Arc 1600 was established in 1968 and is considered a laboratory of architecture. The buildings are integrated into the mountainside, while the terraces open out towards the landscape. It has also been awarded the “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” designation by the French Ministry of Culture, recognising outstanding contemporary architecture. Choosing this destination also lets you make your stay an opportunity to explore its architectural design and heritage.
Architecture and Digital Heritage
In Arc 1600, the architecture is reflected not only in the designation but also in the way the buildings and terrain come together: the development is integrated into the mountainside, and the terraces open out towards the landscape. The architectural character of Les Arcs, which includes Arc 1600, was shaped by Charlotte Perriand, Guy Rey-Millet, Gaston Regairaz, Bernard Taillefer and Pierre Faucheux.
A heritage tour with six stops in the heart of Arc 1600 is available through the Archistoire app. The app lets you explore remarkable places in 360 degrees; highlighted sights, figures and animations provide additional content. Places that are inaccessible or closed to the public can also be viewed virtually in 360 degrees. Check the app’s availability before your trip. This means you can explore the architectural heritage both on a tour of the resort and digitally, in two different ways.
Activities with Different Conditions
Roule ma Boule, the Sentier des Arollins and Les GĂ©ants de Malgovert are activities in Arc 1600 that are free to access. Access may be seasonal. If you are planning to try one of these activities, take this possible seasonal restriction into account.
First Tracks is a seasonal winter offer: it includes a sunrise descent accompanied by ski patrollers, followed by breakfast at a mountain restaurant. Check the latest dates and booking options in advance. This makes First Tracks different from the activities with free access: planning for it includes the winter season and a reservation.
Trails to Viewpoints and Chapels
The route from Arc 1600 to Col des Frettes follows the Rocher Fendu trail, which runs to the right of the Cachette chairlift. It offers views of the Haute Tarentaise valley; visibility depends on the weather. Using the chairlift requires the station to be open.
Another route leads from Arc 1600 to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the Notre Dame de Tout Pouvoir chapel, which offers a viewpoint. Along the way, the route passes through villages and mountain hamlets, including La Chenal, La Grange and Le Crey de Montrigon. Trail conditions are also weather-dependent here. The route to Notre-Dame des Vernettes offers a different cultural focus: it leads to a chapel that is a Baroque sanctuary of the Tarentaise.
These destinations give you a practical guide for choosing an excursion: Col des Frettes offers views of the valley, while the route to Bourg-Saint-Maurice takes you through villages and hamlets to the viewpoint at the chapel. At Notre-Dame des Vernettes, the Baroque sanctuary is the destination. You can choose according to whether you would rather focus on landscapes, mountain settlements or sacred architecture.
Choose Arc 1600 as Your Destination
If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering which of these aspects of Arc 1600 you would like to shape your stay: the architecture and digital heritage tour, the activities mentioned, or trails to viewpoints and chapels. These different themes can help you match your travel interests to the character of the destination, without setting a fixed itinerary. For planning, the main factors are the conditions for each experience: seasonal access for the activities, dates and reservations for First Tracks, whether the station is open if you plan to use the chairlift, and the weather-dependent nature of the trails and views.
Discover more destinations: Arc 1800, Arc 2000.
Return to the main travel overview: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
