Customer feedback received for our Road bike holidays based in Bourg d’Oisans – riding the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, Alpe d’Huez etc….
Tags: Alpe d'Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier, Bourg d'Oisans, Tour de France, French Alpes, Classic tour de france climbs, 21 bends
September 29, 2008 at 9:04 pm |
Have spent 2 great weeks at the Tour D’Oisans house this year. First week, we caught le Tour stage to l’Alpe d’Huez – a fabulous day on the mountain, capping a great, relaxing week in Bourg D’Oisans. Spending some time there makes you realise just what an idea location Bourg is for cycling. Within a very short distance are the cols that cycling dreams are made of…. Galibier, Alpe D’Huez, Croix de Fer, Lauteret etc.
In fact it was so good, I returned in September with my bike and spent a great week (great weather too!) climbing the cols with some company and local knowledge from Phil on a couple of days.
I’d recommend EnjoyOisans for a great holiday and I’ll be back in the future. Phil and Helen are very friendly and great hosts. And when they tell you that the local pool only lets you wear Speedos (not baggy shorts), believe them. It’s true. But the mountain scenery surrounding the open air pool makes it a great alternative to cycling on a rest day!
October 1, 2008 at 10:28 am |
We have just had a great week with Phil and Helen. Normally we would visit this area in July time, but having now been at this time of year can strongly recommend it. The weather was perfect for getting some big miles in on the bike.
The house itself is in a fantastic position, right in the middle of town. Everything you could want is provided, from the well equipped workshop to a library of DVD’s (road racing/MTB/films) and a supply of magazines for relaxing with a post ride beer.
We knew we had landed on our feet, when our arrival was greeted with a couple of beers and some bread and cheese. What more can you ask for?
Having had a number of visits to this area over the last few years, I can safely say that this was my most enjoyable. The quality of the cycling around Bourg d’Oisans is second to none, and the warmth of the welcome and the hospitality was on a par with this.
I would have no hesitation recommending Tour d’Oisans, and will without doubt be making a return visit.
Thanks again.
October 20, 2008 at 2:47 pm |
Just returned from a weekend getaway to Bourg d’Oisans. Phil and Helen were extremely helpful and made it an easy, stress-free escape into some of the most amazing cycling anywhere. My only regret is that it was for only a weekend… I plan to return for a full week next time. There is simply too much riding to get done in two days.
I definitely recommend a trip to Bourg d’Oisans, and if you need a bike to rent, place to stay, and/or a guide to take you around, Phil and Helen will take good care of you. Highly recommended.
Nick
October 29, 2008 at 4:29 pm |
Just got back from a surprise 40th birthday trip to France courtesy of my husband. The trip included a fantastic day with Phil and Helen and a “once in a lifetime” journey with Phil up Alp d’Huez.
What can I say but: Absolute Magic !!!!
Phil and Helen were wonderful…so warm and welcoming, and so attentive to all our needs. The ride itself was, quite simply, the greatest day of my cycling life. Next time, we will come for a whole week.
All serious cyclists need to make this trip !!!
Katie Curran
Austin, TX – USA
10/28/08
May 22, 2009 at 10:03 am |
High quality riding and high quality porridge (thanks Helen!).
Phil put together three days of rides that were challenging as well as tailored to the abilities of the riders. We hit a couple of classics (Alpe d’Huez, Col de la Croix de Fer), but also some lesser-known cols that had spectacular views, quiet roads, and great grinding grades. I don’t know how Phil manages to juggle all the different desires and constraints of the riders against the potential of the landscape, but he does it–with aplomb!
Support to and from the airport, as well as on site, was excellent. Be sure to take advantage of the Crepizza at the bottom of their driveway.
DM
May 23, 2009 at 1:26 pm |
Cycling paradise!
I ventured to bourg d’Oisan by myself for a three day adventure with Phil and Helen at the end of May, 2009. I had an incredible three days of riding! The weather was fantastic and we were able to get a solid ride (or two) in each day. I was happy to wake up in the morning to a hearty cyclist’s breakfast of oatmeal and then off to Alpe d’Huez I went! Phil led the rides that I was on, and he did a fabulous job. He successfully juggled different riding abilities and kept everyone smiling. I plan to go back and stay with them again in the future.
