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The famous 6 jours cyclos de Vars are back from 27 June to 3 July to once again take on the legendary roads of the Southern Alps!
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The 6 Jours de Vars has been kicking off the summer season in Vars for 43 years. Every year, up to 200 cyclists gather in Vars to tackle some of the most beautiful passes in the Southern Alps. Over the course of the week, a total of 660 km and 15,495 metres of ascent await these seasoned cyclists.
But isn’t this the week-long event for cycle tourists that many cycling friends I’ve met here and there have told me about? It’s said to be a star-shaped ride centred on the commune of Vars in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, taking in a beautiful Alpine landscape.
It is said to have been held every year at the beginning of July since 1983. They say it’s organised by the little 6 cols de Vars club, whose volunteers look forward to this week like marmots enjoying the pleasure of welcoming you. They say that this year’s route will take us to 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 is also said that for many enthusiasts, all roads lead to Vars… So said a cyclist in search of effort, discovery and conviviality!
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A new stage in the Embrunais region, taking us through charming old villages and a more modern ski resort. There will be little car traffic on the roads we take. They will often be narrow and sometimes quite steep. As for the views, they will be sumptuous.
Grand Parcours: 107 km / 2520 D+.
Petit Parcours: 84 km / 1850 D+ (over 6,000 miles)
The toughest mountain pass in the Briançonnais region is part of the history of the Tour de France, particularly since the stage on 13 July 2022 when Jonas Vingegaard won the stage ahead of Nairo Quintana and Romain Bardet. On that day, he took the yellow jersey from Tadej Pogacar and held on to it until the finish on the Champs-Elysées. The Granon is the judge of the Tour, so you’ll need to approach it with respect if you want to enjoy the climb. The slope is steep and sustained (11.5km at 9%), the road narrow and little used, and the view of the Ecrins massif from the summit is dazzling.
Grand Parcours: 120 km / 2,585 D+.
Petit Parcours: 81 km / 1780 D+ (9.5 miles)
Ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint Véran is also the highest commune in Europe, perched at an altitude of 2040m in a marvellous natural setting. Visiting this Queyras landmark by bike is always a great moment of sport and contemplation. Beforehand, we will have made a diversion to Les Meyries, to add a little difficulty to discover one of the many authentic villages in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, with a beautiful view over the Aigues valley.
Long route: 134 km, 3400 D+.
Petit Parcours: 75 km / 1850 D+ (short route)
Wednesday is traditionally a day of rest, or semi-rest. The programme therefore includes a morning’s cycling with one or two climbs, depending on whether you choose a short or long route. The climbs aren’t very long, but they’re fairly steep, and they’ll give you magnificent views of the whole of the Guillestrois. We’ll then enjoy a picnic lunch together on the shores of the lovely Lac d’Eygliers. The afternoon will be spent enjoying a choice of activities: relaxing by the lake, swimming, visiting Mont-Dauphin Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering the petrifying fountain at Réotier, taking a thermal bath at the Plan de Phazy spring, etc.
Grand Parcours: 46 km / 1300 D+.
Petit Parcours: 25 km / 760D+ (small route)
You’ll never tire of this famous Col on the Route des Grandes Alpes, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and picturesque. A long climb through narrow gorges, then the valley opens out onto landscapes of larch forests, high limestone walls and lush green mountain pastures where the tumultuous Bachelard torrent rushes down. A truly enchanting experience. Don’t forget to keep a little under your pedal for the return journey, as the end of the cik de Vars is a rather spicy dessert…
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Grand Parcours: 135 km / 2770 D+ (over 10,000 miles)
Petit Parcours: 104 km / 1680 D+ (over 10,000 miles)
The international reputation of this pass has long been established. It owes its fame to its difficulty and the beauty of its scenery, including the spectacular Casse Déserte. It also owes its fame to all the feats accomplished by the world’s best cyclists on its formidable slopes. Regularly climbed during major races (Tour, Giro, Dauphiné libéré, Embrun Triathlon), the Izoard is a monument to cycling. Ride in the footsteps of the giants and become part of the legend!
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Grand Parcours: 118 km / 2920 D+ (over 12,000 ft)
Petit Parcours: 91 km / 1990 D+ (small route)
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