Alpe d'Huez
The Alpe d’Huez is first and foremost known for the heavy climb of the famous 21 bends and as a stage finish in the Tour de France.
During the winter it is a well known ski resort with plenty of entertainment.
In the summertime is a quiet place, (too quiet sometimes), ideally suited as a starting point for walks to the small lakes of the Grandes Rousses. The large cable cars run in July and August as well, the perfect way to get to a high altitude and start your walk from there. From Vaujany you can take the gondola to go up or to come back down.
Going up the Alpe d’Huez to have a look at the cyclists who arrive at the top nearly completely spent is something you must not miss. It is an impressive sight.
The church (built in 1969) is something special and worth a visit, certainly if you are interested in modern architecture.
Bourg d’Oisans
Bourg d’Oisans is the reverse of Alpe d’Huez: during the winter it is very quiet and awfully crowded in summertime. There are bikes and cyclists everywhere and it is hard to find somewhere to sit on one of the terraces. There is a lively market on Saturday and you will find a number of small restaurants. There is also a good swimming pool.
