Vars: Hotels and Accommodation

On the Chabrières track in Vars, world speed records on snow have been set since the early 1990s, including with skis. At its highest point, the Chabrières speed corridor reaches a gradient of 98%.

If you want to find or book a hotel in Vars, choosing accommodation remains a separate step in planning your trip.

Winter sports

La Trace de Sibières is a difficult ski touring route covering 2.2 km, starting in Vars les Claux, Fournet. The Route du Vallon des Prises is a winter circular route accessible from Sainte-Marie via Bois Noir by chairlift. The Chemin du Barjo is a groomed snowshoe trail for families from the top of the Télémix de Chabrières to the Le Barjo mountain restaurant.

The Luge du Caribou toboggan run is 1,027 m long and has an elevation difference of 123 m. It is located in the upper part of the winter sports resort, towards Col de Vars. The Vars Bike Park offers at least 60 km of trails for mountain biking and cross-country cycling.

Nature

Val d’Escreins has been a protected natural area within the municipality of Vars since 1964. The Val d’Escreins nature reserve covers 25 km² and extends from an altitude of 1,600 m to 3,385 m; Font Sancte is the highest point of the reserve and the park.

There are hiking trails in Val d’Escreins. Visitors can observe alpine animal species such as marmots, chamois, black grouse and eagles there. A free shuttle runs from the villages of Vars to the Val d’Escreins nature reserve.

The Sentier des arbres remarquables leads to around ten trees that are more than a hundred years old, some of which have a circumference of more than four metres. The Sentier de Faudon is a hiking trail from Lac de Peyrol to the village of Vars Sainte-Marie.

Culture

Saint-Marcellin is the oldest village in Vars. Construction of the old church of Saint-Marcellin began in the 15th century. The Saint-Marcellin temple is used for exhibitions.

The grounds of Château de Vars contain the remains of an 11th-century watchtower. The Circuit des 3 villages passes through the traditional villages of Vars and showcases historic groups of houses, sundials and religious heritage.

The Refuge Napoléon at Col de Vars was built in 1856 under Napoleon III. During the past century, the Cabane de Chabrières served as accommodation for shepherds during summer grazing and was restored in 2016. Col de Vars is one of the best-known stages of the Route des Grandes Alpes.

More destinations

Ceillac, Savines-Le-Lac, Le Monêtier-Les-Bains, Eygliers, Les Orres, La Bâtie-Neuve, Cervières, Buissard

To the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.