For anyone who enjoys cycling a trip to Enjoy Oisan is a real treat! Phil and Helen were happy to help me to and from the Grenoble train station, making my trip a breeze from start to finish. Though the rides are all relatively challenging, there’s an excellent restaurant next door specializing in “carbo loading” meals.
I wish Helen and Phil the best of luck and I hope to return in the future!
-RW
June 14, 2009 at 7:53 pm |
Just returned from La Marmotte Prep Week 2009. I could only ride the first three days due to annual leave restrictions but wish that I could have stayed for the remainder of the week.
As somebody who has only been cycling for a few months, I nonetheless found that under the tutorship of Phil that all of the Cols were within my grasp.
On the first day our group and Phil ascended two less well known but nonetheless challenging Cols and in the afternoon, Alpe d’Huez. On the second day, Glandon and its descent followed by Telegraph with Phil following in the van. Due to a mechanical failure, I spent part of the mornign riding shotgun with Phil in the van but with his help managed to get the descent of Glandon and ascent of Telegraph. On the third (and my final) day, we – including Phil – tackled Galibier, the descent to Bourg and straight up Alpe d’Huez. However, as Phil and the rest of the group will attest to and thanks to the cunning of Phil, I somehow managed to be the first person in history unintentionally ascent Alpe d’Huez.
As regards the accommodation and package, both Phil and Helen are to be commended. The location is ideal, right in the centre of Bourg and the building is in excellent condition and very well maintained. A good breakfast is served every morning by Helen (porridge AND scrambled eggs if you want them) and a pasta dish prepared in the afternoon.
I found both Phil and Helen to be very helpful and good humoured and thoroughly enjoyed the climbs. I also found the van / support service. Bourg itself is ground zero for serious cycling enthusiasts and near to all of the famous cols – Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Les Deux Alpes, Glandon, Izoard etc.
Irrespective of whether I undertake La Marmotte next year, I think I will make another trip to Bourg. I would also question whether a cyclist can truly call themselves ‘serious’ or ‘experienced’ without having sampled a package similar to that offered by Phil.
June 17, 2009 at 6:36 pm |
Thank you Phil and Helen for providing a great place to stay, tasty meals, and fantastic support for an amazing week of cycling. We stayed in the apartment next to the bed and breakfast house during the La Marmotte prep week, making new friends, and enjoying every minute of our stay. Phil did an incredible job supporting everyone’s needs during our cycling journeys and he even got a few kilometers in himself. Helen’s food was fantastic and was very very welcome after a long day of cycling through the beautiful and challenging routes. We cycled up many famous climbs and cols, and not so famous climbs too. Each were amazing and beautiful! We only wish we could have stayed longer…much longer! It was an absolutely fantastic vacation of a lifetime, and we would highly highly recommend a stay with Phil and Helen. Best of luck, and we hope to come back soon!
Rich S. and Matthew K.,
Dallas, Texas, USA
June 22, 2009 at 4:33 pm |
I can honestly say that was a trip of a lifetime…one that I will be doing again and the sooner the better. In my 3 days with Helen and Phil I covered all of my must do Col’s.
First up was Alpe d’Huez and with Phil’s patient encouragement “Pantani has just finished” followed a couple of minutes later “Lance has just crossed the line!” all when I was about halfway up finished very hot and satisfied in 1h21… In the afternoon Phil took me up alocal and very pretty climb the Col D’ornon. This rounded day one of nicely as did Helen’s post ride pasta! The next day was the Croix de Fer, WOW 30k’s all uphill what is there anywhere that can prepare you for that. It was stunning. It is rude not to quickly bag the Glandon (50yds away) on the way up. The descent goes on forever and it is not until you descend that you realise how far you have climbed.
Day 3 saw us take in the Lauteret on the way up to the mighty 2645m Galibier. Still snow in June! Phil took the van part way so that we could start from 8km down the Lauteret. He took photos and then at the base of the Galibier hopped on his bike and supported all of us (as we were now a group of four riders) up and back down the slopes of the mighty Galibier. Having a rider who knows the slopes as well as Phil means you can really enjoy the riding.
