Discover the Alpine Charm of Alpe d'Huez

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [see voo pleh / deh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kyoo-zay mwah / deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. eh voo?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwah la kart, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-ay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot?]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell err eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon err]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez errz ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (sur la kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kohn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [un bee-yay (poor)]

Alpe d'Huez, nestled in the French Alps, traces its origins back to the medieval period. The area was initially settled by shepherds and farmers, taking advantage of the fertile mountain pastures. The small village of Huez, from which Alpe d'Huez gets its name, was first mentioned in historical records in the 11th century.

In the late 19th century, Alpe d'Huez experienced a significant transformation due to the discovery of silver and lead deposits. The mining industry brought economic growth and an influx of workers to the region. The mining operations left a lasting legacy, with several old tunnels and mining relics still visible today.

The early 20th century marked the beginning of Alpe d'Huez as a winter sports destination. The first ski lift was installed in 1936, and the area quickly gained popularity among skiing enthusiasts. The development of ski infrastructure continued through the decades, solidifying Alpe d'Huez's reputation as a premier ski resort.

During World War II, the remote and rugged terrain of Alpe d'Huez provided a strategic advantage for the French Resistance. The local population played a crucial role in supporting resistance fighters, offering shelter and aid. This period of history is commemorated by several monuments and memorials in the area.

Alpe d'Huez is perhaps most famous for its association with the Tour de France. Since its first inclusion in the race in 1952, the climb up to Alpe d'Huez has become one of the most iconic and challenging stages of the Tour. The 21 hairpin bends ascending to the resort are legendary among cyclists and spectators alike.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Alpe d'Huez continued to expand as a comprehensive tourist destination. Modern amenities, hotels, and restaurants were developed to cater to the growing number of visitors. Today, Alpe d'Huez is a year-round destination, offering a range of activities from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

Alpe d'Huez hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the renowned Alpe d'Huez International Comedy Film Festival. This annual event attracts filmmakers and actors from around the world, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the area's appeal. In addition to film festivals, Alpe d'Huez also features music festivals, local fairs, and traditional celebrations that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Alpe d'Huez is located in the Central French Alps. The nearest major airport is Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport, approximately 100 kilometers away. You can also fly into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport or Geneva Airport, both of which are about a two-hour drive. From these airports, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service directly to Alpe d'Huez. During the ski season, there are often direct bus services from these airports to the resort. Another option is to take a train to Grenoble, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Alpe d'Huez.

Once in Alpe d'Huez, you can navigate the area using the free shuttle buses that run regularly and connect different parts of the resort. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore surrounding villages and attractions. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. During the ski season, ski lifts and gondolas are the main modes of transportation for skiers and snowboarders.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Alpe d'Huez. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for emergencies. ATMs are available throughout the resort, so you can withdraw cash as needed.

Alpe d'Huez is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid leaving valuables unattended. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it's best to stay vigilant, especially in busy tourist spots. The resort has a strong police presence and security measures to ensure the safety of visitors.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The resort has a medical center with doctors and nurses available to handle minor injuries and illnesses. For serious medical emergencies, you may need to be transported to a larger hospital in Grenoble. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available in the resort for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the weather. In winter, layers and waterproof gear are essential. Avoid wearing ski boots in restaurants and shops. Religion: Do respect religious sites and local customs. Although Alpe d'Huez is not known for religious conservatism, a respectful attitude is always appreciated. Public Transport: Do use the free shuttle buses within the resort. Don’t forget to check the schedule as they can vary. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'Bonjour' and a smile. It's a polite way to start any conversation. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including raclette and fondue. Don't forget to make a reservation if you plan to dine at popular restaurants during peak season.

To experience Alpe d'Huez like a local, consider visiting the weekly market held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where you can buy local produce and artisanal goods. Engage with the locals, who are often happy to share tips about the best ski runs or hidden hiking trails. For a unique experience, visit the ice cave (Grotte de Glace) at 2,700 meters, which features stunning ice sculptures. Also, don't miss the chance to try night skiing on the floodlit slopes.