6 jours cyclo de Vars

Col d’Izoard

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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 become part of the legend.

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Grand Parcours: 128 km / 2550 D+ (long course)

Petit Parcours: 98 km / 1600 D+ (short course)

Col de la Cayolle, Col des Champs and Col d’Allos

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Deep gorges, vertiginous cliffs, 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 picturesque little 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.

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Très Grand Parcours: 124 km / 3300 D+.

Grand Parcours: 131 km, 2500 D+.

Petit Parcours: 106 km / 1550 D+ (short course)

Col du Granon

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The toughest pass in the Briançonnais region is part of Tour de France history, particularly since the stage on July 13, 2022, when Jonas Vingegaard won the stage 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.

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Grand Parcours: 134 km / 2300 D+ (long course)

Petit Parcours: 91 km / 1600 D+ (small route)

Col Agnel and Saint Véran

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Taken 4 times by the Giro and 2 times by the Tour, this Queyras giant marks the border between France and Italy. 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+ (short course)

Cime de la Bonette

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With its grandiose scenery and respectable altitude, Europe’s highest road attracts many people throughout the summer. Caution is advised 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 that sometimes cross the road without warning. La Bonette, an exceptional and unforgettable cycling mecca!

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Grand Parcours: 101 km / 2700 D+ (long distance)

Petit Parcours: 76 km / 1800 D+ (small route)