Cycling day trip from Huez to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

Get ready for an epic ride! Starting in Huez, a village famous for its legendary climb up Alpe d’Huez (a Tour de France classic), this route takes you deep into the Alps and finishes in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the self-proclaimed “capital of mountain passes.”

Over roughly 59 km, you’ll tackle almost 2,740 meters of climbing, topping out at an impressive 2,468 meters—so expect some mountain magic! It’s not all relentless uphill, though: there’s a massive descent of more than 3,700 meters, so make sure your brakes are up to the challenge.

The landscape shifts between quiet roads, classic mountain paths, and a little bit of track—so pack for adventure and maybe a snack for those longer sections. About a third of your ride is smooth asphalt, but surfaces can get a bit unpredictable, so keep your eyes peeled.

When you roll into Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, take a moment to admire its cycling heritage and maybe enjoy a coffee—you’ll have earned it!