What is the altitude of the Col de Vars?

The Col de Vars rises to an altitude of 2,109 metres.

Is the Col de Vars part of the Route des Grandes Alpes?

Yes, the Col de Vars is one of the iconic mountain passes on the Route des Grandes Alpes.

How difficult is the Col de Vars?

From Guillestre, the climb is 19.4 km long with an elevation gain of 1,111 m and an average gradient of 5.7 per cent.

Are there any water sources?

When tackling a mountain pass such as the Col de Vars by bike, it is important to know where to find water sources. One advantage of the high-Alpine side of the Col de Vars is that it passes through the villages and the resort. You will therefore find drinking fountains at: Vars Saint-Marcellin (km 14) Vars Sainte-Marie (km 15) Vars les Claux (km 17)

The Col de Vars

On the Route des Grandes Alpes

In the heart of one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Southern Alps

Situated on the Route des Grandes Alpes, the Col de Vars attracts thousands of cyclists and motorcyclists every summer, who come to tackle its hairpin bends and enjoy the exceptional scenery of the Southern Alps. Whether by bike or motorbike, the pass serves as a gateway to some of the most beautiful Alpine routes and is one of the must-see crossings between the Guillestrois and the Ubaye regions.

The Col de Vars

the must-do climb

Stretching 19.4 kilometres from Guillestre, the Col de Vars takes you over the symbolic 2,000-metre altitude mark. Its accessible profile makes it a climb popular with both experienced cyclists and amateurs keen to discover the world of the great Alpine passes. With an average gradient of 5.7 per cent and sections reaching nearly 10 per cent as it passes through the resort, the climb alternates between sustained effort and more rolling sections.

The Col de Vars in figures
Altitude: 2,109 m
Start: Guillestre
Distance: 19.4 km
Elevation gain: 1,111 m
Average gradient: 5.7 per cent
Maximum gradient: 10 per cent

On the Route des Grandes Alpes

The Col de Vars is one of the iconic stages of the Route des Grandes Alpes, the cycle touring route that links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, passing through some of France’s most beautiful mountain passes.

From Vars, cyclists enjoy an ideal base from which to tackle several major stages of this legendary route and take on the most famous climbs in the Southern Alps one after the other.

/ In the footsteps of

of the Tour de France

The Col de Vars is one of the climbs that have left their mark on the history of cycling. Situated on the Route des Grandes Alpes, it has been crossed on numerous occasions by the Tour de France and continues to welcome the best climbers from the international peloton.

In 2024, during the 19th stage of the Tour de France – considered the queen stage of that edition – the riders put on a memorable show on the slopes of the pass. It was the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz who crossed the summit in the lead before descending into the Ubaye valley, whilst Tadej Pogačar, the eventual stage winner, cemented his dominance over the Tour de France.

The 2024 race marked the 36th time the Tour de France had passed through the Col de Vars, a testament to the importance of this climb in the history of the race. Even today, every cyclist who reaches the summit can test themselves against the slopes tackled by cycling’s greatest champions.

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Remi Morel

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Remi Morel

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Remi Morel

Col de Vars

by motorbike

Every summer, many motorcyclists stop off at Vars whilst crossing the Alps. Restaurants, sunny terraces, panoramic views of the peaks and a mountain atmosphere make the pass a favourite stopping point before setting off again towards new horizons.

The legendary mountain passes

Around Vars

Col d’Izoard

With its unique rocky landscape and the famous Casse Déserte, the Col d’Izoard is a must-do climb for any cycling enthusiast.

Col Agnel

Reaching an altitude of 2,744 metres, the Col Agnel is one of the highest road passes in Europe and offers spectacular views on the Italian border.

Col de la Bonette

Renowned for its altitude of 2,712 metres, the Col de la Bonette is one of the greatest cycling challenges in the French Alps and links the Ubaye Valley with the Tinée Valley.

Col de Larche

Less busy but just as remarkable, this mountain pass linking France and Italy offers the chance to explore the Ubaye valley in a wild and unspoilt setting.

Before setting off

What is the altitude of the Col de Vars?
Is the Col de Vars part of the Route des Grandes Alpes?
How difficult is the Col de Vars?
Are there any water sources?
When tackling a mountain pass such as the Col de Vars by bike, it is important to know where to find water sources. One advantage of the high-Alpine side of the Col de Vars is that it passes through the villages and the resort. You will therefore find drinking fountains at:
- Vars Saint-Marcellin (km 14)
- Vars Sainte-Marie (km 15)
- Vars les Claux (km 17)

I prepare

my stay

Whether you’re a cyclist passing through on the Route des Grandes Alpes or staying in the Vars Valley, why not take the opportunity to discover the accommodation, restaurants and services tailored to sports enthusiasts available in the area?

The Col de Vars

of the Tour de France

/ More and more