carte Vars

How long does it take to visit Vars?

A two-day weekend is enough to discover the main hamlets of Vars and enjoy the mountain activities. You can visit the four villages in a day thanks to the free shuttle buses that run regularly.

For a complete stay including hiking and exploring the local heritage, allow three to four days. This will give you time to explore the Val d'Escreins nature reserve and visit the surrounding villages of Queyras.

Winter sports enthusiasts will prefer to stay for a full week. The ski area offers enough variety with its 109 slopes to keep you busy for several days in an exceptional setting.

Families with children will enjoy a five-day stay, alternating between sporting activities and relaxation. You will have time to introduce the little ones to the joys of the mountains at their own pace.

Where can I download a map of Vars in PDF format?

You can download the official map of Vars by clicking on the “Download map” button above our interactive map. This free PDF document lists all the essential points of interest in the town.

The tourist office also provides several themed maps on its website. You will find a map of the slopes, hiking trails and detailed maps of the four hamlets.

Paper maps are available free of charge at the reception desk of your accommodation. Most hotels and residences distribute these handy guides upon your arrival in the resort.

For hikers, the IGN offers detailed topographic maps of the region. These paid documents offer remarkable precision for your mountain excursions and for discovering the marked trails.

Where is the Vars tourist office?

The main tourist office is located at Cours Fontanarosa aux Claux, in the heart of the resort of Vars. You can contact them on +33 (0)4 92 46 51 31 for any information about your stay.

Since April 2024, the establishment has been undergoing major restructuring work. This large-scale project will bring together the Sem Sedev ski lift company and the Vars Tourist Office for the 2025-2026 winter season.

A second visitor center operates in Sainte-Marie, which is quieter than the main office in Les Claux. Both centers provide information on activities, accommodation, and events organized throughout the year.

Opening hours vary depending on the season. Outside school holidays: Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Weekends and school holidays: Every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

What are the must-see places in Vars?

The four historic hamlets

Les Claux is the nerve center of the modern resort. At the foot of the majestic Eyssina face, which provides a picture-postcard backdrop, Vars les Claux is the resort center. Here you will find all the hustle and bustle of a large resort with shops, restaurants, and tourist facilities.

Sainte-Marie offers a more authentic atmosphere at an altitude of 1,650 meters. This traditional hamlet charms visitors with its unspoiled character and alpine chalets. The village square regularly hosts cultural events and local markets.

Sainte-Catherine rises to 1,750 meters in a remarkable wild setting.

The hamlet of Sainte Catherine offers everything you love about the mountains: authenticity, altitude, sunshine and tranquility. Lovers of peace and quiet choose this area for their rejuvenating vacations. Saint-Marcellin, the lowest of the four villages at 1,500 meters, has retained its mountain charm. Its old stone houses and narrow streets are a testament to the local architectural heritage.

The Val d'Escreins nature reserve

This municipal reserve, created in 1964, protects an exceptional alpine ecosystem. Part of the commune, the Val d'Escreins reserve, one of the first municipal reserves in France, created in 1964, has been part of the park since its creation in 1977.

The site is home to flora and fauna unique in Europe in landscapes nicknamed “Little Canada Varsinc.” You can observe marmots, ibex, and chamois in their preserved natural habitat.

Marked trails allow for hikes of all levels. Families enjoy easy walks, while experienced hikers can reach the surrounding peaks for spectacular views.

This 3,000-hectare protected area offers a striking contrast to the bustle of the resort. A mountain refuge makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to go on multi-day excursions.

The Forêt Blanche ski area

The second largest ski area in the Southern Alps covers 185 kilometers of slopes. The Vars ski area is nestled in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes. Its highest point, at an altitude of 2,750 meters, offers a spectacular panorama of the Alps.

The Chabrières slope hosts speed skiing championships. Since March 22, 2023, Vars has held the new world record for this discipline: Simon Billy set a new mark of 255.500 km/h on the Chabrières slope.

The Caribou toboggan run offers more than a kilometer of descent winding through the larch trees. This four-season attraction appeals to young and old alike with its banked turns and guaranteed thrills.

The 34 modern ski lifts optimize your time on the slopes. Artificial snowmaking on 180 hectares guarantees optimal conditions throughout the winter season.

How to get to Vars?

By car from major cities

From Paris, allow around 7 hours and 40 minutes by car. Take the A6 motorway to Lyon, then the A43 motorway to Grenoble. Then head towards Briançon via the Col du Lautaret or Gap via the Col Bayard, then Embrun/Guillestre and Vars.

From Marseille, the journey takes 2 hours and 45 minutes via the A51 motorway. Take the A51 motorway towards Gap until the Saulce toll booth, then head towards Embrun/Guillestre and finally towards Vars.

There are three different routes from Grenoble. You can take the Col du Lautaret road, pass through Gap via the Champsaur Valley, or follow the Vercors before reaching the resort.

Special equipment is mandatory from November 1 to March 31. Bring metal or textile snow chains to drive safely on mountain roads.

By public transport

The nearest SNCF train station is Mont-Dauphin/Guillestre, located 15 kilometers from Vars. From anywhere in France, travel to Mont-Dauphin/Guillestre station, located 15 km from the resort.

Paid shuttle buses run daily between the station and the four hamlets of Vars. Reservations can be made online on the region's Zou service website.

The Neige Express lines offer direct connections from Paris, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence. Zou, snow by bus: bus connections from Marseille Provence Airport or the TGV station in Aix-en-Provence every Saturday during the winter season.

Sleeper coaches offer comfortable overnight travel from Paris. You board in the evening at the Bercy car park and arrive the next morning directly at the resort.

What are the best hotels in Vars?

The Hôtel 16|150 Montagne & Spa Nuxe stands out for its boutique design in the heart of Sainte-Marie. Hotel 16 | 150 Montagne & Spa Nuxe and Hotel Ecureuil are popular in Vars. This 4-star establishment offers a full spa and modern rooms with mountain views. Hotel Ecureuil appeals to families with its prime location in Les Claux, 150 meters from the ski lifts and shops. The Chalet-Hôtel Alpage & SPA offers a cozy atmosphere in an authentic mountain setting, while the Hôtel Le Refuge Napoléon welcomes visitors in a warm atmosphere. Many families who have visited Vars have enjoyed staying at the Hôtel, Le Refuge Napoléon, Chalet-Hôtel Alpage & SPA, and Hôtel 16 | 150 Montagne & Spa Nuxe. The Pierre & Vacances residences complete the accommodation offer with fully equipped apartments, ideal for groups or families who want to enjoy self-catering at the foot of the slopes.

Also worth reading to help you prepare for your stay in Vars:

• visit Vars