Major city · France
Les Arcs
Go for 3–5 days of skiing or hiking: the linked Paradiski area (425 km (264 mi) of pistes) is the draw, not the resort villages themselves. One night is too short to justify the transfer.Go for 3–5 days of skiing or hiking: the linked Paradiski area (264 mi (425 km) of pistes) is the draw, not the resort villages themselves. One night is too short to justify the transfer.
Les Arcs is a purpose-built ski resort in the Tarentaise valley, connected to La Plagne by the Vanoise Express cable car to form the Paradiski domain. The six villages (Arc 1600 to Arc 2000, plus Peisey and Villaroger) are functional bases, not alpine postcard towns. Most visitors come for the skiing (December–April) or summer hiking and mountain biking (June–September). The funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice gets you up in 7 minutes; once there, free shuttles link the villages.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (ski), Jun–Sep (hike/bike)
- avoid May and Nov (lifts closed, mud season)
- Airports
- CMF · GVA · LYS
- Nights
- 3–5
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- France and Monaco ↗France has run temporary identity checks at its internal Schengen land borders since 2015; carry a passport or EU/EEA national ID on trains and buses from Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
- France and Monaco ↗Nights in France and Monaco draw on the same Schengen 90-in-180-day allowance as the rest of the area; Monaco does not reset or pause it.
- France ↗France is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors' fingerprints and photo at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- France ↗TGV (including the low-cost Ouigo) and Intercités night trains need a seat reservation: a rail pass alone does not let you board.
- France ↗Paris, Lyon and other large cities run low-emission zones that require a Crit'Air sticker on cars; check before you drive a hire car or your own car into a city.
- France ↗Carry your passport or national ID card: police can ask for identification, and hotels register foreign guests.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Les Arcs17 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Les Arcs, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).France-wide
- SIM or eSIMOrange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom and Free sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at tabacs; ID is required to register.France-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere unless signed otherwise.France-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service is included; leave 5–10% in cash for good service.France-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.France-wide
- SafetycheckStandard mountain resort safety: stick to marked pistes, check avalanche risk, wear a helmet.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsParis has free automatic public toilets (sanisettes); elsewhere use cafés (buy a coffee), museums and stations, where some charge €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).France-wide
- Emergency numbers17 police · 18 / 15 fire and ambulance · 112 European emergency (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany national museums close on Monday (Orsay, Versailles, Rodin) or Tuesday (Louvre, Pompidou's temporary sites).France-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCMF Chambéry (About 1.5 h drive; seasonal flights from UK and Benelux).
- Getting aroundFree shuttle buses connect the main villages (Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000) during winter and summer seasons.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (in resort)€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)
- BeerBeer (half litre, bar)€6–8 (≈ US$7–10)
- Budget bedSelf-catering apartment (sleeps 4), a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- Mid-range bedSelf-catering apartment (sleeps 4), a night, per room€200 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedSelf-catering apartment (sleeps 4), a night, per room€400 (≈ US$500)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €80 (≈ US$95) · Mid €150 (≈ US$180) · High €250 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CMF Chambéry (About 1.5 h drive; seasonal flights from UK and Benelux) · GVA Geneva (About 2.5 h drive; year-round connections) · LYS Lyon-Saint Exupéry (About 2.5 h drive; TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice also possible)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Feb
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Mar
Best
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
Best
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
May
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Dec
Best
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Apr. Avoid: May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Sep (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Les Arcs: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
12 rd
Feb
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
11 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
Apr
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Nov
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
11 rd
Dec
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Free shuttle buses connect the main villages (Arc 1600, 1800, 1950, 2000) during winter and summer seasons. The funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice arrives at Arc 1600. Ski lifts and cable cars cover the slopes; the Vanoise Express links to La Plagne.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
goDoor to door: 30 min
Funicular, 7 min
Supermarket run (Lidl, Super-U) or train connections.
La Plagne
goDoor to door: 20 min
Vanoise Express cable car (free with Paradiski pass)
Ski across the whole Paradiski domain in one day.
Val-d'Isère
cautionDoor to door: 1 h
Car or bus via Bourg-Saint-Maurice, about 45 min
Different ski pass; worth a day trip only if you have a car and a full-day pass.
Chambéry
skipDoor to door: 2 h
Train from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, about 1 h 20 min
Too far for a day trip from the resort; better as a stop en route.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Arc 1800
Largest village, most shops and restaurants; central for lifts.
Arc 1950
Pedestrianised, ski-in/ski-out, more upmarket; quieter evenings.
Arc 1600
Funicular arrival point; free parking, budget accommodation.
Arc 2000
Highest village, snow-sure, short walk to Aiguille Rouge cable car.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Valley town with cheaper hotels and supermarkets; funicular up each day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €80–120 (≈ US$95–140) excl. ski pass and bed
- Mid
- €120–200 (≈ US$140–250) excl. ski pass and bed
- High
- €200 (≈ US$250)+ excl. ski pass and bed
Trip budget
| Self-catering apartment (sleeps 4)1 × 4 nights × €200 | €800 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × €150 | €1,200 |
| Funicular Bourg-Saint-Maurice ↔ Arc 1600 (return, free with ski pass)2 × €0 · check | €0 |
| Paradiski ski pass, 1 day (high season)2 × €65 · check | €130 |
| Paradiski ski pass, 6 days (high season)2 × €330 · check | €660 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €279 |
| Trip total≈ €384 per person per day, bed included | €3,069≈ US$4,000 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and ski pass excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (in resort) | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Beer (half litre, bar) | €6–8 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Pizza (restaurant) | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Lidl grocery run (Bourg-Saint-Maurice, basics for 4 days) | €40–60 (≈ US$50–70) |
| Funicular single (Bourg-Saint-Maurice ↔ Arc 1600) | €8–10 (≈ US$10–12) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Everything in resort is expensive: stock up on groceries in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (Lidl, Super-U).
- Parking at Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 is very expensive unless included with accommodation; free parking at Arc 1600.
- Aiguille Rouge has no toilets or shelter; check weather before going up.
- Mobile signal can be weak or congested on busy days.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 17
- Fire and ambulance
- 18 / 15
- European emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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Les ArcsLes Arcs
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police17
- Fire and ambulance18 / 15
- European emergency112
Embassy
The US has an embassy in Paris; the nearest consulate is in Lyon. Most other countries have embassies in Paris.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Funicular Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Arc 1600: about €8–10 (≈ US$10–12), 7 min (check)
- Paradiski ski pass, 1 day (high season): about €65 (≈ US$80) (check)
- Taxi Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Arc 1800: €40–60 (≈ US$50–70) (check)
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bohn-zhoor)
- Merci — Thank you (mair-see)
- Combien ? — How much? (kom-byen)
- Où est le télésiège ? — Where is the lift? (oo ay luh tay-lay-syej)
- J'ai besoin d'un médecin — I need a doctor (zhay buh-zwan dun mayd-san)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Les Arcs. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (ski), Jun–Sep (hike/bike) · avoid May and Nov (lifts closed, mud season) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialLes Arcs official site
- officialParadiski official site
- secondaryWikivoyage: Les Arcs, revision 5049459 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Les Arcs
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