Alpe d'Huez is and thriving year round resort high up in the Grandes Rousses mountains of the French Alps and an exceptional destination which virtually guarantees an unforgettable experience, thanks to easy transport, efficient lift system and the vast array of activities on offer during winter and summer
Also referred to as "The Island in the Sunshine '' the French Weather Bureau is said to have recorded an average of 300 days of sunlight per year in Alpe d'Huez, a reputation which has been happily confirmed by locals and visitors alike. At its highest point, the resort reaches an elevation of 3300 m on the Pic Blanc glacier.
The resort is located an hour away from Grenoble (60km), less than five hours from Paris and the French Riviera. The area (known as the Oisans valley) offers a wonderful playground for a wide variety of adventures which one can enjoy with friends and families. Even more than when cruising the Cote d'Azur.
Alpe d'Huez forms a part of the famous ski area along with the resorts of Auris-en-Oisans, Vaujany, Oz-en-Oisans, Huez-en-Oisans and Villard Reculas forming one massive heavenly playground. The resort has something for every level of visitor from mountain biker and hiker to snowboarder and skier and has rightly been awarded the "Family Plus" tag by the French Tourist department since it is particularly family-friendly.
During the summer, the Alpe d'Huez transforms into a mecca for cyclists who are drawn to the 21 hairpin bends which form a challenge for the best on the annual Tour de France race.
Things to see and do in Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d'Huez is a paradise for outdoor lovers. The alpine town and the nearby village of Vaujany offers scores of activities for all ages and abilities.
A walk through the town will take you to a modern and original church which was completed in 1970 with its outer architecture resembling a silhouette of the Virgin. It houses one of the most unique organs in the world in the shape of hand raised skywards.
Do not forget to visit the 12th century old mining village on the Brandes Archaeological site and the 12th century Brandes Castle at an elevation of 1180m above sea level. It has since been classified as a monument of historical importance.
During the walks you will come across some magnificent natural sites like the rocks of Pillozan, La Fare, the lakes of Balme Rousse and Couard and the Shoe. You can also visit the nearby mountain villages of Oz, Huez, Auris and Vaujany.
That said, it is the ski resort which garners the maximum number of skiers from all over the world being one of the largest ski areas in the country. The resort remains open during the summer as well offering visitors activities like mountain biking and hiking.
Alpe d'Huez for nature lovers
The Alpe d'Huez region may be the principal attraction for skiers but these parts of the French Alps hold an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that have adapted themselves to the harsh environment and which nature lovers can witness practically from their doorstep.
A breathtaking glimpse of local wildlife which have got accustomed to survive at this high altitude can be spotted by the avid naturalist on their getaway. Stoats for example, are small carnivorous animals that make their home among the stones and are usually found in Alpine villages and Alpe d'Huez is certainly no stranger to them.
Walker and hikers have often spotted Ibex along the trekking paths. This alpine breed of wild goat has large curved horns, which can grow up to a metre in length, which makes them quite easy to spot
Bird lovers too will enjoy their fair share of spotting some good species. Golden eagles can be seen soaring above the valley on a regular basis. They bear their offspring on the steep slopes of the mountains and can be photographed with a good camera.
Adverse weather conditions prevail during most parts of the year here as such the flora that is found here have become capable of surviving the harsh climate. Large areas of forests are covered with fir while a number of deciduous trees like beech, maples and willow also grow here.
The Ecrins National Park is a star attraction of the Southern Alps region. Not only is it a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts, it is home to an amazing variety of wildlife and can be visited at any time of the year.
Fishing in Alpe d'Huez
The region is full of several fresh water mountain lakes and streams where fishing is permitted. Lakes like Lac Blanc, Lac Noir and Lac du Milieu along with the waters of the Sarenne are full of brown trout, rainbow trout,brook trout and Arctic char among many others.
Children too can pitch their fishing poles in Lac de Bergers,a lake specially designated for them. A competition for anglers up to the age of 13 can take part in the fishing competition held in August each year.
The fishing licence can be purchased from the Tourist Office for a day,a week,a month or even a season.Remember to stick to the regulations like hours of fishing,size of fish you are allowed to catch and the number of fish you can catch.
Paragliding
The Alpe d'Huez is a wonderful place to start paragliding if you have not tried it before. There are a number of clubs where you can learn how to fly. A tandem flight with an instructor will take you down from the mountain top down to the valley.
From the sky you can spot the famous bends of the Tour de France,the Ecrins National Park and the Grandes Rousses. The top of the Signal is a good starting point for this exhilarating sport.
Festivals
Numerous cultural and musical festivals are held in Alpe d'Huez throughout the summer. These events attract both local and international artists and visitors get a unique opportunity to experience the local culture.
The Nature and Music Festival is one of the major events held in the summer and combines classical music with outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. Check the calendar of upcoming events and plan your trip to Alpe d'Huez accordingly.
Pass Liberte-unlimited access
The Pass Liberte' is the ideal solution for those who want to enjoy a holiday in total peace of mind. At 1860 m, the resort has 290 km of bike trails and 14 ski lifts which allow you to make the most of your trip without having to wait.
With the Liberte Pass you will be able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities including weight training with use of the outdoor swimming pool.
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