Are you visiting Bourg d’Oisans but searching for something quiet, scenic ….. and easier than Alpe d’Huez?
I cycled La Berarde in June in the aftermoon after cycling Galibier at dawn. Somehow, with the excitement of the Galibier adventure, I forgot to blog it. 🙂
Although there are a few very steep stretches, most of the 27 kilometres are not at all difficult. It’s a quiet road through a rising valley with a large river creating a cheerful background noise.
Very peaceful and scenic. A million times better than taking the main road up to Col du Lautaret.
After Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans the road narrows and become a fun cliff ride to La Berarde. The paved road end here. There are a few little restaurants and the possibility to hike further. I stopped for a beer to celebrate a successful third ride of the day.
Cheers:
14 Comments
Will,
Tip for you, at Venosc you can take the cable car / gondola up to Les 2 Alpes to avoid the climb (and traffic) back up thru the valley.
Cheers Mark
thx Mark
Hi Will,
I have stayed in Bourg d’Oisans on a number of occasions and wasn’t aware that road went that far. Have ridden out there just as far as what looks like an electricity station and never explored further.
thanks for the tip, will do that next time I’m there.
have you done the loop from Bourg that heads up Grand Serre (sp?) and back over Col d’Ornon to Bourg? That’s a really nice loop.
keep the stories coming
Hi guys,
I just found out about this ride from the local bike shop, thanks for the pics. We are definitely doing this one in early October and the gondola too.
Any suggestions for accommodation in Bourg d’Oisans?
Cheers,
Stuart,
Personally, I prefer staying up top in Alpe d’Huez – usually at Le Chamois d’Or (above the offical Alpe finish). I have never stayed down in the bottom but there are definitely a few bike friendly hotels. Best bet: check the official Bourg d’Oisans tourist site.
good luck
In Bourg try the Oberand hotel. Fab food, very very bike friendly. Rooms are a bit dated but fine for a bike holiday.
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Just found this after seeing the road on a map. We’re off to La Grave (staying at Edelweiss) for a long weekend towards the end of May for a first trip to the Alps. Do you have any other suggestions for good, quiet, scenic routes in this area? Thank you.
Hi Richard,
See this link for a bunch more rides in the area:
https://www.cycling-challenge.com/the-best-cycling-climbs-from-bourg-doisans/
Thanks Will – that’s really helpful.
Rode this today, having spotted the 29km 3.5% and thinking oh that’ll be a nice gentle day 3, ha!
So so worth it though, the changes in terrain, the view and the great descent back fab piece of tarmac!
If you are ever in the area you have to cycle up to La Berarde, the scenery is stunning and the road is quiet. Probably my best day ever on a bike, it’s that good!
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I would do Berarde first. Alpe dhuez will seem like a piece of cake!
I saw 14% a couple of times today. The ride back is a delight though. Go early or bring warm clothes if you are there in September.