Vars can be explored through a range of interests: traditional heritage, protected nature and winter trails. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding first whether you want to focus on historic sites, hiking or winter activities. The villages and routes offer specific points of interest without requiring you to follow a set itinerary.
Village History and Heritage
Saint-Marcellin is the oldest village in Vars. Construction of its old church began in the 15th century. The grounds of the Château de Vars also preserve the remains of an 11th-century watchtower. These dates point to different historical layers: the oldest architectural remains mentioned are those of the watchtower, while construction of the church began several centuries later. The Temple of Saint-Marcellin is used for exhibitions.
The Col de Vars also has historical landmarks. The Refuge Napoléon was built there in 1856 under Napoleon III. During the summer grazing season, the Cabane de Chabrières served as accommodation for shepherds in the last century; it was restored in 2016. The Col de Vars is also one of the best-known stages of the Route des Grandes Alpes. The history of individual buildings is thus connected with a place that also features on a long-distance route.
The Circuit des 3 villages passes through Vars’s traditional villages. Along the way, the focus is on the old group of houses, sundials and religious heritage. For those who want to explore village history beyond a single building, it offers a thematic route bringing several of these features together.
Val d’Escreins: Nature and Hiking Trails
The Val d’Escreins has been a protected natural area within the municipality of Vars since 1964. The nature reserve covers 25 km² and ranges from 1,600 to 3,385 metres in elevation. Font Sancte is the highest point in the reserve and the park. The nature reserve lies in a dramatic mountain setting.
There are hiking trails in the Val d’Escreins. Visitors can observe alpine wildlife such as marmots, chamois, black grouse and eagles; which animals are actually visible may vary depending on viewing conditions. A free shuttle runs from the villages of Vars to the nature reserve. Check before your trip whether the shuttle is running for your visit.
Another specific natural attraction is the Sentier des arbres remarquables. The route leads to around ten trees that are several centuries old, some with a circumference of more than four metres. The Sentier de Faudon is a hiking trail linking Lac de Peyrol with the village of Vars Sainte-Marie. The two trails have different focuses: remarkable old trees on one, and a connection between lake and village on the other.
Winter Routes and Sporting History
Vars is also known for the Chabrières piste. Since the early 1990s, world speed records on snow have been set there, including records on skis. At its steepest point, the speed track has a gradient of 98 percent.
La Trace de Sibières is a difficult 2.2 km ski-touring route. It starts in Vars les Claux, Fournet. Another winter option is the Route du Vallon des Prises loop, which can be reached from Sainte-Marie via Bois Noir by chairlift. The Chemin du Barjo, meanwhile, is a groomed snowshoe trail for families. It runs from the top of the Télémix de Chabrières to the Le Barjo mountain restaurant. The activities differ: La Trace de Sibières is a difficult ski-touring route, the Route du Vallon des Prises is a loop accessible by chairlift, and the Chemin du Barjo is a groomed snowshoe trail for families.
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 ski resort, in the direction of the Col de Vars. Check seasonal access before your visit. This makes the toboggan run a distinct activity, while the ski-touring route, the chairlift access to the loop and the groomed snowshoe trail each suit different winter plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Auban-D'oze, Eyguians, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, La Bâtie-Vieille, La Bâtie-Montsaléon, Orpierre, Neffes, Le Sauze-Du-Lac.
For the broader travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.
