Alpe d'Huez & Oisans

Welcome to Alpe d'HuezLying at 1869 meters above sea level at the centre of the Oisans, Alpe d’Huez is the main resort in the Grandes Rousses Massif. Split into a number of sectors or ‘quartiers’ Alpe d’Huez is a thriving year round resort with a steady community of 1700 permanent residents. The main quartiers are Quartier des Vieil Alpe, Quartier des Bergers and Quartier des Jeux. Quartier des Vieil Alpe is the oldest sector and is fairly quiet and residential. It is the most charming part of Alpe d’Huez however, retaining many of its original buildings. A wander round its little back streets is worthwhile and there are number of traditional family-run restaurants. Quartier des Jeux is the main ‘centre ville’ and the place to head for bars, shops and restaurants. Quartier Bergers is the most modern part of town and also contains its fair share of places to eat, drink and shop. Accommodation here is mainly self-catered apartments.

Nearby Huez is the original village of the resort. At an altitude of 1450m it overlooks the Sarenne gorge. A quaint mountain village, it has a labyrinth of tiny alleys, the historic Roman church of St Anne as well as a number of shops and bars, a bookshop and a cyber café. Access to the main resort of Alpe d’Huez takes just 5 minutes via the Télévillage cable car. ... see "Alpe d'Huez - The Local Area" for more

Founded in 1936 Alpe d’Huez is one of the oldest French ski resorts and was built, as are so many Alpine resorts, on the mountain pastures that were once home to grazing cattle. However, the history of the area goes much further back.

Thousands of years ago Romans mined here for silver, copper, zinc and coal on the mineral rich slopes and gorges. Silver mines attracted a number of different nationalities between the 11th and 14th centuries, when a mini ‘ice age’ halted production. Years later local legend would have it that the ruins of the silver mines where guarded by some rather territorial fairies who would chop the heads off anyone who tried to explore or excavate the ruins. Silver mining was followed by coal mining, which brought electricity, roads and the first cable car to Alpe d’Huez. Artifacts from Alpe d'Huez's mining past can be seen at the Brandes archaelogical site, guided tours of which are organised by the Museum of Huez & Oisans. ... see "Alpe d'Huez: From Past to Present" for more

Alpe d’Huez’s nightlife is almost as exhausting as its mountain pursuits! With a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes to keep you well fed and watered there is also a plentiful array of opportunities for a bit of après or late-night venues for a spot of clubbing. The countless terraces ensure that you can always find a sunny spot to relax in... ... see "Alpe d'Huez Food & Drink" for more