Roundtrip Guillestre - Col de Vars – Ubaye
(126 km/2230 altimeters)
The climb of the Col de Vars starts right outside Guillestre. Col de Vars is the easiest "big climb" around Briançon and goes up gradually with an average gradient of 6%. 1070 altimeters are taken over a distance of 18 kilometers, so you can keep speed during the climb. After passing the ski resort of Vars, the last four kilometers go through the quiet green alpine pastures and ends on the bare top. On top you will find refuge Napoleon for necessary energy.
Then we descend about 60 kilometers through the valley of the L'Ubaye passing another cycling village (Barcelonnette), until we can take the road to the Col de Pontis (360 additional altimeters). This is your opportunity to cycle (perhaps) France's most beautiful climb. This short (5km) but very steep climb with an average gradient of 9.5% is hard but very beautiful. Scenic views, traditional villages and a quiet road make the pain definitely worth it. After the descent you pick up the trail again at the Lac de Serre-Ponçon, back to Guillestre.
If you choose not to take this pass, follow the road through Le Sauze-du-Lac, Lac de Serre-Ponçon lake and Embrun back to Guillestre.
