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Vars, Alpine commune in Hautes-Alpes, France

Description

Vars is an Alpine commune in the French Alps, spreading across a large mountain area with varying elevations. The territory is divided into several hamlets, with Les Claux serving as the main ski resort center.

History

The region was settled in ancient times, with archaeological evidence of Bronze Age cultures including burial sites and artifacts. Later, the Col de Vars became an important mountain pass between France and Italy, particularly during the era of Napoleon III.

Culture

The Outdoormix Festival brings athletes and spectators together for winter and summer sports competitions. The event has established the area as a gathering place for outdoor sports enthusiasts from across Europe.

Practical

The area comprises several small settlements that are well-connected and easy to explore. The best time to visit depends on whether you prefer winter sports or summer hiking activities.

Did you know?

The mountain pass was so strategically important that Napoleon III built a refuge there to control this Alpine route. The structure still stands today and serves as a reminder of the area's role as a cross-border corridor.

Location
Elevation above the sea
2,270 m
Part of
La Forêt Blanche
Shares border with
Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, Ceillac, Crévoux, Guillestre, Risoul, Saint-André-d'Embrun
Phone
GPS coordinates
44.59500,6.68972
Latest update
December 20, 2025 15:38

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Hautes-Alpes).

Ski resorts in France: alpine ski areas, slopes and ski lifts

The French Alps encompass several hundred kilometers of ski slopes spread across various mountain ranges. Ski areas such as the Three Valleys, linking Courchevel, Meribel, and Val Thorens, or Paradiski, connecting La Plagne and Les Arcs, provide extensive networks suitable for both beginners and...

« Vars - Alpine commune in Hautes-Alpes, France » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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