Arc 1600: Architecture, Heritage and Routes

Discover Arc 1600 through its contemporary architecture and specific destinations on its heritage tour and routes. These explore different questions: How does the design of the buildings shape the place, what does the digital heritage tour offer, and which cultural or scenic destinations do the routes include?

Architectural history and designation

Arc 1600 was established in 1968 and is considered a “laboratory of architecture.” Its architectural concept integrates the buildings into the slope and opens the terraces onto the landscape. The resort has been awarded the “Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable” designation by the French Ministry of Culture for outstanding contemporary architecture. Architects who have shaped Les Arcs, which includes Arc 1600, include Charlotte Perriand, Guy Rey-Millet, Gaston Regairaz, Bernard Taillefer and Pierre Faucheux. This makes it possible to appreciate the architecture both through Arc 1600’s specific design concept and in the broader context of Les Arcs.

Archistoire: Heritage in 360 degrees

The Archistoire app offers a heritage tour with six stops in the heart of Arc 1600. It also lets visitors 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 that the app is available before your trip if you plan to take the digital tour.

Routes to valley views and chapels

The route from Arc 1600 to Col des Frettes follows the Rocher Fendu trail, to the right of the Cachette chairlift. It offers views of the Haute Tarentaise Valley; visibility depends on the weather. Use of the chairlift is subject to the resort being open. So if you plan to take the lift, check whether the resort is open.

The route from Arc 1600 to Bourg-Saint-Maurice passes through villages and mountain hamlets, including La Chenal, La Grange and Le Crey de Montrigon. It also leads to the Notre Dame de Tout Pouvoir chapel, which offers a viewpoint. Trail conditions on this route depend on the weather. Another route leads from Arc 1600 to the Notre Dame des Vernettes chapel, a Baroque sanctuary in the Tarentaise. The two chapel destinations are therefore clearly distinct: Notre Dame de Tout Pouvoir includes a viewpoint, while Notre Dame des Vernettes is designated as a Baroque sanctuary.

Activities and First Tracks in winter

Roule ma Boule, the Sentier des Arollins and Les Géants de Malgovert are activities in Arc 1600 that can be enjoyed with free access. Seasonal access restrictions may apply. Check access for your travel dates before making plans.

First Tracks is a seasonal winter activity: it includes a sunrise descent accompanied by ski patrollers and breakfast in a mountain restaurant. The descent and breakfast are offered together. Check the current dates and booking options in advance if you would like to include First Tracks in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Arc 2000, Arc 1800.

View the wider travel overview: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.