Arc 1800: Architecture, Minerals and Activities

Arc 1800 can be explored through several specific themes: its architectural and local history, the Galerie des Minéraux, the aquatic centre, the Ride Park and Luge 1800. Golf des Arcs adds two golf courses to the picture. The resort is also shaped by its division into four car-free districts. If you are looking for a hotel in Arc 1800, consider whether architectural history, minerals, water activities or sport are of particular interest during your stay.

Districts and architecture

Arc 1800 is divided into the four car-free districts of Charvet, Villard, Chantel and Charmettoger. This division describes the layout of the resort. Its architectural significance is another aspect: Arc 1800 has been awarded the designation “Architecture contemporaine remarquable” (ACR). This designation replaced “Patrimoine du XXe siècle”.

The resort’s construction history also offers a distinctive perspective. Charlotte Perriand was involved in building the ski resort in the 1970s. Detailed analyses of the built environment are organised by residential building and residential complex. This reveals two levels of scale: the individual residential building and the complex of which it forms a part. Perriand’s involvement is part of the resort’s construction history; the ACR designation is its architectural distinction. These are two different aspects to consider when viewing Arc 1800 as a built environment.

Minerals and a storytelling trail

The Galerie des Minéraux is located at the intermediate station of the Transarc cable car in Arc 1800. Its curated route explores two relationships: how minerals have shaped humanity and how humans have changed these treasures of the Earth. It focuses both on the influence of minerals on people and on the changes humans have made to the Earth’s treasures. Exhibition content and access arrangements may change; check before your visit.

The Sentier de l'Homme-Cairn offers a different focus. Mysterious sculptures, unusual engravings and marine fossils tell the story of a learned people who lived here long before us, when the oceans covered the Alpine peaks. That is the story told by the trail: the mineral gallery focuses on the relationships between people and minerals, while the Sentier combines a narrative with sculptures, engravings and fossils.

Water and sports activities

At the heart of Arc 1800 is the aquatic centre, with 3,800 m² of water areas. Facilities for children include a paddling pool, water games, a lazy river and a Pentagliss slide. The wellness area includes two steam rooms, two saunas, a cold-water bucket, a relaxation room, showers and a herbal tea room. This makes it possible to distinguish between the water activities for children and the listed wellness facilities. Opening is seasonal, and facilities may change. Check the season and the current configuration before your visit.

The Ride Park is also at 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. These five areas bring together different forms of cycling and wheeled sports. As the programme may change, it is advisable to check the current offerings before making plans.

Luge 1800 is a 900 m descent with banked turns and forest sections. The start can be reached by the Villards gondola. As lift access is seasonal, check the current conditions before your trip. What particularly sets this activity apart from the other sports on offer is its specific format: a toboggan run with a stated length and named route features.

Golf des Arcs offers two courses: Le Chantel, with 18 holes and a par of 70, and Le Beauchet, with nine holes and a par of 27. The number of holes and par clearly distinguish the two options and provide a factual comparison if you are considering including golf in your travel plans. Together with the water and sports activities, they show how varied the focus of a stay in Arc 1800 can be.

Discover more destinations: Arc 1600, Arc 2000.

For the broader travel overview: Bourg-Saint-Maurice.