Alpe d'Huez, the legendary climb of the Tour de France

Few climbs in cycling inspire as much awe as Alpe d’Huez. With its 21 iconic hairpin bends, each named after a past stage winner, the climb has become a symbol of the Tour de France’s drama and emotion.

First featured in 1952, when Fausto Coppi triumphed in a solo breakaway, Alpe d’Huez quickly became the stage where legends are made and hearts are broken. Since then, the Tour has finished here 32 times, making it the most frequent and celebrated summit finish.

French heroes have also written their names into its legend, from Bernard Hinault’s defiant victory in 1986 to Thibaut Pinot’s emotional win in 2015. Over the decades, the mountain has witnessed unforgettable duels between cycling’s greatest champions, from Greg LeMond to Laurent Fignon.

In 2026, the Tour de France will return twice to this legendary mountain: first through its classic 21 bends on Stage 19 and then the very next day via the wilder and more remote Col de Sarenne on Stage 20. It is a rare double appearance that will cement Alpe d’Huez’s mythical status and offer two very different ways to conquer one of cycling’s most famous summits.

Beyond the race, Alpe d’Huez remains a pilgrimage for cyclists around the world, a place where the spirit of the Tour lives on every hairpin and every cheering fan..

Col de Sarenne: The Hidden Face of Alpe d’Huez

Just beyond the familiar switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez lies a hidden gem: the Col de Sarenne. Often described as wild, remote and untouched, this mountain pass offers a completely different experience from its famous neighbor. Rising to 1,999 meters, the Col de Sarenne is narrower, quieter and far less tamed by human hands. Its rugged beauty and raw landscapes reveal another side of the Alps, one where nature still reigns supreme.

In 2026, both professionals and amateur riders will face this savage ascent: the pros during Stage 20 of the Tour de France and the 16,000 participants of L’Étape du Tour just days before them. For all, it will be a moment of truth on one of the Alps’ most authentic climbs: 12.8 kilometers long with an average gradient of 7.3%, a challenge worthy of the Tour’s greatest legends.

Let's head to Alpe d'Huez with L'Étape Reward program

Taking part in L’Étape du Tour de France 2026 will be a unique opportunity to conquer some of the most legendary climbs in Tour de France history: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier. But it will also be a chance to experience the magic of Alpe d’Huez like never before, with a brand-new ascent via the Col de Sarenne.

If you’ve participated in one of our 30 L’Étape Series events over the past 12 months, you are eligible for the L’Étape Reward Program. You should have received an exclusive registration link allowing you to sign up for L’Étape du Tour de France until November 3rd. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to ride into legend!