Col de Vars

From Jausiers, this southern approach to the Col de Vars spends a long time gaining height almost unobtrusively. The route follows the Ubaye valley towards Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, with an opening that feels more like travelling through the mountains than scaling a pass. Across nearly 22 kilometres, that distinction becomes important: much of the distance comes before the steepest work, and the broad average gives an incomplete impression of the ride ahead.

Beyond Saint-Paul, the climb becomes more insistent. The upper road demands a slower, more deliberate effort as it works towards the pass, replacing the easy movement of the valley with sustained climbing. Height accumulates much faster near the finish, and the change in effort is unmistakable. Mountain scenery gives the ascent its continuity even as the riding changes character. Vars from this side is memorable for the contrast between a generous approach and an exacting conclusion.