To round off then, great cycling country, classic climbs but this is cemented in to a great holiday by Helen and Phil’s desire to make your holiday special…little details like post ride pasta, a card when I had finished with my stats on, photos emailed to me, supported and guided rides together with very nice accomodation and hospitality makes for a great trip…I will be back at Enjoy Oisans!!
June 29, 2009 at 4:32 pm |
Helen and Phil have everything a cyclist will need for a holiday in the Alpes. I had 6 days riding and copped all the legendary cols as well as Alpe d`Huez twice, the descent is brilliant even for a cautious person like me. Rode with Phil to La Berarde on my last day which was probably my favourite, tasty veg soup at the cafe.
Helen`s breakfasts and afternoon pasta are fantastic. The beds are comfy. Good company and decent eateries in town. The discount at La Crepizza helps keep costs down too.
Phil`s photos are geat to look at when you get home. I could be mistaken for a cyclist in some of them!
If you want good food, good company and great cycling, Enjoy Oisans is the place to be.
July 8, 2009 at 8:58 pm |
Just back from a fantastic week with Enjoy Oisans in Bourg. Fantastic house in a brilliant location, especially for the Marmotte which starts less than 100 metres from the front door! Phil and Helen are friendly and welcoming, the breakfast is great and the Phil’s knowledge of the local area and his ride leading are spot on. There can be no better area for cycling; stunning scenery and some of the most famous cols in the world. I’d definitely reccommend Enjoy Oisans to anyone looking for a cycling holiday in this area.
July 12, 2009 at 8:19 am |
hi folks
just a quick word of thanks for what was a a fantastic week at alpe dhuez.
having stayed in bourg last year in what could be described as terrible accomadation , we were a little concerned this year what our fate would be, however as we approached the chalet we could see we were in for a fantastic week.
your welcome at the chalet as you unpacked what looked like supplies for an army, and yor service and help throught the week was exceptional,being on hand every morning to cook breakfast was appreciated
without any shadow of doubt myself and a group of friends will be back next year (maby sooner) for the marmotte and would reccomend yor company to any body else wishing to stay in that area .
kind regards
stephen kelly
slaney cycling club
enniscorthy
co wexford
August 14, 2009 at 10:35 am |
We spent a very enjoyable 9 days at Bourg in early April 2009 with Phil & Helen, just at the end of the ski season, travelling up each day from Bourg to Alpe D’Huez. The short drive was well worth it each day, the skiing was still good, even for so late on in the season, we were able to ski every day and the best part was that we weren’t tied to the timetables of a ski company or tour rep. We were able to come and go as we pleased, with Phil & Helen being very flexible.
From the minute that we were collected from the airport to the sad short drive back to the airport at the end of our holiday Phil & Helen were very helpful. Maybe one year soon we will be brave enough to go back in the summer to try some cycling!
A great holiday. The scenery and the location was excellent. Many thanks, Tim, Jane & Family
August 29, 2009 at 9:46 am |
I’ve just spent a few days here and can only endorse the previous reviews.
Phil and helen have obviously put a lot of thought into what makes a great cycling holiday. The Alps provide the most important ingredient but Phil and Helen provide the rest. It’s the little things that they have thought of that elevate them from the ordinary, from a quality breakfast in the morning through the well thought out rides and the well kitted out workshop to a bookcase full of cycling books it”s cycling nirvana!
I’ve worked in the travel industry for over a decade and can usually find fault with any accommodation. I can honestly say that this place does exactly what it says on the tin, plus a bit.
I’ll be back, hopefully with a few more people in tow next year.
August 30, 2009 at 2:48 am |
Just returned home from Tour d’Oisans and it has finally all sank in!! My jaw is sore from smiling for 1 week straight. I got to spend about 5 days on the bike in Bourg d’Oisans and it was definitely a life changing experience.
I went into the week looking for some good altitude training and I got just that. I knew the climbs would be hard but I really didn’t have any idea about real climbing on a bicycle. The wonderful thing about the climbs is you can take them at whatever speed you feel comfortable. They are challenging but never give up and you will certainly reach the tops of these Cols.
