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Les Arcs
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Les Arcs in France combines high-altitude skiing, Paradiski access, Alps hiking, mountain villages and year-round adventures above Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

A Mountain Resort with Four Distinct Villages

Les Arcs occupies a broad mountain amphitheatre above Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the French Alps, in the Tarentaise valley of Savoie. Rather than being a single compact settlement, it is a linked group of purpose-built resort areas: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 2000 and Arc 1950, each with a different architectural character and relationship to the slopes. The high position provides extensive winter terrain and wide views towards the Vanoise massif, while the lower valley offers a more traditional Alpine setting around Bourg-Saint-Maurice and nearby villages.
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From Ski Slopes to Alpine Trails

Les Arcs forms part of the Paradiski area, linked by the Vanoise Express to La Plagne, although access arrangements and lift operations vary by season. Skiers and snowboarders find everything from sheltered tree-lined runs at lower elevations to open, snow-sure terrain above the resort villages. In summer, the same mountains become a setting for walking, mountain biking, road cycling and paragliding, with trails descending towards the valley and viewpoints across the surrounding peaks. Conditions can change quickly at altitude, and the landscape includes managed pistes as well as sensitive alpine habitats.

Modern Alpine Design and Savoie Traditions

Les Arcs is notable for its modernist origins, particularly the work associated with architect Charlotte Perriand at Arc 1600 and Arc 1800. Its buildings were planned to preserve views and provide direct access to the ski area, contrasting with the historic stone-and-slate character of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Visitors can combine contemporary resort life with Savoie cuisine, local markets and heritage in the valley, where churches, farms and traditional villages reveal a longer-established mountain culture.

When is the best time to visit Les Arcs?

Best: June–August · 17–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January150
February240
March437
April956
May1379
June (best)17100
July (best)20120
August (best)20109
September1699
October1179
November658
December253

Getting to and around Les Arcs

How to get there

The principal gateway is Bourg-Saint-Maurice, reached by road through the Tarentaise valley and served by rail connections from the wider French network, including seasonal high-speed services at busy periods. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the resort villages are reached by the road climbing towards Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000; the funicular provides a direct connection towards Arc 1600 when operating. Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble are among the airports used by visitors, but all require a further road transfer. Check seasonal transport arrangements before departure, particularly for winter weekends and high mountain weather.

Transportation

Les Arcs is spread vertically across several resort villages, so local buses, pedestrian links and lifts are more useful than attempting to walk between every area. The funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice towards Arc 1600 is an important valley connection when operating, while roads link the higher villages and nearby communities. A car can be useful for exploring the wider Tarentaise, but winter equipment and care on snowy or icy roads may be necessary. The ski area is primarily explored by lifts and marked pistes in winter; summer walking and cycling routes should be chosen according to ability, weather and current local information.

Best attractions in Les Arcs

Les Arcs' principal attraction is its extensive mountain terrain, stretching from the forested slopes above Bourg-Saint-Maurice to the high bowls and ridgelines around Arc 2000. In winter, the linked ski area offers varied pistes across the Arc villages, with access to the wider Paradiski domain via the Vanoise Express connection to La Plagne. Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 are particularly notable for their modernist resort planning, while Arc 1950 has a more concentrated pedestrian village arrangement. In summer, visitors explore alpine paths, mountain-bike routes and cycling roads descending towards the Tarentaise valley, with panoramas towards the Vanoise massif and nearby peaks. Bourg-Saint-Maurice provides a contrasting base of valley streets, local services and access to surrounding villages, while the quieter landscapes towards Villaroger and Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise reveal pasture, woodland and traditional mountain settlement beyond the main resort.

