Stage 20: Modane → Alpe d’Huez
110,5 km – Saturday 25th of July
Stage 20 of the Tour de France connects Modane in Savoie to the Alpe d’Huez in Isère. If you are visiting the area to support the cyclists (or not), here are our recommendations if you want to enjoy this region and the French Alps during the Tour. Curious, gourmet, active, discover our good spots by reading our Top 10 of the best things to do around the stage 20 of the Tour de France 2015.
1: Behind the scene: play the chemist apprentice at the Modane underground laboratory in the Fréjus tunnel (scientific spot)
Who knew that in the Fréjus tunnel between France and Italy, was hiding a laboratory where scientists were doing research on low radioactivity? Well it’s true and good news, it is open to the public and you are invited to discover the activity of these underground laboratories.
Carré Sciences, 1125, route de Bardonnèche, 73500 Modane
2: Behind the scene: discover the secrets of Beaufort at the Cooperative Saint Sorlin d’Arves (cheese and foodie spot)
Can we seriously speak about France and Savoie without mentioning cheese? Answer of any French person: “Of course not!”. At the Cooperative Saint Sorlin d’Arves, you can taste Beaufort but we recommend you this address because you can visit the cheese factory to go even further and discover the production process. Meet the producer, ask questions about this mysterious cheese and discover their skills at work. This visit is recommended in the morning if you want to see the Beaufort’s elaboration. More information about this visit 
3: Dip a crouton in melted cheese
Savoie and cheese, it’s a real love story! We maybe exaggerate slightly but you should know before coming that there is a special relationship between them… So during this stage, even if it is summer, we recommend that you eat a delicious French fondue! Usually, we eat this dish after a long day of skiing, with a good wine and “baguettes” that we dip in the melted cheese. Hummmm and perfect for those who don’t like strong cheese. 
4: Behind the scene: visit a hydroelectric plant at Avrieux
Environmental issues are now on everyone’s lips so why not get some hindsight by visiting a cutting-edge hydroelectric plant (EDF produce, transport and supply electricity in France)? Discover how an industrial technology, amazing machines and sculptural turbines, transform water into electricity. A heritage that will electrify you! More information in french about this visit 
5: Wander around one of the most beautiful village of France: La Grave
La Grave have received the title of “One of the most beautiful villages of France”. La Grave installed its stone houses and slate on the sunny side of the mountain. The charm is enhanced by the view of the imposing mountain La Meije. Relax, and smell the fresh air! Are you not convinced already ? 
6: Visit the cathedral, the cloister and the crypt of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
This classified site of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne has a rich past! We strongly recommend you to make a slight detour to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to admire these architectural wonders. If you are in a group, you can even take a guided tour to learn more about this place.
Place de la Cathédrale, 73300 Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
7: Purchase typical Savoyard delicacies at the shop l’Atre des Bourcas located in Alpe d’Huez
After discovering Savoyard cuisine, you cannot do without it (yes in our team, we love food…) so don’t leave without extra supplies! Fill up the right products at the local store L’Atre des Bourcas and when you go back home, invite some friends, present your sausages, hams, cheeses and enjoy guenine French products. If you can’t bring home the supplies, you can do some shopping and organize a “pic nic” at the next stage while you are waiting for the cyclists on the roadside.
Route du Signal, 38750 L’Alpe D’Huez
8: Feast at L’authentique, à l’Alpe d’Huez
A little bit of mountain, a dose of Italy and two doses of France, few grams of the Alps, mix everything… and you will get the secret of the delicious recipes of l’Authentique, a restaurant that you can’t miss! Try original recipes such as lasagna with Reblochon (on top of other typical cheese). Enjoy your meal (and plan a sport activity afterward)! BOOK IN ADVANCE
Avenue des Jeux, 38750 L’Alpe d’Huez
9: Connect with stars at Astroguindaine in Villar-d’Arène
Perched at 2000 meters, the observatory Astroguidaine brings you closer to the stars. The purity of the mountain reveals a pollution-free sky and the beauty of the stars. Of course you can sleep there to avoid leaving in the middle of the night!
La Guindaine, 05480 Villar d’Arène
10: Take a break at Alpe d’Huez
At La Clé des Bois, a charming bed and breakfast, Mary and Peter welcome you warmly! They reserve you luxurious rooms, a sanatorium, a jacuzzi and homemade dishes. Everything is done to ensure you a great stay! Charm guaranteed but are you too tired?
Sleep at Marie and Peter’s house
Bonus from our friend Poussin Voyageur who takes care of the children
Bonus: find the treasures of nature by walking in the unspoiled area of the Oisans
Share with your family a happy moment by picking up raspberries, blueberries and cassis. Located in the Parc National des Ecrins, Oisans is rich in natural resources but you may be patient and observant in order to discover them. To lasting pleasure, stay at the Refuge Alpe du Pin with Fabrice and Sandrine who are going to show you plants that you will cook at night.
Saint-Christophe en Oisans, 06 07 97 54 67
If you enjoy reading this article, let us know because it is the first one in English! The city of Alpe d’Huez asked us to translate this article. Good exercise for our French team… Your support will be a sign that we should continue translating our travel diary in French.
Feel free to add comments and share your good spots between Modane and Alpe d’Huez!