Phil and Helen are amazing people and I would have been lost without them. On the final day of my stay, we ascended the Col de la Croix de Fer. I had to be back in Bourg at 1:32pm sharp to catch a bus to Grenoble where I would then catch the train to Paris. 10 kilometers from the top my chain broke and I was stuck worried I might not make it to the top or home for that matter. Phil went right to work and with the help of my friend Simon as well, my chain was fixed as fast as a pit stop in Formula 1 racing. I sprinted up to the summit with only enough time to take a quick photo of the famous Iron Cross. I had to then sprint back to Bourg for fear I might miss my bus. Helen knew I would be in a hurry and as I arrived in Bourg I walked into the house where my lunch had been prepared for me. (I was starving by the way!) I packed my things as fast as I could and ran to the bus stop where the bus arrived at the instant I did. If it were not for the help of both of them I would not have made it! I cannot thank them enough!!
I had an amazing time in France and I will never forget my experience!!!
August 31, 2009 at 12:10 am |
A big thankyou to Phil and Helen for helping me turn my dream into reality this year in August. Having a milestone birthday pending my partner and I travelled to Bourg d’Oisans from Australia so that I could ride le Alpe Duez on my big day.
We enjoyed their fantastic B&B right in town and all the other delights of Bourg and the surrounding area.
Nothing was too much trouble for Phil and Helen and they make you feel very much at home.
Thanks guys, we hope we can make it back there again sometime.
September 1, 2009 at 11:28 am |
In life you come across things that are just right. The set up that Phil and Helen run at Tour d’Oisans is one such. Their flexible and friendly approach provided the perfect base for my col climbing week. Brilliant, glorious, scintillating, superb and supreme, the place deserves a 6 star award.
I was concerned that my age/steel bicycle/CTC touring background would not fit in with testosterone fuelled youth on plastic bikes but it did because of what Phil and Helen provide and the way they provide it.
And hey guys what about that included leg massage. I was so relaxed I nearly fell asleep.
A return trip is a forgone conclusion.
September 9, 2009 at 3:15 pm |
I was somewhat anxious as I arrived in the Alps for my week staying at Tour D’Oisans. I had no need to worry as Phil had planned a series of guided rides which really helped me aclimatise and find my legs over the course of the week. This schedule was totally flexible, so I took it easy one afternoon, and we took an alternate route another day. I thought this approach was ideal regardless of whether your an Alps newbie like me, or doing your own thing on a training week. Phil was a great guide on the rides and we got to cover some fantastic routes that you wouldn’t first think of in addition to all of the infamous Cols in the area. And he looked after riders of all abilities.
The accomodation was great, and the service was perfect for cyclists. A large breakfast of your typical carbs and continental fare was served every morining. And the post ride Pasta was handy to start that recovery. All provided by the lovely Helen. She is also a qualified masseuse and I highly recommend the leg massage after a hard day in the saddle. Phil and Helen really made the stay a pleasure.
As to my week in the Alps… I found the first big climb on Alp D’Huez tough in the 30c heat. But by the end of the week I was enjoying multi-Col days like Telegraphe/Galibier and Croix de la Fer/Glandon. But in all honesty its difficult not to get pleasure out of even the hardest days cycling in such stunning scenery. And I wouldn’t be at all anxious about tackling the Alpine Cols, you simply tackle them at your own pace.
Between the guided rides and the fine people I met whilst staying there I would heartily recommend Tour D’Oisans to lone travellers. Of course groups would have a fantasic time too.
Now I am contemplating my return for La Marmotte next year!
September 10, 2009 at 9:20 am |
It’s a long way to travel from Perth Western Australia, but wow it was worth it!!
This was the first time we had chosen a “stay and ride” holiday over a “multi location” holiday and Bourg d’Oisans is the place to do it.
The accomodation was bigger and better than we imagined and the location was perfect.
A big thank you to both Phil and Helen, the riding was great and the food fantastic.
September 16, 2009 at 4:20 am |
I have just returned to Australia after spending 10 days in Bourg d’Oisans staying with Phil and Helen. The accommodation, town, food and company were excellent. The highlight of course was the magnificent Alps and cycling through them. Phil’s guidance made the riding even more pleasurable as we could focus on the climbs and the stunning scenery without worrying about the route. Even after 8 days of cycling there is clearly many more Cols to visit from Bourg.
Thanks to Phil and Helen for a great holiday!
