue to La Freney d’Oisans and onto the Lac du Chambon where you can either make your retreat down the mountain back to civilization or head left for the Col du Sarenne which is spectacular and always seems to exceed expectations.
| Distance Travelled from Allemond | 28km |
| Maximum Altitude | 1764m |
| Minimum Altitude | 710m |
| Average Gradient | 5.5% |
| Maximum Gradient | 10% |
We will always try to work around your schedule. As a small specialist tour operator exclusively providing luxury holidays to Vaujany, we have the flexibility often missing from larger companies.
Be it to organise a quick second break, a weekend get-away for a large group or perhaps a corporate weekend, we can tailor make a break that meets all your requirements.
We've partnered with The Chalet Chef to make hosting memorable evening an absolute breeze. Their chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish.
Cycling in the French Alps and Oisans area is a wonderful experience. Riding out of Vaujany every morning whether to train or compete, is like riding through the annals of cycling history.
There's nothing quite like a good pair of shoes, and bicycles work in a similar way; a good well-adjusted bike to suit your body type and riding ability will make you ride more comfortably, last longer and roll faster.
Skiing season over? Not a chance I hear you say! Think again - You can ski in the summer in the French Alps, no need to put away that precious ski gear.
