Despite limited budgets, the département of Var has managed to put in place some important upgrades to Eurovelo 8 in our region. In particular, the stretches between Rians and Salernes have seen a number of infrastructure changes since we last filmed them in 2022 and 2023. Watch our video for details, but here is a short rundown of the changes – as well as what we expect to happen into 2025.
RIANS – SALERNES 2024 UPDATES
Watch our video…..
Rians - Artigues
We are still waiting for the upgrade to this section. But a start has been made, with the clearing of vegetation, so we expect work to be underway in late 2024 or early 2025.
Saint-Martin-de-Pallières – Varages
This whole stretch is now open to cyclists, thanks to surface improvements east of Saint-Martin-de-Pallières station, and the clearing and surfacing of the old railway line farther east. Crucially, a missing bridge has been replaced, opening up the whole of this section as a 6 kilometre-long off-road cycleway.
Varages – Barjols
Resurfacing has taken place in the two tunnels between Varages and Barjols, and lighting is anticipated to be installed soon. Two modal filters have also been installed, though one has already been vandalised by objecting residents. But the most important towards the tunnel of Barjols is still in place. This prevents through motor traffic from taking advantage of a shortcut between the two villages. The department though made sure that residents who can only reach their houses via the EV8 are allowed to use the EV8 with their cars. They are expected to drive at 30 km/h and give way to cyclists and pedestrians.
Barjols – Sillans-la-Cascade
Signage has been put in place in anticipation of our preferred route along the old railway line being completed. However, a bridge is still missing between Barjols and Pontevès, and the path out of Barjols before the Barjols cutting needs resurfacing. We are still waiting for a cycleway to be built along the 1 kilometre on-road stretch 3 kilometres west of Sillans-la-Cascade.
Sillans-la-Cascade – Salernes
A new cycleway has been built in Salernes, which passes the site of the old railway station. But signage on the approach to the village still takes cyclists into the centre on the main road. See the video above for details.