|
|
 |
Alpe d'Huez Activities - Indoor / Bad Weather
| Indoor / Bad Weather Activities in Alpe d'Huez |
|
If you are unlucky enough to find yourself in Alpe d'Huez when the rain is pouring and the wind is howling, or if you simply want to have a day off all of those extreme sports you've put your body through, there's no shortage of things for you to do in Alpe d'Huez. Whether you fancy some pampering at a spa, want to catch a movie at the cinema, or take the kids to the sports park; here's a few suggestions to keep you entertained during your stay. |
| Beauty, Spa & Massage |
If you are not here for the outdoors ‘extreme’ lifestyle and would prefer a more relaxing break in Les Arcs, then you'll be pleased to hear that there is an altogether more pleasurable experience to be had at one of the many Spa and Beauty centres in town. There are a number of excellent beauticians in the town, offering massages, facials, manicures and body treatments - all designed to meet your needs, whether it be a hen weekend, or day of girlie pampering for you and your friends.
Check out our Spas & Salons listings for further information. (Gentlemen, this is not a ladies restricted activity though, it's just as applicable for all you 'real men' out there who are not afraid to indulge in a spot of off-piste pampering!)
Of course, with all the sporting activities in Les Arcs, there are many qualified physiotherapists and masseurs in town to help take your daily stresses, aches and pains away. Details of local physiotherapists, masseurs and holistic practitioners can be found on our Health & Fitness section. |
|
last updated 9-Jun-2008 |
| Cinema |
Alpe d'Huez has 2 cinemas within easy reach. Cinéma le Signal has just 1 screen and Cinéma le Palais has 2; both showing a variety of films in both French and English.
VO stands for 'Version Originale', which means it will be shown in its original language - perhaps with French subtitles (sous titres). Watching a film with subtitles can be a great way to learn a few new French phrases - their usefulness will depend entirely on the kind of film you are watching though! |
|
last updated 10-Jun-2008 |
| Fitness & Sports Centre |
|
The Alpe d'Huez Palais des Sports et des Congrés has so much to do on a bad weather day you'll struggle to fit it all in: health & fitness suites, aerobic classes, indoor climbing, golf driving range, roller hockey, speed ball, futsal, basketball, squash, tennis, table tennis, badminton, archery, crossbow, martial arts, indoor pool, tightrope walking (suspended adventure trail with safety net) should keep you busy... If you need to wind down after all that exertion you can join in a yoga class!
Admission is free with a Visalp pass, although equipment hire is extra and you may need to pay a small supplement for some activities. |
|
last updated 15-Aug-2008 |
| Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) |
|
The Alpe d'Huez ice caves are a magical grotto of glistening sculptures and fairytale figures. Dug out many years ago by two local guides they have become an annual feature; each winter expert ice sculptors arrive to create a new exhibition based on a different theme every year. At 2700m the caves are accessible via the Grandes Rousses/DMC gondola, please click here for further details. |
|
last updated 10-Jun-2008 |
| Ice Diving |
Although plunging under the icy waters of Lake Besson (altitude 2000m) in the middle of winter may not sound much like fun this is a fascinating and magical experience. Cavities in the ice and huge air bubbles trapped under the surface create an eerie but spectacular environment. Accompanied by experienced instructors you can go beneath the frozen surface of the lake and submerge yourself in the alien world beneath.
Excursions can be organised through Caméléon. |
|
last updated 3-Jul-2008 |
| Museums & Galleries |
Brandes Archaeological Site
|
Alpe d’Huez and the Oisans region is rich is history and there are a number of museums and exhibits you can visit to discover more about the culture and traditions of this part of the Alps. Possibly one of the most popular attractions in the area is the Musée d’Huez et de l’Oisans together with the Brandes Archaeological Site. The museum charts the history of Alpe d’Huez from ancient history through to the present day and at the archaeological site you can view the remains of the 12th century silver mines and relics of the villages that sprung up around them. Guided visits and children’s workshops are available on selected days and cost just €1 per person.
Musée d’Huez et de l’Oisans & Brandes Archaeological Site Opening hours
July-August: Open every day (except Saturday) from 10-12am and 3-7pm.
The church of Notre Dame des Neiges is a sight that you will surely not have missed on arriving in Alpe d’Huez! While the modern style of architecture is not to everyone’s taste the interior is boldly decorated; the stained glass windows are worth a visit alone for their profusion of colour and vivid depictions of the life of Jesus. However, the organ is what most people come to see; shaped like an enormous hand reaching for the sky, the 24 organ pipes are housed in the fingers. Regular concerts take place (usually on Thursday evenings), often hosting international leading organists or visiting orchestras;click here for this year’s concert schedule. Guided tours of the church are available, where you can learn about its history, art and architecture.
Church of Notre Dames des Neiges Opening Hours
Every day from 8:30am-7pm
There are a number of other, more traditional, churches in Alpe d'Huez; namely Saint Ferréol, Sainte Anne, Saint Antoine and Les Oratoires.
The wider Oisans area has a great range of museums to visit; whether it is flora and fauna, the history of mountaineering, geology, local culture and tradition or hydroelectric machinery that grabs your interest – you’ll certainly find something to delve into! Please go to our Museums & Exhibits page for details of all these and more.
For those of you who like your culture a little more contemporary there are regular exhibitions of paintings and sculptures by regional at the Sports and Convention Centre. These are usually open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 2:30pm. |
|
last updated 10-Jun-2008 |
| Tennis & Squash |
Alpe d'Huez has 2 tennis clubs; the Tennis Club Alpe d'Huez and the Autexier Tennis Academy.
For those of you who like to build up a sweat you will find 4 squash courts at the Palais des Sports, along with 3 indoor tennis courts and table tennis. |
|
last updated 10-Jun-2008 |
|
