Les Arcs

Visit Les Arcs, Rhone-Alpes

Les Arcs is a very popular ski region in the French Alps, situated in beautiful mountain scenery at Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the Savoie department.

The resorts that constitute Les Arcs also form part of the extensive Paradiski region - which also includes La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry and has been established to allow ski-routes and access between the resorts and offering a very wide range of slopes and facilities to visitors, and is one of the most extended and popular ski regions in the Alps.

The resort of Les Arcs Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Les Arcs itself falls into several parts - from lowest to highest altitude  these are Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 (the main resort), Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 (the numbers represent the altitude of the ski station). The resorts are linked by a road and a frequent bus and cable car.

Overall the altitude varies from 800 metres to 3800 metres above sea-level, and there are more than 50 ski lifts and over 100 descents so plenty of variety to suit all levels if skier (plus a much wider range if the entire Paradiski region is included).

As well as skiing there are various other snow related sports available, such as the Snow Park and the Rodeo Park (luge), and the chance to try 'speed riding' which combines skiing with paragliding!

Of course all usual ski station facilities are also available at les Arcs such as childminders and skiing lessons.

Making the resort more attractive than some, many of the buildings and apartments at Les Arcs are in an 'architect designed' style inspired by Le Corbusier, and some of the buildings have even won awards for their architecture. The entire site is offically listed as an important 20th century heritage site for its modern architecture.

When evening arrives you won't be disappointed - there are numerous bars, cafes and clubs for the all important apres-ski. Each resort in the group has its own shops and facilities. Arc 1800 is the largest of these, while there are less shops at the two highest stations  -but all of the resorts have their own special appeal and great skiing on the doorstep.

Note: Bourg Saint Maurice itself is below the normal skiing altitude in the region and there is a train that only takes a few minutes to zoom you up the mountainside from the station at Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Arc 1600.

The summer season

Note that Les Arcs is also a summer destination popular among those wishing to hike, cycle and explore the mountains, and several of the cable cars remain open to the public all year round.

See more Alpine Ski resorts or search for ski holidays in France.

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Tourist classifications for Les Arcs: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Les Arcs, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Vanoise National Park 27km; Bonneval 29km; Valmorel 29km; Albertville 34km; Megeve 35km; Val Thorens 35km; Saint Gervais Les Bains 37km; Chamonix 39km; Sallanches 43km; La Clusaz 48km;

Les Arcs tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Col de l'Iseran - site of natural beauty (24km) : Glacier des Bossons - site of natural beauty (34km) : Aiguille du Midi - site of natural beauty (35km) : Mer de Glace - site of natural beauty (38km) : Le Brévent - site of natural beauty (40km) : Lac Cornu - site of natural beauty (43km) : Lac d'Anterne - site of natural beauty (47km) : Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - recommended detour (49km) :

See more places and a map at places near Les Arcs