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Best landmarks in Les Arcs

The most defining landmarks of Les Arcs are the mountain profiles and high-altitude viewpoints above the Tarentaise rather than historic monuments within the resort itself. The Vanoise Express is a major piece of Alpine transport infrastructure, linking Les Arcs with La Plagne across the Ponturin valley and symbolising the scale of the Paradiski area. The modernist architecture of Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, associated particularly with Charlotte Perriand, is significant in the history of planned French ski resorts, while Arc 1950 presents a later village-style interpretation of resort design. Below the slopes, Bourg-Saint-Maurice and neighbouring valley settlements preserve churches, farms and traditional buildings that reflect the area's longer agricultural and trading history. The surrounding wooded slopes, high pastures and open mountain bowls form the natural landmarks that give Les Arcs its visual identity.

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Explore Les Arcs on the map

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Best bars in Les Arcs

Evenings in Les Arcs are centred on après-ski, resort bars, hotel lounges and restaurants rather than a large independent nightlife district. Arc 1800 generally has the broadest concentration of evening venues within the resort, while Arc 1950, Arc 2000 and Arc 1600 offer bars and social spaces connected with their accommodation and pedestrian areas. Entertainment can include seasonal music, sports screenings and events, but the programme changes regularly and should be checked locally. Bourg-Saint-Maurice has a more ordinary valley-town atmosphere, with cafés, bars and restaurants used by residents and visitors. Outside the main resort villages, evenings are comparatively quiet, with darkness, mountain views and the hospitality of established inns taking precedence over late-night clubbing.

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Best nightclubs in Les Arcs

Evenings in Les Arcs are centred on après-ski, resort bars, hotel lounges and restaurants rather than a large independent nightlife district. Arc 1800 generally has the broadest concentration of evening venues within the resort, while Arc 1950, Arc 2000 and Arc 1600 offer bars and social spaces connected with their accommodation and pedestrian areas. Entertainment can include seasonal music, sports screenings and events, but the programme changes regularly and should be checked locally. Bourg-Saint-Maurice has a more ordinary valley-town atmosphere, with cafés, bars and restaurants used by residents and visitors. Outside the main resort villages, evenings are comparatively quiet, with darkness, mountain views and the hospitality of established inns taking precedence over late-night clubbing.

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Best shops in Les Arcs

Shopping in Les Arcs is primarily practical and visitor-oriented, with ski and outdoor equipment, clothing, groceries, bakeries, souvenirs and local food products concentrated in the resort villages. Arc 1800 has a relatively broad range of services, while the smaller high-altitude areas are more closely tied to the needs of staying guests and seasonal visitors. Bourg-Saint-Maurice provides a wider selection of everyday shops and food retailers, making it useful for supplies before heading up the mountain. Visitors may find Savoie specialities such as cheese, charcuterie, wines, honey and regional confectionery, as well as locally made crafts or artwork, but availability varies by shop and season. Traditional markets and producers in the valley can offer a more direct connection with local agriculture than the resort's souvenir retail.

