Arc 1600

Perched at 1,600 metres in France's Savoie region, Arc 1600 is the original village of the Les Arcs resort and still one of its most characterful. Set among pine forests on a sunny shoulder above Bourg‑Saint‑Maurice, it looks out across the Haute‑Tarentaise valley to Mont Blanc beyond. Its low‑rise, wood‑clad architecture and traffic‑free layout give it a calmer, more intimate feel than the higher, purpose‑built villages further up the mountain — a place that rewards those who prefer charm and convenience over bustle.

What sets Arc 1600 apart is its direct link to the valley. The funicular from Bourg‑Saint‑Maurice climbs straight into the heart of the village in about seven minutes, making it one of the easiest Alpine resorts to reach by train — you can step off a service from Paris or the Eurostar and be on the slopes within the hour, without ever needing a car. That accessibility, paired with genuinely ski‑in, ski‑out lodging, makes it a favourite for families and for anyone who values a smooth, stress‑free arrival.

From the village, skiers plug straight into the vast Paradiski area, which links Les Arcs with neighbouring La Plagne via the Vanoise Express cable car to offer well over 400 kilometres of connected pistes. The terrain immediately around Arc 1600 is gentle and tree‑lined — ideal for beginners and early intermediates finding their feet — while more confident skiers can quickly climb toward the higher bowls, long descents from the Aiguille Rouge, and challenging off‑piste above the treeline.

Beyond the skiing, Arc 1600 keeps things relaxed and understated. A handful of restaurants, bars and shops cluster around the village centre, sunny south‑facing terraces make the most of the afternoon light, and the quieter pace suits couples and families looking to unwind rather than party. It is, in short, the approachable, welcoming face of Les Arcs — easy to reach, easy to enjoy, and a solid base for exploring one of the largest ski areas in the Alps.