Les Arcs is four separate ski villages, each with its own character, spread across one mountainside, plus the valley town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice at the bottom of the funicular. Choosing the right village makes more difference than choosing the right hotel, especially with children or if you’re arriving by train.
Best areas to stay in Les Arcs
Arc 1600
The original village, small and calm, set in the trees. It’s the only village on the funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, so it’s ideal if you’re coming by train or want to leave the car in the valley. Club Med Les Arcs Panorama and the four-star La Cachette are here, and so is a UCPA centre.
Arc 1800
The biggest village, made up of several smaller areas: Charmettoger, La Croisette, Le Chantel, Le Charvet and Les Villards. It has the most shops, restaurants and accommodation, and the Luge 1800 sledge run and the swimming pool are here. A good all-round base, and the most popular with families.
Arc 1950
A compact, car-free village of upmarket apartments, with ski-in/ski-out access and entertainment in the village. Easy with young children if you’re happy to self-cater, and home to the Yéti Camp crèche and kids’ club.
Arc 2000
The highest village, with the quickest access to the Aiguille Rouge and the steepest terrain. Best for strong skiers who want to be close to the high runs, and for late-season snow. There are also two family club hotels here.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
The valley town, with the railway station at the bottom of the funicular. It’s a practical, cheaper base if you’re happy to ride up each morning. Remember that the last funicular departures are at 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Best ski-in/ski-out hotels in Les Arcs
- Club Med Les Arcs Panorama, Arc 1600: all-inclusive and ski-in/ski-out, with an indoor pool.
- Belambra Club Hôtel du Golf, Arc 1800: three-star club hotel, ski-in/ski-out, with lifts 50 m away and a pool.
- Taj-I Mah, Arc 2000: five-star on the slopes, near the Cabriolet lift, with a spa and a large indoor pool.
- Hotel clubs MMV Les Mélèzes and MMV Altitude, Arc 2000: all-inclusive family club hotels in the highest village.
Best family hotels in Les Arcs
| Hotel | Village | Why families like it |
|---|---|---|
| Club Med Les Arcs Panorama | Arc 1600 | All-inclusive, ski-in/ski-out, indoor pool, kids’ clubs from 4 months to 17 years (under-4s cost extra) |
| Belambra Club Hôtel du Golf | Arc 1800 | Three-star, ski-in/ski-out, kids’ club for ages 3 to 5 all season, older children’s clubs in French school holidays |
| MMV Les Mélèzes | Arc 2000 | All-inclusive family club hotel with kids’ clubs, rooms for up to 4 |
| MMV Altitude | Arc 2000 | All-inclusive family club hotel with kids’ clubs, two-bedroom suites for 4 |
| Odalys Hôtel Eden | Arc 1800 | Suites for 4 to 6 people |
For ski schools, crèches and beginner areas, see Les Arcs with kids.
Luxury hotels in Les Arcs
The standout hotel is the five-star Taj-I Mah in Arc 2000, billed as the village’s first five-star hotel, with 48 rooms and suites, a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub, and views of Mont Blanc or the slopes. In Arc 1600, La Cachette is a smaller four-star hotel, fully renovated in 2022.
Good-value places to stay in Les Arcs
The cheapest option is the Base Camp Lodge in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, with dormitory beds, capsule rooms and suites for four, close to the funicular. In the villages, Les Chalets de l’Aiguille Grive in Arc 1800 is a small, charming hotel, and self-catering apartments in Arc 1800 and Arc 1600 are usually the best value for families and groups. The official booking office, Les Arcs Réservation, sells all-inclusive packages with lift passes. For the ski area and season, see our Les Arcs ski resort guide.
Tips for booking a last-minute stay in Les Arcs
- Use the first and last weeks. Lift passes are 15% off from 12 to 18 December 2026 and from 17 to 24 April 2027.
- Remember the Paradiski date. Les Arcs stays open until 24 April 2027, but the Vanoise Express to La Plagne stops on 17 April.
- Kids’ clubs vary by date. At the Belambra Hôtel du Golf, the club for ages 3 to 5 runs all season, but the older children’s clubs only run in French school holidays.
- Think about parking. Online bookings only cover a limited number of covered spaces, and outdoor car parks are first come, first served. Or come by train and skip the car.
- Arriving late by train? If your train gets in after the last funicular, book a taxi up to the villages in advance, or stay the first night in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
