With its atmosphere of tranquillity and contemplation, this unspoilt, centuries-old village offers a peaceful and soothing holiday retreat. Situated close to the forest and the Chagne stream that runs through it, Vars Saint-Marcellin it is the perfect place to switch off from everyday life whilst remaining within easy reach of the resort’s main amenities, thanks to the shuttle buses that keep you connected.
The more curious amongst you will discover the sculptures created by a local artist who has literally filled the hamlet with his imaginary characters, which are now part of everyday life. It’s an opportunity to meet the locals and soak up the friendly atmosphere of the place.
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Vars Saint Marcellin
HeritageSaint Marcellin is the first Vars you see when you arrive on the north side of the pass road. Crossing into the heart of the village, you see the facades of wooden chalets and old houses on either side. It’s worth taking the time to stop and discover the richness of the village’s heritage, and go beyond the crossing street to get to know the oldest of our villages.
Vars Saint Marcellin
Front door
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Alpesphotographies.com Vars Saint Marcellin (3)
A LITTLE HISTORY
Vars Saint Marcellin, the gateway to Vars at an altitude of 1,600 metres, is the oldest village and the living memory of the parish, with its church at the very heart of it. As it stands today, it dates from the 18th century, although certain architectural features of great interest date back to earlier periods (the portal surmounted by a central arch and the two lions adorning the entrance, carved from the pink marble of the Guillestre quarry by Lombard sculptors, and the 13th-century capitals in the chancel) and paintings whose beauty will be revealed in the light once they have been restored. Previously, the Church of Notre Dame had suffered the ravages of time and history, notably the sacking by the armies of the Duke of Savoy in 1692 during their incursion into the Hautes-Alpes via the Col de Vars.
Alpesphotographies.com Vars Saint Marcellin (13)
2020 270720104608 Rémi Morel Ot Vars
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To enjoy beautiful views of the village of Saint Marcellin, simply follow the Chagne upstream towards ‘Le Forest’: a road takes you up into the hills and allows you to complete a lovely loop between the villages of Vars Sainte Marie and Vars Saint Marcellin, which are linked by the torrent.
The little extraVars Castle
All that remains of this 11th-century castle are a few ruins.
It was destroyed in 1577 on the orders of the Archbishop of Embrun during the Wars of Religion, to prevent it falling into the hands of the Reformed.
Today, with all this history behind it, the place known as the château is a pleasant walk from which you can access this 360° promontory overlooking the Vars and Durance valleys.
Not to be missed
practical information
Shuttles
In both winter and summer, the municipality of Vars provides a free shuttle service to help you get around within and between the villages.
Car parks
If your accommodation does not have a private car park, we recommend that you park your car in one of the car parks available at Vars les Claux and use the free shuttle service.
