Col de Sarenne
July 12, 1998

Distance: 18 miles (approx. roundtrip, from Alpe d'Huez)
Elevation: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: 5/10 (from Alpe d'Huez)
Scenery: 9/10;
Route: l'Alpe d'Huez-Col de Sarenne-le Perron-Col de Sarenne-Alpe d'Huez

The ride to Col de Sarenne is an uncollected reward for many cyclists who've made it to Alpe d'Huez and don't go any further. Past the "Altiport" at Alpe d'Huez and unsigned, the road continues on along the rim of the Sarenne Gorge, then heads south and plunges down to emerge several thousand feet below at the Chambon Lake near the turnoff for the road up les Deux Alpes. I decided to ride to Col de Sarenne after Alpe d'Huez and what I saw impressed me.

(Below: The road just past the Altiport at the rear end of Alpe d'Huez)

The road was rough and patchy in many places, and appeared unmaintained—but I thought these contributed to the ride's rugged charm. The road rises slightly at first and then gently descends as it skirts the northern rim of a gorge. In July, wildflowers line both sides of the road.

(Above: At around 6,000 feet)

The road parallels GR54 (French long-distance trail) for most of the way and there were actually quite a few hikers sunning themselves on the side of the road.

(Below: Looking across the gorge. The GR54 trail is faintly visible)

(Above: These 2 cyclists came up from the other side)

In addition to the deep canyon the right, there are other evidences of water everywhere. There are cobbled sections where the road dips (presumably for water runoff from nearby hills). In a couple of places, I had to carry my bike across a wooden walkway, under which the runoff was about 6 inches deep.

(Above: Unlike at Alpe d'Huez, the road to Col de Sarenne is very quiet)