Can you take the train to Grenoble and cycle all the way to the base of Alpe d’Huez and Bourg d’Oisans?
It’s a question I get asked all the time — and in this video, I ride the route kilometre by kilometre so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Starting outside Grenoble SNCF station, this ride follows the D1091 towards the Oisans, mixing city cycling, industrial sections, painted cycle lanes, fast traffic, and some genuinely beautiful stretches along the River Romanche.
The route is 52 km with around 500 metres of climbing, rising from Grenoble at 200 m to Bourg d’Oisans at 700 m. It’s completely doable — but it’s not perfect, and that’s exactly why I wanted to document it honestly.
You’ll see:
What cycling out of Grenoble city is really like
Where the route feels safe — and where it doesn’t
The best sections along the river and new cycle paths
Traffic-heavy parts you need to be mentally ready for
Why the final kilometres into Bourg d’Oisans make it all worthwhile
If you’re planning a cycling trip to Alpe d’Huez, the Croix de Fer, and the Oisans, this ride shows you exactly what to expect before the real climbing begins.
More Oisans cycling videos
Have you ridden Grenoble to Bourg d’Oisans yourself?
Leave a comment — I’d love to hear your experience.
Website : https://www.morethan21bends.com
Honest picks — I actually own and use all of these. These are affiliate links, so I get a small commission if you buy through them (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep the channel going.
Camera — Insta360 Ace Pro 2
My main camera for cycling videos. 8K, flips up for vlogging, sharp in low light. Replaced my old action cam and I haven’t looked back.
https://amzn.to/4qMBP7I
360° camera — Insta360 X-series
For the wide shots and the moving footage where you want to reframe later. Worth it if you’re filming rides solo.
https://amzn.to/3OocaVg
Microphone — Hollyland Lark A1
Clip-on wireless mic. Clean audio even in wind. Single biggest upgrade to video quality I’ve made — a good mic matters more than a better camera.
https://amzn.to/3ZJ3oUf
Bike computer — iGPSPORT
What I use for route recording and navigation. Solid alternative to Garmin at half the price.
https://amzn.to/4r1Mg7D
Tripod
Large, stable, survives being left out in the Alps.
https://amzn.to/4aCpcGd
Help support the channel and buy me a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/morethan21bends
#cyclingfrance
#GrenobleToBourgDOisans
#CyclingOisans
#AlpsCyclingAdventures
#BikeTourFrance
5 Comments
Would the traffic on the D1091 put you off this ride, or is the destination worth it?
Loving the content Phil. Makes me want to plan a trip to the Oisans. 🚲
I did ride from Grenoble to AdH back and forth, bloody traffic…
When Sunny day you can enjoy beautiful cliffs and summits, if you raize your head you are in the Alpes. I agree there are 2 km after Vizille with no bike line, you have to go quick so it passes faster ! It's a nice valley and cars keep distance generaly. You have to trust them even if they pass close.
if you wanna skip the city traffic in Grenoble there is a bike road along the river Drac that goes almost from the Gare to Pont de Claix, much better views and also you don't have to worry about lights, pedestrians, cars, etc