Alpe d’Huez Closes Its Roads As The Tour Crowd Arrives In Force

Alpe d’Huez has become almost inaccessible by road as thousands of supporters gather for the Tour de France’s unprecedented double finish. Exceptional traffic forced the authorities to bring restrictions forward on the main access from Bourg d’Oisans, turning the final approach to the resort into an area reserved for the race and spectators already in place.

The D211, the famous road containing the climb’s 21 hairpins, is closed in both directions to motor vehicles and bicycles during the main restriction period. Access to the resort was only guaranteed until Thursday evening, with normal circulation not expected to resume until after Saturday’s second stage finish.

The measure responds to a weekend unlike any previously experienced on the mountain. Stage 19 finishes on the complete traditional ascent, while stage 20 returns to Alpe d’Huez the following day after a far harder route through the high Alps and the Col de Sarenne. Supporters began occupying the roadside several days in advance, filling parking areas and the most popular bends.

Local authorities are encouraging visitors to leave their cars away from the climb and use the network of cable cars, chairlifts and walking paths. Additional restrictions affect parking and neighbouring roads throughout the Oisans valley, so anyone travelling to the race has been advised to allow plenty of time and follow the instructions of police and organisers.

The enormous attendance promises the spectacular atmosphere for which Alpe d’Huez is famous, especially around the Dutch corner and the final kilometres. It also creates an important safety challenge: emergency services, race vehicles and residents must retain enough space to move through a mountain that is already saturated.

For the riders, the closed road will soon become a corridor of noise and colour. For those still attempting to reach the summit, however, the message is clear: the final part of the journey will have to be made without a car and, in many cases, on foot.