Discovering Les Arcs: A Comprehensive Guide to the four Les Arcs ski areas

Les Arcs, nestled in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, is a beacon of diverse alpine experiences. With its four distinct villages, each perched at a different altitude and offering unique appeals, Les Arcs has carved a niche for itself in the realm of high-end real estate. This article delves into the four villages – Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, exploring their individual characteristics and the ambience each presents.

Arc 1600: The Family-Friendly Village

Arc 1600, the first of the four villages of Les Arcs, is often celebrated for its family-friendly atmosphere. Established in 1968, this village started the transformation of Les Arcs into a skiing paradise. Architecturally, the village gained acclaim through the works of Charlotte Perriand, whose designs contributed to Arc 1600 being labelled as a “20th Century Heritage” site. The chalets here, characterized by their pointed, cabin-like structures, blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.

Les Arcs 1600 Paradiski

In terms of demographics, Arc 1600 predominantly attracts French families, particularly those from Paris, thanks to the convenient funicular link to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The real estate market here is diverse, primarily featuring older apartments, ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. Prices hover around €5,500 per square meter for older properties, escalating to €10,000 per square meter for new constructions. Additionally, the village houses several renovated chalets, approximately 100 square meters in size, with a price point of about €9,000 per square meter.

Lifts and Pistes: Arc 1600 is equipped with an array of lifts, including high-speed chairlifts and gondolas, which seamlessly connect to the larger Les Arcs ski area. This village offers access to over 100 pistes, with a significant portion being beginner and intermediate-friendly, making it ideal for families and less experienced skiers.

Best Dining and Bars: Arc 1600, catering to families, features several cozy restaurants offering traditional Savoyard cuisine. ‘Le Savoy’ stands out for its authentic alpine dishes, while ‘La Table des Lys’ is perfect for those seeking a gourmet experience. For a relaxed après-ski, ‘Bar King Mad’ offers a friendly atmosphere with a selection of local brews.

Arc 1800: The Festive Hub

Arc 1800, distinguishable by its subdivision into four pedestrian villages (Charvet, Villards, Chantel, and Charmettoger), caters to a clientele that enjoys a blend of relaxation and festivity. This village stands out for its more international appeal, drawing visitors from Belgium and the United Kingdom, in addition to retaining a strong French presence.

Atmosphere and Clientele Arc 1800 is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, a stark contrast to the tranquility of Arc 1600. The pedestrian villages are designed for easy navigation and are brimming with activities and shopping options. The après-ski experience here is notably diverse, featuring amenities such as a swimming pool and bowling alley, catering to a broad range of tastes. La Folie Douce has also finally arrived in Les Arcs.

Real Estate Specifics The real estate landscape in Arc 1800 is notably varied, offering everything from compact studios to luxurious chalets and hotel residences. The average price per square meter stands at approximately €7,000. For the high-end segment, including certain chalets and premium apartments, prices can escalate to around €11,000 per square meter. We note the strong demand in this sector, with duplex apartments featuring two bedrooms, located in Charlotte Perriand residences, priced between €210,000 and €240,000.

Lifts and Pistes: Arc 1800 boasts a comprehensive lift system, featuring advanced gondolas and chairlifts that provide access to more than 120 pistes. This area is particularly known for its challenging red runs and a few black runs, catering to more experienced skiers. Additionally, it offers some of the best après-ski pistes, perfect for those looking to enjoy skiing with a lively atmosphere.

Best Dining and Bars: Arc 1800 is known for its lively dining scene. ‘Chez Boubou’ is a favorite for its eclectic menu and vibrant ambiance. For a more upscale dining experience, ‘L’Arpette’ offers exquisite dishes with panoramic mountain views. The nightlife is particularly vibrant here, with ‘Red Hot Saloon’ being a popular choice for its live music and extensive cocktail menu.

Arc 1950: The Pretty Retreat

Situated at the foot of the slopes, Arc 1950 exudes luxury and exclusivity. Comprising eight opulent hotel residences, this village is a pedestrian-only zone, fostering a tranquil and upscale environment. Its commercial life is vibrant, with around 40 boutiques, bars, restaurants, and a sprawling 1,000 square meter spa, making it a haven for those seeking both relaxation and indulgence.

Luxury Amenities Arc 1950’s appeal lies in its “ski-in, ski-out” accommodation options, providing direct access to the slopes. The view of Mont Blanc adds to the allure of this location, making it a coveted spot for high-end buyers. The residences, managed with hotel-like services, range from two-bedroom to five-bedroom apartments, offering a blend of luxury and convenience.