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Les Arcs essentials

Currency and Payment
France uses the euro (€), whose international currency code is EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in the resort villages, hotels, ski services and larger restaurants, although smaller businesses, mountain venues or rural producers may prefer cash or have limited connectivity. Cash machines are available in established settlements such as Bourg-Saint-Maurice and in the resort area, but visitors heading into the mountains should not rely on finding one en route. Notify your bank about overseas use where necessary and keep a modest cash reserve for smaller purchases.
Safety
Mountain conditions require preparation in every season. Snow, ice, low cloud, strong sun and rapidly changing weather can affect roads, pistes and walking routes, while altitude and uneven terrain may make exertion more demanding than expected. Use marked ski runs and walking routes, follow local notices and do not enter closed areas. Off-piste skiing and summer mountain activities require appropriate expertise, equipment and current information. Cyclists should allow for steep gradients and traffic on narrow roads. Take care near streams, steep ground and exposed slopes, and remember that mobile coverage may vary away from the resort villages.
Emergency Situations
France's unified emergency number is 112; visitors can also call 15 for medical assistance, 17 for police and 18 for the fire service. State clearly that you are in Les Arcs and provide the resort village, piste or marked route, nearby lift, landmark or GPS location. In the mountains, weather and terrain can delay assistance, so avoid moving an injured person unless remaining in place presents a greater danger and follow instructions from the emergency operator. For non-urgent medical needs, ask your accommodation provider or local tourist information service about current healthcare arrangements.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow piste signs, lift instructions, walking-route markers and temporary closures, and keep clear of working machinery and protected areas. Do not ski, cycle or walk onto closed routes simply because they appear accessible, and never approach wildlife or leave food and litter in the mountains. Respect farmers, grazing animals, private land and quiet residential areas, particularly in valley villages. Keep dogs under control and observe local rules. In restaurants and cafés, service customs are generally French; a discretionary tip is appreciated for good service but is not normally compulsory.
Local Tips
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the most practical base for rail arrival, valley transport and access to everyday services, while the four Arc villages suit visitors prioritising different elevations and resort atmospheres. Allow extra time for transfers between the valley and high-altitude accommodation during busy winter periods. Summer visitors should distinguish lift-served routes from independent mountain paths and check which facilities are operating. Early starts are useful for longer walks and cycle climbs, while clear weather often gives the best views towards the Vanoise peaks. Local tourist offices provide current information on lift operations, route conditions and events.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjour[bohn-zhoor]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwah]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[nohn]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît[seel voo play]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé[ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-moh sah vah]
Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?[byen. ay twah]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwar luh men-oo, seel voo play]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo play]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh suh-koor]
Go away!Allez-vous en![al-ay vooz ahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-puh-lay ahn may-duh-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)[zhuh swee pair-doo]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ash-tay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde simplement[zhuh ruh-gard sahm-pluh-mahn]
How much is it?Combien ça coûte?[kohm-byen sah koot]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[say troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kell er ay-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel ay oon err]
Half past (10)Dix et demie[dees ay duh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tahn]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[yehr]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor-dwee]
TomorrowDemain[duh-man]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[twah]
4Quatre[kat]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[sept]
8Huit[wheat]
9Neuf[nuhf]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est...?[oo ay]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kell ay lah-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Les Arcs

The Tarentaise Before Les Arcs

The mountains above Les Arcs were part of the long-settled Tarentaise, a valley shaped by pastoral farming, forestry, trade and seasonal movement between high summer grazing grounds and lower villages. Bourg-Saint-Maurice, historically known as Bergintrum in Roman times, developed as an important settlement and transport point in the upper Isère valley. Before the resort was built, the slopes now occupied by the Arc villages were primarily a rural landscape of alpine pastures, woodland and scattered farm holdings, connected to communities such as Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, Villaroger and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

A Planned Resort in the 1960s

Les Arcs emerged during the expansion of French winter tourism in the 1960s. The project was developed by a team that included promoter Roger Godino and architect Charlotte Perriand, whose approach aimed to create a high-altitude resort integrated with the mountain rather than imitate a traditional village. Arc 1600 opened in 1968, followed by further developments higher up the slopes. Buildings were arranged to maximise views and direct access to skiing, while Perriand contributed both to the architecture and to the design of interiors and public spaces.

Expansion Across the Mountain

During the 1970s and 1980s, the resort expanded through Arc 1800 and Arc 2000, with new accommodation, lifts and services extending the ski area across different elevations. These developments reflected the era's confidence in purpose-built Alpine resorts, but Les Arcs retained a recognisable design identity through its modernist forms, large glazed façades and carefully planned relationship with the slopes. Arc 1950 was added later as a more village-like development, creating a contrast with the earlier experimental architecture while remaining within the linked resort system.

The Paradiski Connection and Year-Round Tourism

The opening of the Vanoise Express in 2003 connected Les Arcs with La Plagne and created the Paradiski ski area, linking two major Tarentaise resorts across the Ponturin valley. This strengthened Les Arcs' position as an international winter destination, while improvements to valley transport and the Bourg-Saint-Maurice funicular made access more practical. Summer tourism has also grown through walking, cycling, mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The resort now operates within a landscape where tourism, pasture management, forests and environmental protection continue to coexist.

Les Arcs in Photos

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