Arc 1800 combines a remarkable architectural history with a wide range of leisure activities: at the Galerie des Minéraux, you can learn about minerals and their influence on humanity, while the aquatic centre offers water areas and wellness facilities. There is also a themed trail, a Ride Park, the Luge 1800 and two golf courses. When choosing where to stay, you can consider which of these sides of Arc 1800 are particularly appealing for your trip.
Architecture and getting your bearings in Arc 1800
Arc 1800 has been awarded the “Architecture contemporaine remarquable” (ACR) designation. This designation replaces “Patrimoine du XXe siècle”. Charlotte Perriand was involved in the construction of the ski resort in the 1970s. When exploring the architecture, you can consider it on two scales: the individual residential building and the residential complex. The built environment is viewed at both levels—from individual buildings to the way they are arranged within the wider setting.
The neighbourhoods also give Arc 1800 a clear layout: Charvet, Villard, Chantel and Charmettoger are four car-free areas. If you are looking for a hotel, these names can serve as an initial guide to the different parts of the resort. Then check the exact address of each option against your plans for your stay.
Minerals and a storytelling trail
The Galerie des Minéraux is located at the intermediate station of the Transarc cable car in Arc 1800. Its immersive tour explores how minerals have shaped humanity and how people have transformed these treasures of the Earth. It therefore focuses both on the importance of minerals to people and on the ways people have changed these resources. Since exhibition content may change, check the latest information before your visit; access arrangements may also change.
The Sentier de l’Homme-Cairn offers a different perspective. Mysterious sculptures, unusual engravings and marine fossils tell the story of a learned people said to have lived here long before us, when oceans covered the Alpine peaks. While the gallery focuses on the relationship between minerals and people, the trail offers a storytelling interpretation of the past. The two experiences therefore have different emphases: an immersive tour in the gallery, and sculptures, engravings and fossils as parts of a story on the trail.
Water, activities and golf
At the heart of Arc 1800 is the aquatic centre, with 3,800 m² of water areas. The wellness area includes two steam rooms, two saunas, a cold-water bucket, a relaxation room, showers and a herbal tea room. For children, the aquatic centre also has a paddling pool, water play features, a lazy river and a Pentagliss slide. Seasonal opening and facilities may vary, so check which areas will be available before you travel.
The Ride Park is also in the heart of Arc 1800. Its facilities include a pump track, a skate park, a BMX flatland area, a skate ramp and a freestyle scooter area. The programme may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. Another kind of activity is the Luge 1800: the 900-metre descent passes through wooded sections and banked turns. Take the Villards gondola to reach the start. As the luge’s operating schedule and lift access depend on the season, check both before you travel.
Golf des Arcs offers two courses in different formats: Le Chantel has 18 holes and a par of 70, while Le Beauchet has nine holes and a par of 27. The number of holes makes the difference between the two courses immediately clear. Operating conditions may change, so check the latest information about the courses before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Arc 2000, Arc 1600.
Return to the main travel overview: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
