All year round Auberge La Douce Montagne offers a great base to explore the surrounding Alps.
Obviously you can go cycling as from May until the end of October, but this period is excellent for many other activities as well. September and October for example are recognised for their mild and sunny weather and their amazing autumn colours. Whatever you choose to do during the day, when you return to the hotel there will be a delicious three course dinner waiting for you to reenergize for the coming day.
Hiking
Right outside our hotel you find hiking trails which will lead you through mountain areas of the Grandes Rousses and Belledonne. At about a 20 min drive from the hotel you’ll enter the National Parc des Ecrins; where a hiking paradise opens up for you with amazing flora and fauna. At the hotel we have several hiking maps and routes descriptions available to look at to prepare your hikes.
Mountainbiken
The area surrounding the hotel offers excellent opportunities to explore by mountain bike. During summer you’ll get the chance to ride at higher elevation too, as a number of the ski lifts are opened for bikers. We have a booklet with route descriptions available to view at the hotel.
Rock climing / Via Ferrata
In the Alpe d’Huez area there are several possibilities to go rock climbing and there are Via Ferrata routes. These activities can be done individually by the experienced or we can arrange a guide for you.
Trail running
Trail running is becoming increasingly popular. Walking on unpaved paths with (quite) much height difference is perfectly possible in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. Within a few passengers you are away from asphalt roads with cars and cyclists and you walk freely in nature on beautiful mountain paths. A real challenge is the easy way to Alpe d’Huez, straight through the woods (only 7.5 km).
Water sports
The reservoir Lac du Verney can be used for windsurfing and sailing. There are paddleboats for hire as well. The lake is situated at walking distance from the hotel. Please note it’s not allowed to swim in it. There are several lakes in the surrounding area where swimming is allowed.
Across the road from the hotel is the public pool. It’s opened from the beginning of July until the end of August.
There are several locations in the area where you are able to go kayaking or white water rafting.
Golf
Around Grenoble you’ll find several beautifully situated 18 hole golf courses. Closer to the hotel at Alpe d’Huez there is a 9 hole course.
Parapentes
From Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes the high altitudes are visited with parapentes and hang gliders. Alpe d’Huez has an airport where you can take a flight by helicopter or small plane to explore the area in a different way.
Musea
You can visit several different museums from the hotel. Among others there is a museum about the different types of rock and fauna of the Alps. Not far from the hotel there is a museum based on the hydro scheme which literally flows through Allemont. A little further afield in Grenoble you find several museums focussed on arts.
Cities
Grenoble is a large city with many different facilities like cinemas, discos, shopping malls to name a few.
Briançon has an old fortified city centre, very steep and narrow but picturesque streets, cozy little shops and terraces where you can quench your thirst after exploring the town.
Turin isn’t all that far away and offers you the opportunity to make a daytrip to Italy during your holiday.