Vélo Vert Festival 2026
The 17th edition of the Vélo Vert Festival comes to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise for a weekend of mountain biking races and events from June 12th to 14th.
PlizioGo
Les Arcs
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Les Arcs
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Take the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice; it connects the valley to Arc 1600 in just 7 minutes.
- Choose your base wisely: Arc 2000 is for serious sports, 1950 for charm, and 1800 for nightlife and shopping.
- Arc 1950 is completely car-free and allows true ski-in/ski-out directly from the apartment buildings.
- Pay attention to the architecture in Arc 1600 and 1800, designed without right angles to blend into the mountainside.
🍽 Food
🍽
Tartiflette
Try this hearty dish of potatoes and reblochon cheese in high-altitude mountain huts.
🍽
Fondue Savoyarde
Look for cozy wooden chalets in Arc 1950 for this classic melted cheese.
🍽
Genépi liqueur
Enjoy this herbal alpine spirit as a digestif at local après-ski bars.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Beaufort Cheese
Buy a wedge directly from the local fromageries in Bourg-Saint-Maurice or Arc 1800.
🛍
Savoyard Charcuterie
Mountain markets and specialty food shops in the villages offer great local sausages.
🧘
Snowshoe trails
Escape the busy pistes on the peaceful forested paths below Arc 1800.
🧘
Aiguille Rouge Peak
Take the cable car up early for striking, serene panoramas of the Vanoise National Park.
Water temperature…
Les Arcs, also known as Les Arcs-sur-Argens, is a historic commune in the Var department of southeastern France, situated in the scenic Argens River valley. The town is most famous for its remarkably preserved medieval district known as 'Le Parage,' which sits atop a hill overlooking the modern town. This area is a maze of cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses, and is crowned by a 13th-century square clock tower that has become the symbol of the village. The town's history is deeply intertwined with the Villeneuve family, one of the most powerful noble houses in Provence. Nearby, the Sainte-Roseline Chapel is site, serving as a pilgrimage center and housing contemporary art by Marc Chagall. Economically, Les Arcs is a powerhouse in the Provençal wine industry, specifically within the Côtes de Provence appellation. The 'Maison des Vins' located here provides a comprehensive look at the region's viticulture. Strategically, Les Arcs serves as a major transportation hub with its TGV station connecting the region directly to Paris and the rest of the French Riviera. The surrounding landscape, characterized by red rocks, pine forests, and sprawling vineyards, provides a great setting for both historical exploration and outdoor activities like cycling and wine tasting.
- Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
- Top sights: Sainte-Roseline Chapel · Le Parage · Clock Tower
- Nearby: Trans-en-Provence (4 km)
- Population: ~8.109
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 46 | 50 | 49 | 51 | 29 | 14 | 20 | 48 | 87 | 109 | 72 |
Geography
Facts
- Landmark: 13th-century square defensive tower in Le Parage.
- Transport: Key TGV station serving the central Var region.
- Art: Features works by Marc Chagall and Diego Giacometti.
- Viticulture: Regional headquarters for Côtes de Provence wines.
- History: Former stronghold of the Villeneuve counts.
- Nature: Gateway to the Massif des Maures mountain range.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:10→17:4812.5 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Explore the different levels of Les Arcs on foot. Start in picturesque Arc 1950 and hike to the lively Arc 1800. A lunch at Sheep Lake offers tranquility before reaching the spectacular summit of Aiguille Rouge via L'Arpette.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 40'1.83 km
🚶 73'3.51 km
🚶 42'1.96 km
🚶 108'5.23 km
09:00→16:0015 km ride4 places0/4
Day budget: ≈ 10–14 €Entries 0€ · Transport 12€
...
← swipe for more places →
09:00→17:0020 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 3–5 €Entries 0€ · Transport 4€
...
← swipe for more places →
Sights in the town Les Arcs (14)
Sainte-Roseline Chapel⛪ religious
This chapel houses the relics of Saint Roseline and features remarkable artworks by Marc Chagall and Giacometti.
Le Parage🏺 historical
The medieval heart of Les Arcs, featuring ancient stone houses and narrow alleys dating back to the 12th century.
Clock Tower🏺 historical
A 13th-century stone tower that stands as a landmark of the old village and its former defensive system.
Villeneuve Castle🛡️ fortress
The historic residence of the Villeneuve family, showcasing the architectural grandeur of Provençal nobility.
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church⛪ religious
The main parish church of the town, known for its spiritual importance and classic religious architecture.
House of History🏛 museum
A museum dedicated to the local heritage of Les Arcs, focusing on archaeology and the regional wine industry.
Frequently asked questions
How to get around between the stations?
Free shuttle buses connect the stations (1600, 1800, 1950, 2000). Ski lifts are also available for pedestrians.
Where does the funicular start?
It starts directly from Bourg-Saint-Maurice train station and takes you to Arc 1600 in just 7 minutes.
How big is the ski area?
Les Arcs is part of the Paradiski area, offering a total of 425 km of slopes for all skill levels.
What is the Vanoise Express?
It is an impressive double-decker cable car that connects Les Arcs with the neighboring La Plagne.
Is night skiing available?
Yes, specific slopes in Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are floodlit several evenings per week.
Les Arcs: where is it located?
Les Arcs is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.
Les Arcs: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sainte-Roseline Chapel, Le Parage, Clock Tower.
Les Arcs: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Les Arcs: why is it worth visiting?
Les Arcs, also known as Les Arcs-sur-Argens, is a historic commune in the Var department of southeastern France, situated in the scenic Argens River valley.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →
Nearby cities
Marseille
Marseille is the second-largest city in France and a vibrant hub on the Mediterranean Sea.
Nizza
Nice is the pearl of the French Riviera and the fifth-largest city in France.
Toulon
Toulon is an important Mediterranean port and a maritime city with a strong link to the French Navy.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is an elegant city known for its plane tree-lined boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, its fountains, and as the birthplace of the …
Antibes
Antibes is a resort town on the Côte d'Azur between Cannes and Nice.
Cannes
Cannes is a luxurious coastal city on the French Riviera, famous for glamour, movie stars, and a wonderful climate.
La Seyne-sur-Mer
La Seyne-sur-Mer is a port city on the French Riviera, known for its industrial shipbuilding history and beautiful seaside beaches.
Juan-les-Pins
A vibrant seaside resort on the French Riviera, famous for its fine sandy beaches, legendary jazz festival, and bustling nightlife set ag…
Fréjus
Fréjus is a historic port city on the French Riviera, featuring impressive Roman ruins and modern seaside resorts.
Hyères
A sunny coastal city on the Côte d'Azur, known as the 'City of Palms', famous for its medieval old town and the Golden Isles archipelago.
Grasse
The world capital of perfume, nestled in the hills above the French Riviera with a picturesque old town.
Cagnes-sur-Mer
A charming city on the French Riviera, famous for its medieval hilltop village and the artistic legacy of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Aubagne
Aubagne is a charming Provencal city known for its pottery tradition, as the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, and as the headquarters of the …
Le Cannet
A charming city overlooking Cannes on the French Riviera, famous for its artistic heritage and the painter Pierre Bonnard.
Vitrolles
A dynamic city near Marseille, situated on the shores of the Étang de Berre and known for its iconic red rock.