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The famous Vars 6-Day Cycle Race is back from 26 June to 2 July, once again taking riders along the legendary roads of the Southern Alps!
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For the past 44 years, the 6 Days of Vars has marked the start of the summer season in Vars. Up to 200 cyclists gather in Vars every year to tackle some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Southern Alps. Over the course of the week, a total of 652 km and 15,107 metres of elevation gain await these seasoned cyclists.
But isn’t that the event that brings together cycle tourists for a week – the one that so many cycling friends I’ve met here and there have told me about? They say it’s a radially organised tour centred on the village of Vars in the Hautes-Alpes, offering stunning views of the Alpine landscape.
They say it’s been held every year in early July since 1983. They say it’s organised by the small ‘6 Cols de Vars’ club, whose volunteers look forward to this week like marmots, delighted to welcome you. They say that this year’s route will take us through Les Orres and Saint Sauveur, the Col du Granon, Les Meyries and Saint-Véra, Mikéou and Les Chapins, the Col de Cayolle and, finally, the Col d’Izoard. It’s also said that, for many die-hard enthusiasts, all roads lead to Vars… So spoke a cyclist craving a challenge, new discoveries and a friendly atmosphere!
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A unique stop-off in the Vallouise, on the edge of the Ecrins National Park. We’ll be able to enjoy the two sides of Puy-Saint-Vincent: the modern ski resort overlooking the valley from an altitude of 1,800 metres, and the charming chalets of Narreyroux, nestled in a wild little valley typical of the Hautes-Alpes. All set against a high-mountain backdrop, with Mont Pelvoux nearby.
Long Route: 109 km / 2,726 m elevation gain
Short Route: 87 km / 1,872 m elevation gain
The highest village in Europe, where, as the saying goes, roosters peck at the stars, and ranked amongst the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Véran is truly worth the trip. As for the Col de l’Agnel, its altitude (2,744 m) and steep gradients make it one of the most formidable Alpine passes, but also one of the most beautiful. This day in the highlands of the Queyras will be a cycling tourist’s delight, both for the physical challenge it presents and for the splendour of the scenery.
Long Route: 113 km / 2,944 m elevation gain
Short Route: 91 km / 2,265 m elevation gain
This is the iconic mountain pass of the Tour de France that inspires every cyclist with its challenging gradients, its high altitude (2,646 m) and, above all, the simply breathtaking views it offers of the peaks and glaciers of the Ecrins massif!
Long route: 153 km, 2,613 D+
Short route: 112 km / 1,997 metres of elevation gain
Wednesday is traditionally a rest day, or a semi-rest day. The programme will therefore include a morning’s cycling with one, two or three climbs, depending on whether you choose the mini, short or long route. We’ll then enjoy a picnic together in the Val d’Escreins, the stunning nature reserve near Vars. Those who’d prefer not to cycle that day can travel to the Val d’Escreins by car, or walk there along the footpaths.
Long Route: 51 km / 1,432 D+
Short Route: 34 km / 787 D+
Cycling along the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon, Europe’s second-largest reservoir, is always a delight. This stage will be the least challenging of the week in terms of distance and elevation gain, but halfway through the route there’s the climb up the Col de Pontis, which is no walk in the park… The return journey along the scenic road hugging the Durance is also absolutely stunning.
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Long Route: 122 km / 2,437 m elevation gain
Short Route: 99 km / 1,750 m elevation gain
With its spectacular setting and impressive altitude, Europe’s highest road attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the summer. Caution is advised on this long, narrow high-mountain road, which offers breathtaking scenery and steep gradients. On the descent from the summit, make sure you follow the signs for Jausiers and not those for Nice. We know of people who have taken the wrong turn… Also watch out for marmots, which sometimes cross the road without warning. La Bonette, a cycling mecca – exceptional and unforgettable!
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Long Route: 104 km / 2,955 D+
Short Route: 73 km / 1,883 m elevation gain
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