This 6 km stretch has recently had its surface upgraded on much of the cycleway, creating a very pleasant ride. With extremely gentle elevations, the cycleway skirts both Varages and Barjols. But both villages can be accessed easily.

VARAGES – BARJOLS

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The stretches of the EV8 being mapped for this website fall into three categories – completed, untouched and in transition. The six kilometres from Varages to Barjols falls firmly in that last category.

Until 2020 it was a rough track with potholes, puddles and stony ground. But in 2021 the first resurfacing was carried out in preparation for an official opening in 2022 or 2023. As we write today, it is therefore extremely cyclable, if not yet officially open. It also shaves over two kilometres off the signed route.

A joy to ride

If you are starting from the village of Varages, you need to descend to the route of the old railway line in the valley below. The best way is to take the street that leads past the village church. This on your right when heading east out of the village on the D554. There is a bus stop at the junction marked “Place de la Liberation”. Turn right here and follow the small road downhill. It eventually joins the old railway line at the bottom of the hill.

If you are coming from Rians on our recommended route, you will head east from the old Varages station. Cycle through the tunnel, cross the main D35 road, and continue straight on. After a kilometre, on your left the road from Varages village joins the railway route at a crossroads. Cross over to the newly surfaced road opposite, the left of two roads ahead of you. After another 1500 metres, there is a road to the left that leads to Au Bois de Lune and Barjols centre. You can take this route if you want to go into the village. Otherwise head straight on past the 30kph sign.

Another 1500 metres and you cross the small Ruisseau de Varages river twice. Then the long slow and gentle climb towards Barjols begins. After another kilometre you enter a tunnel that curves to the left. Take care as the surface is not yet improved here. Occasional cars use this route. Complete the journey to upper Barjols. You can access the village centre from here using our recommended route. Or you can continue east towards Pontevès and Sillans la Cascade.

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