Attractions and Places To See around Vars - Top 20

Vars is rich in natural beauty. You can visit Mirror Lake, known for its stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and larch trees. The dramatic Gorges du Guil offer impressive rock walls carved by the river, serving as a natural gateway to the Queyras National Park. Additionally, the region features extensive pine forests, notably with emblematic Larch trees, and the Eyssina and Chabrières Mountain Chains which provide excellent opportunities for freeriding.

Yes, Vars has an interesting local history. You can explore the unique histories of its four mountain villages: Saint Marcellin, Sainte Marie, St Cathrine, and Les Claux. Look out for traditional community ovens, which reflect the area's past. Les Claux also holds the distinction of being the site of the first-ever ski school cabin, built by instructors in 1959. The historic Refuge Napoléon, constructed in 1856 after Napoleon I's return from Elba, is another notable landmark.

During the summer, Vars transforms into a hub for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain karting, fat biking, hiking (including guided hikes to spot marmots), paragliding, canyoning, and rock climbing. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and orienteering trails are also popular. For those seeking a challenge, the Lac de Chabrières area offers an altitude sports course with physical challenges.

Vars is renowned for its winter sports. Beyond skiing and snowboarding on the vast La Forêt Blanche ski area, you can experience dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. For the adventurous, there's ice climbing, ice skating, and tobogganing, including the exciting Caribou toboggan run. The resort also features a freestyle snowpark and an annually constructed Ice Cave with varying themes.

Absolutely. The Col de Vars is a prominent mountain pass at 2,108 meters, frequently featured in the Tour de France. Cyclists can undertake the Ascent of Col de Vars from Les Gleizolles, which offers a quiet climb with rewarding views. For more road cycling adventures, explore routes like the 'Loop 3: Col de l'Izoard via Case Déserte – Queyras Mountains' or 'Vars – Col de Vars loop from Vars' found in the Road Cycling Routes around Vars guide.

Vars offers numerous hiking opportunities for all levels. You can find trails leading to scenic spots like Mirror Lake. For more extensive mountain hikes, consider routes such as 'Lake Sainte-Anne – Lac Sainte-Anne loop from Massif d'Escreins' or 'Ruisseau de la Pisse – Lac Miroir loop from Massif d'Escreins'. Detailed information and more options are available in the Mountain Hikes around Vars guide.

The Chabrières Slope is famous for its role in speed skiing. It has hosted numerous speed skiing records and World Cups, making it a legendary site for winter sports enthusiasts and a must-see for those interested in the sport's history and achievements.

Yes, Vars caters to families with a dedicated Fun Zone located at the foot of the Mayt chairlift. Here, younger children can try balance bikes, while older children can safely explore mountain biking trails. The resort also offers various activities like tobogganing and ice skating that are suitable for families.

Vars is a year-round destination. For winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, the season typically runs from December to April. For summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding, the warmer months from June to September are ideal. The larch forests are particularly beautiful in autumn when their needles turn golden.

Yes, Vars provides opportunities for relaxation and wellness. Health centers in the resort offer a range of services including Nordic baths, Zen workshops, massages, spa treatments, steam rooms, saunas, and shiatsu, allowing visitors to unwind after a day of activities.

For gravel biking enthusiasts, the area around Vars offers diverse routes. You can explore options like the challenging 'Tunnel du Parpaillon' or the 'Cabane des Espagnols – Col du Parpaillon loop from Crévoux - La Chalp'. More gravel biking routes, including those around Eygliers Lake and the Durance, can be found in the Gravel biking around Vars guide.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning mountain views, especially from high-altitude passes like Col de Vars. The unique natural formations, such as the Gorges du Guil, are often highlighted for their raw beauty and photographic opportunities. The tranquility of climbs and the reflective beauty of Mirror Lake are also highly valued experiences by the komoot community.