Tour des 6 Vallées de l’Oisans

The Tour des 6 Vallées de l’Oisans is a seven-day, multi-stage trail adventure that takes place in the Oisans region of the French Alps, roughly 90 minutes southeast of the French mountain city of Grenoble. Based at the mountain villages of Les Deux Alpes, L’Alpe d’Huez, and Le Bourg d’Oisans, the event traverses six valleys, offering a mix of high ridgelines, alpine meadows, forested climbs, and balcony trails. Participants can complete the full course (170 km with 10,000m of elevation gain) or opt to run one or more stages à la carte.

Each stage brings a different challenge and setting. Stage one runs 27 km from Les Deux Alpes to Besse, crossing the Emparis plateau with views over Lac du Chambon. Stage two climbs 1,500m over 24 km to reach the fabled l’Alpe d’Huez via steep ascents and traversing paths. Stage three is a longer descent into Livet-et-Gavet, covering 37 km of more rolling terrain and valley floors. Stage four gains 2,350m in just 26 km en route to the wild plateau of Taillefer. Stage five rises through pine forest and ridgelines over 21 km before descending into Le Bourg d’Oisans. The final stage returns to Les Deux Alpes with a high-mountain crossing of 39 km and nearly 3,000m of elevation gain, though an 18 km shorter option is also available.

With a rest day midweek and lodging in local chalets and hotels, runners experience both the physical challenge of mountain racing and the charm of alpine village life. Whether you’re completing the full circuit or taking part in just one or two stages, the Tour des 6 Vallées offers a memorable and varied journey through the heart of the French Alps.