Real Estate Market In this exclusive sector, the real estate market is robust, with properties trading between €8,500 and €12,000 per square meter. Stephane Alaux, a real estate consultant for Domosno, highlights the high demand for properties in this area, reflecting the desirability of luxurious, service-oriented living arrangements.

Lifts and Pistes: In Arc 1950, skiers and snowboarders have access to over 40 lifts, including state-of-the-art chairlifts and gondolas. This area is renowned for its exclusive ‘ski-in, ski-out’ pistes, with a mix of blue, red, and black runs, suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. The highlight here is the panoramic views of Mont Blanc from some of the higher pistes.

Best Dining and Bars: Luxury and fine dining are synonymous with Arc 1950. ‘Le 1950, Brasserie Française’ in the Le Prince des Cimes offers a sophisticated dining experience with classic French dishes. For an intimate bar setting, ‘Les Belles Pintes’ provides a selection of fine wines and artisanal spirits, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Arc 2000: The Sports Enthusiast’s Dream

Les Arcs 2000 Paradiski

Sporting Appeal and Skiing Conditions Arc 2000 is a mecca for sports enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about skiing. Situated at the highest altitude among the four villages, it offers exceptional snow conditions, often lasting longer into the season compared to lower-altitude resorts. The variety of pistes, from wide, sweeping beginner runs to the adrenaline-pumping black runs and off-piste areas, caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The Aiguille Rouge, with its challenging terrain and panoramic views, stands out as a must-visit for expert skiers.

Real Estate Market The real estate market in Arc 2000 is distinct for its focus on practicality and accessibility to the slopes. The average price range for apartments lies between €4,000 and €6,000 per square meter, reflecting the demand for properties in this high-altitude, snow-sure location. The demographic of buyers here is diverse, including both domestic and international buyers, with a noticeable interest from those who prioritize skiing and winter sports.

We started selling Arc 2000 leaseback apartments like 20 years ago, at the time new developments built by Thierry Shonauer (one of them was La Cime des Arcs), who then went on to build iconing new developments like the Koh-I-Nor in Val Thorens and The Daria-I-Nor in Alpe d’Huez. Thierry has now been the Savoie ski president for a number of years and builds mainly corporate real estate now.

Lifts and Pistes: Arc 2000, set at the highest altitude, offers the most extensive and diverse range of pistes in the Les Arcs area. With more than 50 lifts, including some of the fastest gondolas in the region, it provides access to a variety of terrain, including some of the most challenging black runs and off-piste opportunities in the Alps. The Aiguille Rouge piste, known for its steep descent and breathtaking views, is a highlight for expert skiers.

Best Dining and Bars: In Arc 2000, the focus is on hearty meals to refuel after a day on the slopes. ‘Le Chalet de Luigi’ is renowned for its Italian cuisine, while ‘L’Arcelle’ offers a traditional mountain menu. The ‘El Latino Loco’ provides a lively atmosphere for après-ski drinks and socializing.

Les Arcs: A Mosaic of Alpine Experiences

Each village in Les Arcs offers a unique window into the diverse world of Alpine skiing and lifestyle. From the family-oriented charm of Arc 1600, the vibrant après-ski of Arc 1800, to the luxurious exclusivity of Arc 1950, and the high-altitude sporting paradise of Arc 2000, Les Arcs encapsulates a spectrum of experiences. This diversity not only enhances its appeal as a ski destination but also as a coveted area in the real estate market of the Tarentaise Valley.

The Role of Domosno in the Les Arcs Experience

In this multifaceted environment, Domosno emerges as a guiding force for English-speaking clientele looking to navigate the property market in the French Alps. Les Arcs, and particularly Arc 2000, was the first location in the French Alps where we sold new and off-plan real estate projects. With over two decades of experience, Domosno’s director and team have been passionately serving both UK and international clients, ensuring a seamless buying process with English documentation and hands-on assistance.

Values and Client Support Understanding the challenges of purchasing property abroad, especially in a market dominated by French developers and agents, Domosno prioritizes clear communication and fast response times. Their commitment to being available for their clients daily reflects their dedication to customer service and support.

Network and Property Specialization Domosno’s strong network across the premier ski resorts in the French Alps positions them to provide both in-person and virtual viewing options. Specialising in new build ski properties, they also offer a selective range in the south and unique fractional ownership ski properties, making ski property ownership more accessible.