Les Arcs 1800

The Transarc gondola ascends from Arc 1800 up to the Col de la Chal (at 2,545m altitude), providing pedestrians, skiers and mountain bikers quick access to the views, trails, slopes and tracks above Arc 2000. However, at 1,800m there is no such thing as a ‘bad’ view on this side of the mountain and there are many exceptional places to stop and have a picnic, including the purpose-built public barbeque at Mille 8.

Where to start? During the winter, the skiing is exceptional: you need only take three lifts to stand atop the super-long Aiguille Rouge run or two gondolas to reach La Plagne (on the other side of Paradiski). In summer Arc 1800 is right in the middle of various mountain biking trails. There is also practically limitless walking, hiking and trail-running to enjoy.

The Mille 8 sports complex provides a wide range of activities for people of all ages. In the winter, there is a designated sledding piste, with a selection of three different sledges to ride. The indoor pool, fitness centre and spa is open in both winter and summer seasons, with a large outdoor pool providing al fresco swimming throughout July and August.

During Les Arcs’ summer opening, Arc 1800 becomes a playground of activities. You can tackle climbing walls, practice archery, ride downhill mountain karts, learn circus skills, try pétanque/boules, play tennis, trampoline, conquer adventure parks, have a round of crazy golf and various other things. 

Arc 1600 also boasts the nine-hole Beauchet and full 18-hole Chantel golf courses, which are open from mid-June to mid-September. The latter is a par 70 with an overall distance of approximately 5.5km. There are regular competitions throughout the summer and there is a practice area to keep your putting and chipping skills sharp.

Arc 1800 has a good selection of restaurants, although a few of the best ones are hidden just out of sight. Le Chic Mama, just past the pharmacy on the upper level of Le Charvet, is a traditional restaurant with a difference. It has ecological credentials, catering for vegetarians and vegans whilst serving a variety of organic wines. At the other end of the resort, at the top of Les Villards, Le Dream Spot is worth your visit. Their cheese fondues and 'miche' (an individual fondue served in a loaf of bread) are excellent and sensibly priced. If you are looking for something a little simpler, the Pizz’Altitude takeaways (one in Le Charvet, one in Les Villards) are good value for money.

When it comes to nightlife, Arc 1800 is undoubtedly the biggest and best. There is a wide selection of bars and a handful of nightclubs. Many of the local bars have an early afternoon happy hour and you can generally find live music, particularly in the winter season.

When it gets towards midnight, you can head to one of three main nightclubs in Arc 1800: The J.O. is best for live music, the underground Club 73 is for dance and electro enthusiasts and Le Carré is the more upmarket, sophisticated and expensive one.

There are a good number of chalets to rent in Arc 1800. They tend to be away from the Les Villards and Le Charvet centres of the village and, despite the popularity of Arc 1800, include fairly isolated piste-side mountain huts.

Whether you are looking for a little studio or a grand apartment fit for a large family, there are plenty of options in Arc 1800.

Arc 1800 has one of the best selection of hotels in Les Arcs, with mid to high-level establishments, many of which feature swimming pools and spa facilities. Check out the options by pressing the button below.