Region: French Alps
Climbing effort: 885 cep
Elevation meters: 1254
Steepest kilometer: 9.9%

Steepest 250 m: 11%
Foot: 896 m    Top: 2109 m
Mean slope: 5.4%
Length: 22.6 km

From: Guillestre
Road conditions (2013): average
Other race bikers: 10-25 per hour
Motor vehicles: >180 per hour
Scenery and road: (2/5)
Restaurant or bar near top: yes

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Other climbs French Alps

The Col de Vars connects the Queyras and Guillestre with the Mercantour and Barcelonnette, two regions with outstanding cols. The Col de Vars is not very remarkable but its northern side bridges quite an elevation difference (1113 m). Unfortunately the road is busy and the surroundings are not always attractive due to ski resorts. The tour starts where the D902A splits from the N94. Steepness increases at the junction with the road to Risoul and is then quite constant (mostly 7-9%) for the next 7.5 kilometers. After that the slope is reduced and the climb is even interrupted by a few descends. The following section, passing Ste-Marie-de-Vars and Les Claux, is harder again (7-8%). The final 3-4 kilometers when the ski resorts are left behind and small lakes decorate the valley are the most beautiful. Be aware of the Refuge Napoléon. A piece of cake is at 6.5 Euro.