Most cyclists come to the Oisans to ride the famous 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez followed by the Col de Sarenne but did you know there is an alternative route ?
In this ride, I take you over the Balcon d’Auris and the Col de Cluy — a little-known gravel connector between Alpe d’Huez and the Col de Sarenne. It’s a steady climb, narrow in places, carved into the mountainside, with tunnels, cliffside views, and a short but punchy gravel ascent to the summit.
This isn’t a ride about speed or KOMs.
It’s about experience: earning the views, riding roads few cyclists ever see, and discovering why the Oisans has so much more to offer than the famous climbs alone.
You’ll also see:
The exposed sections of the Balcon d’Auris
The gravel climb to the Col de Cluy
A quiet mountain chapel
A brutally rough descent that tested my gravel bike
Why this route is a perfect alternative to busy Alpine roads
GPX file available on my website
Hidden Cycling Climbs: Balcon d’Auris and Col de Cluy near Alpe d’Huez
Related ride: Col du Solude (another hidden gem near Alpe d’Huez) https://youtu.be/pKwiZtaiVyI
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I used the following equipment to record this video
INSTA360 – https://amzn.to/3OocaVg
INSTA ACE PRO 2 – https://amzn.to/4qMBP7I
LARGE TRIPOD – https://amzn.to/4aCpcGd
HOLLYLAND LARK A1 BLUETOOTH MICROPHONE – https://amzn.to/3ZJ3oUf
iGPSPORT BIKE COMPUTER – https://amzn.to/4r1Mg7D
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2 Comments
Have you climbed the Col du Cluy ? Let me know in the comments below. If you want the GPX comment GPX
great video thanks I am preparing to ride the 2026 L'Etape