


The famous 6 jours cyclos de Vars are back from July 1 to 7 to once again explore the legendary roads of the Southern Alps!
The 6 Jours de Vars has been kicking off the Vars summer season for almost 35 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, these seasoned cyclists will tackle a total of 730 km and 15070 meters of positive altitude difference.
But isn’t this the week-long event for cyclotourists that many cycling friends I’ve met here and there have told me about? It’s said to be a star-shaped tour centered on the commune of Vars in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, taking in a beautiful alpine landscape.
It’s said to have taken place every year at the beginning of July since 1983. They say it’s organized by the little 6 cols de Vars club, whose volunteers look forward to the week like marmots enjoying the pleasure of welcoming you. It’s said that this year’s route will take us to the outskirts of Guillestre, the Col d’Izoard, the Col de la Cayolle, the Col Agnel and the cime de la Bonette. It’s also said that for many enthusiasts, all roads lead to Vars…”. So spoke a cyclist in need of effort, discovery and conviviality!
Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Europe’s 2nd largest reservoir, and the mountains that dominate it, offer an enchanting backdrop. The itineraries around the lake are a succession of mid-mountain passes that leave your legs feeling tired by the end of the day. An introductory day that may not be easy, but what a feast for the eyes
Grand Parcours: 116 km / 2320 D+
Petit Parcours: 86 km / 1540 D+
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 the feats accomplished on its formidable slopes by the world’s best cyclists. Regularly climbed during major races (Tour, Giro, Dauphiné libéré, Embrun Triathlon), the Izoard is a cycling monument. Ride in the footsteps of the giants and enter the legend
Grand Parcours: 128 km / 2550 D+
Petit Parcours: 98 km / 1600 D+
Deep gorges, vertiginous walls, torrents cascading down, larch forests and flower-filled pastures, all combine to make the Cayolle one of the wildest and most beautiful passes on the Route des Grandes Alpes. It’s a long climb, but never very steep, on a small, picturesque road. You’ll need to keep your strength up for the return journey and the very difficult southern slope of the Col de Vars. For those who choose the 3-pass route (Cayolle, Champs and Allos), you’ll need to be well trained to reach the end of this magnificent and formidable loop.
Très Grand Parcours: 124 km / 3300 D+
Grand parcours: 131 km, 2500 D+
Petit Parcours: 106 km / 1550 D+
The toughest pass in the Briançonnais region is part of Tour de France history, particularly since the stage on July 13, 2022, which saw Jonas Vingegaard’s stunning victory 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 Tour’s judge of the peace, so you’ll need to approach it with respect to appreciate its ascent. The slope is steep and sustained (11.5 km at 9%), the road narrow and quiet in terms of traffic, and the view of the Ecrins massif from the summit is dazzling.
Grand Parcours: 134 km / 2300 D+
Petit Parcours: 91 km / 1600 D+
Trodden 4 times by the Giro and twice by the Tour, this Queyras giant marks the country’s border. It’s the 2nd highest road pass in France and Italy! From Guillestre, the climb is a succession of long false flats and steep slopes, with the steepest in the final kilometers. It would be a shame not to make a detour up to the delightful village of St Véran, Europe’s highest commune and a must-see. The return to the Guil valley is a game of cranks with a headwind for 20 kilometers.
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Grand Parcours: 119.5 km / 2700 D+
Petit Parcours: 90.5 km / 1850 D+
With its grandiose scenery and respectable altitude, Europe’s highest road attracts many people throughout the summer. Caution is called for on this long, narrow high-mountain road, which offers breathtaking scenery and slopes. On the way down from the summit, be sure to follow the signs for Jausiers, not Nice. Beware of the marmots who sometimes cross the road without warning. La Bonette, an exceptional and unforgettable cycling Mecca!
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Grand Parcours: 101 km / 2700 D+
Petit Parcours: 76 km / 1800 D+
Go and discover the heritage festivals, another way to discover Vars.