Vars, Trail running

Trail-running itineraries - Permanent routes

A new way to discover the mountains passing lakes, forests and valleys

Novices, running enthusiasts and skilful trail-runners will find routes ranging from single-track mountain paths to faster tracks, and from easy woodland routes to magnificent elevated sections.

Trail-running routes in Val d'Escreins

Three trail-running itineraries take you exploring the nature reserve and the beauty of this landscape, a luxuriant wilderness of flowering plants and gushing streams, and the ruins of the ancient village.
Grab your running shoes and discover exceptional panoramic views, on the ridges or in the larch forests, and admire the postcard scenery at your pace on itineraries to suit every level.

Green Val

- Beginner Level
- Distance: 3.937km
- Minimum altitude: 1,781m
- Maximum altitude: 1,889 m
- Difference in altitude: +/- 121m

Perfect for beginners, this course follows the ruins of the old village and crosses a forest of larches and pines. Exert yourself and discover a rare and beautiful site...

Blue Val

- Intermediate Level
- Distance: 9.218 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,615 m
- Maximum altitude: 1,888 m
- Difference in altitude: +/- 319 m

An intermediate course which follows a wide circuit through the valley, where you can discover the scenery and wealth of the natural environment.

Red Val

- Beginner Level
- Distance: 9.125 km
- Minimum altitude: 1,780 m
- Maximum altitude: 2,552m
- Difference in altitude: +/- 788 m

This high-altitude route along the ridges of Vars shows off some of the most incredible scenery in the area. This route offers a sample collection of the very best in mountain scenery.

From Vars

Discover our regions... as you run!
Surpass yourself and enjoy this fabulous playground. Everyone from meditative walkers to energetic runners will find the perfect route for them.

Around the villages

Distance: 3.6 km - Difference in altitude: 182 m - Maximum altitude: 1,765 m - Minimum altitude: 1601 m

Visit the villages of Vars at your own pace: admire the views over the Vars valley, beautiful buildings, sundials and fountains on this beginners’ trail which is accessible to all.

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The Col de Vars

Distance: 15km - Difference in altitude 726m - Maximum altitude: 2,226m - Minimum altitude: 1,787m

Departs from: Vars les Claux,- Plateau du Caribou - Le Fournet

1- Ascend the Col de Vars via l'Ecuelle
2- Col de Vars
3- Descend towards the Napoléon shelter
4- Cross the road via the Piste de la Faisandière Info: possible to leave the route at kilometre 8, return to the resort
5- Ascend towards Peynier
6- Descend towards Les Claux via the Bois Noir
7- Arrive: Vars les Claux, centre-resort.

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Vertical kilometre route

Distance: 6km - Elevation gain: 931m - Elevation loss: 5 m - Maximum altitude: 2,575 m - Minimum altitude: 1,638m

Leaving from the Vars Sainte Marie chairlift, this itinerary takes you across forests and mountain pastures to the majestic Razis summit where you will have an amazing view over the Vars valley.
Stages of the route: Leave Vars Sainte Marie, Sainte Marie chairlift
1- Cross the piste de l'Olympique
2- Ascend towards the Grand Forest then the place known as "Le Chalet"
3- Cross the wood towards the Reyssas crests
4- Continue up the mountain slope, then once on the plateau, take a left towards Razis
5- Arrive: Razis Summit

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Plan Trail

Easy trail-running:

Free shuttles operate throughout the summer between the villages, the Col de Vars and the Val d'Escreins nature reserve
See Timetable