I joined a sports star’s four-day residency at an all-inclusive resort in the French Alps (Image: Club Med)
If anyone had told me I’d have such an unforgettable experience cycling through the Alps, as a non-cyclist, I’d have found it hard to believe.
Yet, on a warm July day, there I was, navigating a scenic route on a mountain bike at a breathtaking 2000 meters above sea level.
This was quite a departure from my usual gymnastics training, so I never even imagined I’d have the stamina for such an adventure.
Entering Club Med’s spectacular Alpe D’Huez resort was like stepping into a different world, where adults and children could have unlimited amounts of fun, being constantly entertained by an extensive activities schedule.
The grandeur of the main lobby is only a sneak peek of the magnificence that is enjoyed from each and every section of this hotel, starting from the lush panoramic terrace that was coincidentally hosting the weekly kids’ tea time, with plenty of fun activities and treats for everyone to enjoy.
We journalists were then introduced to Ed Clancy OBE, a three-time Olympic champion and six-time world champion cyclist, and the host of the residency we had been invited to.
Club Med Alpe D’Huez is located at a breathtaking 2000 meters above sea level (Image: Club Med)
Club Med Alpe d’Huez: Cycling with Ed Clancy in the Alps was quite the experience (Image: Club Med)
That evening, dinner was served at Club Med’s buffet-style restaurant, Le Pic Blanc, which was an experience in itself.
Each day, this sophisticated outpost welcomed us with a fresh assortment of delicacies, from oysters and sashimi to local cheeses, all prepared to order and ensuring a memorable start to every meal.
One of the stations was dedicated solely to freshly-made Alpine dishes, the Raclette-topped potatoes and cold cuts being one of the favourites. The pasta station was absolutely breathtaking, and the grill section procured supplying steaks, cutlets and fish in minutes.
There was something for everyone, which in a very tangible way shows Club Med’s commitment to ensuring all members of the family, from parents to teenagers and babies, are happy and enjoying their stay.
The next morning, I took on the mountain bike ride on a powerful electric bike, which showed me our beautiful surroundings and breathtaking views over the valley in the warm sunshine and relishing the crisp air.
Club Med’s superb facilities included an indoor swimming pool (Image: Club Med)
Alpe D’Huez is a haven for cyclists and ski lovers alike (Image: Club Med)
And upon our return, the resort’s Les Alpages Gourmet Lounge, welcomed us with some canapés to the unmissable fondue night, where we were able to try different versions (classic, tomato and mushrooms) of the popular Alpine cheese-based dish.
This initial 8-kilometre ride was merely a prelude to the true highlight of my journey from London to the heart of the French Alps: a road bike ride led by Clancy himself. This would have been quite daunting had he not been such an approachable and relaxed sports superstar.
Our thrilling third day kicked off with a hearty breakfast at Le Pic Blanc, accompanied by some really inopportune rain. While the urge to pull out was strong, I felt compelled to experience and document this journey.
The ride began at the valley’s base, where a Club Med staff member kindly transported me and some other guests, as we weren’t quite ready enough to tackle the iconic 21 Virages—famous among Tour de France enthusiasts — downhill and in the steady downpour.
As we reached the bottom, the rain intensified, adding an extra layer of excitement to the beginning of our 21km ride. After a brief coffee stop to warm up and let the storm pass, Ed led us through the charming alpine village of Alpe D’Huez, eventually arriving at a stunning riverside path surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery.
The resort overlooks a sprawling golf course (Image: Club Med)
The ride concluded (at least for beginners like me) at a church perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the valley and a majestic lake below.
Our stay at Club Med Alpe d’Huez was filled with delightful surprises and thoughtful touches that ensured all our needs were met, just as they were for other guests and families. Every detail was attended to.
For instance, on our first evening, the attentive staff ensured that guests from England had a dedicated area with a TV screen to watch the national football team’s semi-final match against the Netherlands, while French guests enjoyed a lively karaoke session in the nearby main hall.
We also had the pleasure of indulging in a massage session at the Club Med Spa by PAYOT on our last day, which was a welcome relief after a few days of intense sports. This was complemented by the wellness facilities, including an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the snow-capped mountains.
To book and find out more about Club Med’s Lakes & Mountains holidays, please visit www.clubmed.co.uk