4.5
(16)
66
riders
21
rides
Mountain biking around Vars offers diverse Alpine terrain within the Hautes-Alpes region of France. The area features an extensive network of trails that traverse forests, natural singletracks, and open meadows. Riders can explore high mountain passes and panoramic ridges, with elevations reaching up to 2,580 meters. This varied landscape provides a range of experiences for different skill levels.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.2
(11)
11
riders
51.8km
02:44
160m
160m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
18.0km
00:57
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
9
riders
38.3km
02:41
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
38.1km
02:53
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
2
riders
26.8km
01:37
150m
150m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Saône is a river that flows through Burgundy and Franche-Comté. It is a major tributary of the Rhône and a popular spot for water sports, fishing and boat trips
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4
The highlight here is taken from the resting point above the exit. There is also a table here.
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4
The Savoyeux tunnel was built during the July Monarchy, in 1837. It facilitates navigation on the Saône. The dimensions of the work are impressive: 642.5 meters long, and only 6.55 meters wide. It passes under the hill and makes it possible to cut a meander in the river, and to avoid a dam located a little higher up.
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The Tunnel de Savoyeux is an underground canal that diverts the Saône between two of its meanders near Savoyeux, in Haute-Saône, in France. It was completed in 1843 and made it possible to sail the small Saône to the Saône. It is 642.5 meters long and 6.55 meters wide. It has no path for pulling the boats, so the skippers had to pull the boats with chains attached to the walls of the tunnel. It also has a lock at the end of the tunnel
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The Tunnel de Savoyeux is an underground canal that diverts the Saône between two of its meanders near Savoyeux, in Haute-Saône, France. It was completed in 1843 and made it possible to sail the small Saône to the Saône. It is 642.5 meters long and 6.55 meters wide. It has no path for pulling the boats, so the skippers had to pull the boats with chains attached to the walls of the tunnel. It also has a lock at the end of the tunnel
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4
Locked diversion of the Saône built in two stages, in 1840 and 1880. This reach is one of the areas developed to make the Saône navigable.
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This dam has a fixed part and a mobile part each measuring about fifty meters long. This structure was completely overhauled in 2014 after six years of work. Thus, the original dam dating from the 1840s was equipped with a fish pass and a footbridge on which pedestrians and cyclists can circulate to cross the watercourse.
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Vars offers diverse Alpine terrain within the Hautes-Alpes region of France. You'll find an extensive network of trails traversing forests, natural singletracks, open meadows, and panoramic ridges. Elevations can reach up to 2,580 meters, providing varied landscapes for all types of riders.
Yes, Vars has options for all skill levels. Out of around 20 mountain bike routes available, 4 are classified as easy. An excellent choice for a scenic, easier ride is the Apremont Dam loop from Gray, which is 16.3 km long.
For those looking for longer rides, the Savoyeux Tunnel – Savoyeux Tunnel loop from Gray covers 51.8 km and is a moderate challenge. Another substantial option is the Pont de Pierre of Gray – Gray loop from Gray, which is 39.0 km long.
The mountain bike routes in Vars are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 16 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain and the natural feel of the trails, which cater to different abilities.
Yes, many of the routes in Vars are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Savoyeux Tunnel – Savoyeux Tunnel loop from Gray and the Apremont Dam loop from Gray.
Vars is characterized by high mountain passes, extensive forests, and panoramic ridges. You'll encounter diverse Alpine scenery, including open meadows and stunning views of the Vars valley and the distant Écrins massif. High-altitude lakes like Lake Peyrol and Lac de Chabrieres are also distinctive features.
Yes, there are several points of interest. You might pass by the historic Pont de Pierre of Gray, explore the town of Gray, or see the Château de Rosières. The Vereux Diversion also offers a scenic natural spot.
The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the trail. For example, the easy Apremont Dam loop from Gray has a minimal elevation gain of around 24 meters, while the moderate Pont de Pierre of Gray – Gray loop from Gray involves over 310 meters of ascent.
There are around 20 mountain bike routes available in the Vars region, offering a wide range of experiences from easy scenic rides to more challenging moderate trails.
A good moderate option is the Étang de Theuley loop from Bouhans-et-Feurg. This route is 34.4 km long with an elevation gain of around 243 meters, typically taking about 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete.
Yes, the Apremont Dam – Pont de Pierre of Gray loop from Gray is an easy 26.8 km route that allows you to enjoy the scenery while passing by the notable Pont de Pierre of Gray.


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