Alps Day 1: Alpe D'Huez & Col de Sarenne

This post was written in 2026.

In honor of Kevin’s 40th birthday, we set off for a week of cycling in the French Alps. The weather outside our hotel was cool in the morning, but looking pretty good…

But was we plummeted down the mountain to start our adventure, the rain picked up and we were mighty cold. Lesson: don’t base your bike trip from a hotel that requires a 3,000 ft descent at the beginning of each day. (This lesson will be reinforced when you undertake the 3,000 ft climb at the end of the day.)

The twisty roads felt barely attached to the side of the mountain. The views were incredible. So began our experience of non-stop storybook views.

As we arrived at the base of Alpe D’Huez for our first big climb, we realized we had stumbled into a well-organized, well-supported Dutch charity race: the Alpe d’HuZes. What a thrill to join thousands of Dutch cyclists (all of whom were attempting to climb the mountain multiple times) and to be cheered on by live bands, DJs, and posters in incomprehensible Dutch. My French is bad enough…

Onward from the busy top of Alpe D’Huez: the gorgeous Col de Sarenne route. Almost instantly, the route was peaceful, quiet, and stunningly beautiful all around.

The hairpins were terrific.

I just really liked this house. It rocks.

The best thing about cycling hard in France is rewarding yourself with a delicious French dinner!