September 17, 2009 at 8:50 am |
Seven of us travelled to Bourg d’Oisans from Ireland and Spain to cycle some of the well known cols in the area. We based ourselves in the townhouse of Tour d’oisans and were very pleased that we made this choice. Helen and Phil provide a very convenient and accommodating solution to anyone looking to visit this area and also the flexibility to hire bikes, which is a real advantage with increasing airline baggage costs. We all intend to make the journey back to Tour d’oisans in the near future. Recommended.
September 20, 2009 at 1:01 am |
Having watched the Tour de France for years, I wanted to ride all the same famous col’s, especially Alpe D’Huez
Researching the web, I found Enjoyoisans.com to be the best possible set up, while offering great value for money.
The response to any inquiry was instant and precise.
When arriving at the location in Bourg D’Oisans, everything was as promised, and with plenty of mountains to ride.
Phil is an excellent guide and experienced bike rider, who takes great care in arraning a great riding schedule, while making you feel safe.
The breakfast and “after-ride” pasta was great.
The dinner and living room is a lively place where you meet the other guests from around the world and share ride experience from around the region.
The location is splendid, as you are located in walking distance to any shop or restaurant in town.
For my next cycle holiday, I will definately be back.
Thanks to Helen and Phil for providing an excellent set up for a cycling holiday
June 16, 2010 at 5:45 pm |
Wow! What a trip. I did La Marmotte prep week (June 6 – 12) and it was a cycling experience unlike anything I had ever done before. This pushed me to my limits physically and taught me a lot about serious cycling (pacing up the climbs, descending techniques, etc.) My hats off to Helen and Phil. They got it totally right. First off, I need to thank Phil for recommending I do the preparation week before attempting La Marmotte. Doing the Marmotte course over two days was plenty challenging. Based on how I felt after Day 1 (totally spent), I would have had difficulty doing the whole thing in one day. Now that I know what is involved, I would consider doing La Marmotte in the future, but only after doing the training week first. For anyone who has not climbed the Alps or something similar, I highly recommend doing the training week first before attempting La Marmotte. Secondly, Phil is a very knowledgeable and gracious bike tour leader. He knows the routes very well — he was spot on with the distances and difficulty of the climbs — and he does a great job checking on everyone to see how they are doing. As a racer himself, he’s strong enough to stay with (and likely could easily ride ahead of) the best riders of the group, but he makes a point of riding behind with weaker riders (like myself) as well. The accomodations were perfect. The B&B is right smack dab in the center of Bourg D’Oisans — a mecca for serious cyclists and within a 5 minute riding distance from the baes of Alpe D’Huez — with easy access to restaurants, cafes, patisseries, a grocery and of, of course, bike shops. The kitchen was fully stocked with energy bars and drinks for sale if we needed them, and there was always some pasta or baked goods prepared by Helen waiting for us after our rides. The garage has all the bike tools you will ever need to disassemble, assemble or work on your bike. Helen prepared a nice breakfast for us each monring and is also a trained (and recommended) masseuse. Helen’s father, Alan, a very amiable chap, drove the support van for us on Day 1 and Day 2 of the Marmotte route and made several stops for us along the way for us to refill our water bottles or change clothing. Finally, of course, the cycling and scenery were as good as you’ll ever get, and the French food of course is second to none. I highly recommend this trip, and hope to come back again (if my wife will let me) with others from my cycling group.
July 6, 2010 at 1:15 am |
I had a great three days in the Alpes. i booked having found the website on line and wasn’t sure what to expect. The accomodation was great, Phil and Helen were friendly helpful and supportive and you really are minutes from big hills and right in the middle of town.
My big fear was that myt sluggish riding style would lead to fgeeeling awkward this was not the case. I am living proof that you can enjoy your stay without any particular ability or apptitude. (You will not find my time for the Alpe D’huez listed) Everyone was very accepting of my slow progress and I never felt any presure to push myself harder than I felt comfortable.
I highly recommend Phil and Helen’s program. Great value, good people and great cycling (at any speed) and a great feeling of accomplishment at the end.
