The Auris balconies

This is a spectacular itinerary via the vertiginous “route de la Roche” carved out of the cliff face above the Bourg d'Oisans plain. The stretch of road up to La Garde is particularly testing; but you can pick up pace after, along the route to Auris.

Itinerary no. 7 of the “Cycling in Oisans” guide (Oisans Tourisme)

Departure / Arrival (loop): Bourg d'Oisans 720 m
Time: 3 h
Distance: 40 km
Highest point: 1584 m
Lowest point: 720 m
Total ascent: 1168 m
Max. gradient: 14%

Map: Michelin Local Map no. 333 Isère, Savoie

ITINERARY
From Bourg d’Oisans, follow the road towards Alpe d'Huez. Enjoy pedalling on the flat for a short kilometre before tackling the famous climb.
From La Garde en Oisans (bend no. 16), turn right onto the D211a towards Auris en Oisans.
After Armentier le Haut, continue along the spectacular “route de la Roche”.
At the end of this road, take a left towards “Les Certs / Les Cours” following the D211a, then D211e up to Auris ski resort.
To go back, cycle down as far as Freney d'Oisans, then take the D1091 and turn right to go down towards Bourg d'Oisans.
This itinerary will take you through 7 tunnels and some are not lit. For your safety, make sure you are visible.

THAT LITTLE BIT FURTHER: Maronne
From Armentier le Haut go to Maronne and visit the Rosay Chapel.
From here you will have a spectacular view over the gorges of Sarenne!
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Distance (R/T): 9 km
Time: 20 min
Total ascent: 334 m