Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Enduro MTB Trails in Les Arcs
Enduro and Cross-Country trails to choose from
Les Arcs offers some pretty amazing enduro riding, in the main resort and the surrounding areas. If you want to explore further than the lifts will allow, it's best to go with one of the local MTB guiding companies.
There are a few red graded cross-country circuits and enduro trails - green, blue, red and black.
'Route 66' (graded blue) has to be one of the longest trails in the area at 33km long, starting from the top of the Transarc gondola at 2,545m. It passes through Arc 1950, down into the trees and across to Villaroger and then back down the valley to the bottom of the funicular.
'Hot wheels' is a red XC trail that involves a lot more pedalling. Starting from close to the top of the Vanoise Express cable car, head across to Vallandry and turn right above Plan Peisey. This loop takes you up the valley, with some pretty spectacular views and back round to rejoin the Vanoise Express to bring you back across the valley. From here do the same section at the start, but turn left and traverse the mountain heading towards 1800, on to 1600 where you can finish, or if you'd prefer split left before getting to 1600 and head back down to the valley floor on the 'Dre dans l'Pentu' trail. You'll pedal out at the bottom across to the funicular to bring you back up the mountain.
At the very top of the resort look out for the 'Lake District' loop which takes you out into the more open bowls with amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Climb up from the top of the Transarc gondola where you'll pick up the loop around the three lakes.
From the top of the Vallandry chairlift you'll find 'Elle Chablatte' black graded trail, a great route through the trees crossing over the Woodstock DH (switch over if you fancy a change) and back to the bottom of the lift. You can pick up the Hot Wheels red trail here if you want to head over to other parts of the resort.
For slightly less daunting trails, there are a couple of green graded routes starting from the top of the Cachette chair lift. Head right at the top and climb uphill slightly where you'll see the trail dipping off down towards the trees on your right. (If you reach the start of the downhill track you've gone too far). Once in the trees you've got two options - left taking you back to 1800 or right to head towards 1600 and the bottom of the Cachette chair again.
What to see
Sights in Les Arcs
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Grotte de Glace Ice Caves
Situated at the top of the Transarc gondola in Arc 2000, the “Grotte de Glace” is quite an extraordinary place to visit. Dozens of sculptors from all over Europe spend a week here at the start of each season, carving wonderfully exotic figures out of the snow and ice.
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Maison de la Pomme
Exhibits and short films about pressing apples in the Savoie region which includes information about experiments conducted to see how to preserve the juice.
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Minerals and Fauna of the Alps Museum
Alpine collection of minerals from around Bourg St Maurice and Mont Blanc and slideshows on the wildlife of the Alps.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Arcs
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La Folie Douce - La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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Aiguille Grive Restaurant
This chic piste-side restaurant is situated just above Les Arc 1800, close to the Chamettoger chairlift and accessible via road or on foot from the resort centre.
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La Folie Douce - Le Butcher Restaurant
Le Butcher at La Folie Douce in Les Arcs serves up quick, tasty burgers, sandwiches and snacks right on the slopes. Ideal for a speedy lunch before heading back to the ski runs or joining the lively party on the terrace, it caters to both eat-in and takeaway guests. With its energetic atmosphere and prime location, Le Butcher is a favourite spot to enjoy good food while soaking up the buzz of one of Les Arcs’ most vibrant après-ski destinations.
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La Folie Douce - La Fruitière Restaurant
Located at the top of the Villards gondola in Arc 1800, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
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L'Arpette Restaurant
Situated on the blue piste Belvedere, accessible to skiers of all capabilities.
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Wood Bear café
Divided into two levels, this small café is a great place to enjoy a hot drink with a snack or a larger lunch.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Arcs
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Rafting In The Alps
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Village Igloo Aperitif & Dinner
A dining experience like no other! A spectacular and unique 180m2 ice grotto, bar, restaurant and mini hotel in Les Arcs, where you'll enjoy a typical Savoyard cheese fondue or aperitif in a unique setting.
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Snowshoeing
This is a perfect way to discover the charm and serenity of the mountains away from the busy pistes.
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Mille8 aquatic and fitness centre
This huge 3800m² centre incorporates an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, water jets, bubble beds, massage jets, fitness room with gym and cardio equipment, spa with two steam rooms and two saunas, relaxation room and showers.
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Hydrospeeding
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Helicopter tours
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
More inspiration...
Find where to hire a bike in Les Arcs.
