Arc 1600

Inaugurated in 1968, the resort of Les Arcs provided an exciting testing ground for many architects, the likes of Charlotte Perriand, Guy Rey-Millet, Gaston Regairaz and Bernard Taillefer. They have designed buildings in altogether innovative shapes, such as the slanting façades of the Cascade residence. The glulam structure of the Dome, designed by Pierre Faucheux, would be chosen as the logo of the Les Arcs resort. For two decades, Charlotte Perriand shared her brilliant, cutting-edge ideas with the multidisciplinary team (architects, urban planners, landscapers, carpenters and technicians among them) that created Les Arcs out of a pristine area with almost no urbanisation. Still today, this collective achievement inspires a mix of reactions, often admiration, and continues to pay undeniable witness to a time of great freedom when creative and visionary mindsets set the stage for all manner of big and bold designs. The award of the “Heritage in the 20th century” label recognises Les Arcs' unique place on the French architecture scene.
For guided tours of the resort, enquire at the Tourist Offices of Bourg St Maurice les ArcsThere is an architectural trail you can follow at your leisure in the resort.