February 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm |
Tour d’Oisans was recommended to me by a friend of a friend. All the communications that I had with Helen/Phil was swift & friendly. I had decided to spend a couple of days cycling in the Alps as part of my 40th birthday celebrations. I was not to be disappointed. Helen & Phil are fabulous hosts. The accommodation (house next door) was clean and spacious. Sharing the pre-ride breakfasts with all the other guests was excellent. The climb up Alpe d’Huez was my main goal; but I thoroughly “enjoyed” my 5 hour slog/ride over Telegraphe, Galibier & Lautaret and then back home. Thanks for that Phil.
If you want an excellent base to climb the majority of famous cols, Le Bourg d’Oisans is the place. And the best accommodation there is tour d’Oisans. Thank You for some fabulous memories.
May 24, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
What a fabulous holiday – thanks Phil and Helen. As a relative newbie to road cycling I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a week cycling the ‘Cols’ of the area. Wow – what a week it was! The weather was glorious, our fellow guests great company and the house and facilities were spot on! Thanks to Helen for a fantastic breakfast each day – a great way to prepare for the day ahead with fellow riders.
Phil put together a week of fantastic riding that challenged and rewarded in equal measure. The mood was super-relaxed and the routes were varied and always beautiful. Not only that – each day he even managed to snap away during the ride and send us some fab shots as a perfect memento of each ride. The perfect guide!
Le Bourg d’Oisans really is the perfect place to base yourself for the best riding you’ll ever experience – you’re literally surrounded my the mountains. It’s utterly fabulous.
June 28, 2011 at 8:19 am |
Phil & Helen
A quick note to say a big thank you from Edward, Martin, Phil and David. We stayed with you from June 18th to ride Marmotte over two days. All just absolutely brilliant! Accomdation was clean and comfortable, breakfasts really were fantastic – as was food on first night. Cycling support was everything we could have expected – thank you for taking some great photos. We were really lucky with two great roomies in Rich and Matt all the way from Dallas, Texas – what top chaps and we’ll stay in touch. Bourg D’Oisans a lovely place and we’d really recommend the Dutch restaurant that proclaims that it serves ‘Healthy food for cyclists’. Not sure how it could have been better!
All the best
Edward
July 17, 2011 at 7:47 pm |
I was left in a bit of a pickle not long before the 2011 Etape Acte 1 when my team mates dropped out, leaving me with no accommodation and no transport etc. 48 hours later Phil and Helen had sorted out 4 days accommodation (including the pool and hot tub at Chalet le Camigam in Alpe d’Huez – well appreciated!) along with a hotel and transfer to the start, allowing me to get on with some training and to stop worrying. Unbelievable.
Needless to say the welcome and support from Phil, Helen and everyone else on the tour d’oisans etape team was outstanding and really contributed to a fantastic experience.
It’s worth adding that the accommodation was perfect for my wife and young daughter; they really enjoyed it, both as an event and a holiday. Now how do I convince them to let me head to tour d’oisans for a week every year…suggestions?
Thanks again guys. Unforgettable.
July 22, 2011 at 3:02 am |
Thanks Phil and Helen for another fantastic week of cycling in the Oisans. This was our second time to visit and it felt like we were visiting old friends! We had a truly great time. For any cyclists that want to visit France and ride in the Alps, I would wholeheartedly recommend a stay with Helen and Phil! The food is great, the house was very nice, and the support and warm treatment was exceptional. We were so fortunate to meet and ride with Edward, Martin, Phil and David from the UK who were such amazing and fun folks who made the visit that much more enjoyable! I can’t remember the last time and laughed so much. I hope we can stay and ride again sometime soon. Rich and Matthew
August 2, 2011 at 10:05 am |
Phil and Helen,
We had a brilliant week’s riding – the most enjoyable riding experience we have ever had including the Etape de Tour (Telegraph, Galibier and Alpe d’Huez), the Galibier stage of the TdF and the Alpe d’Huez stage of the TdF. Organisation and transportation were superb. The company of the 3 Australians and the Californian was stimulating.
Organisation and food wae terrific.
Many thanks,
John and Tim
May 22, 2012 at 4:58 am |
Just back and recovered from a great week with you. There were so many ‘highs’:
- great routes- every day was different, scenery amazing and the region just stunning
- great guide- Phil was brilliant in catering for the different ability in our group. As one of the slower ones I was never made to feel so. This made the holiday for me.
- great accommodation. The house is great and the homely breakfast just right for the days.
All in all it was a well structured well catered week.