Far from the excitement of the ski season, Les Arcs in summer reveals an entirely different side. Flower-filled alpine meadows, larch forests, breathtaking views over the Vanoise Massif and countless outdoor activities make this Savoyard resort an ideal destination for a summer holiday with family, friends or as a couple.
Linked to La Plagne within the vast Paradiski area, Les Arcs offers one of the largest outdoor playgrounds in the French Alps. Whether you’re passionate about hiking, mountain biking, trail running or paragliding, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, you’ll find an incredible variety of activities suitable for every level.
Summer is also the perfect time to discover the different villages that make up Les Arcs. Each has its own distinct character: the family-friendly atmosphere of Arc 1800, the charming pedestrian streets of Arc 1950, the spectacular viewpoints of Arc 2000, and the peaceful surroundings of Arc 1600. This diversity allows every visitor to create a holiday tailored to their own interests.
Families will particularly appreciate the wide range of activities organised throughout the summer season, from outdoor adventures and cultural events to wildlife discoveries and entertainment designed especially for children.
Staying in a luxury chalet in Les Arcs is the perfect way to complete the experience. After a day in the mountains, relax by your private swimming pool, unwind in the sauna or simply enjoy the spectacular views from your terrace in complete comfort.
Here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Les Arcs during summer 2026.
Why choose Les Arcs for a summer holiday?
Although Les Arcs is internationally renowned for its ski area, the resort is equally appealing during the warmer months.
Less crowded than many Alpine destinations, Les Arcs offers the perfect balance between preserved natural landscapes, outdoor adventures and a relaxed mountain lifestyle.
Here are just a few reasons why more and more travellers choose Les Arcs for their summer holidays.
A mountain destination for everyone
Thanks to the ski lifts operating throughout the summer, reaching the high-altitude trails is easy, even if you’re not an experienced hiker.
Families can effortlessly enjoy spectacular viewpoints, while keen walkers gain quick access to some of the finest hiking routes in the Alps.
A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts
Les Arcs is one of France’s leading destinations for mountain sports.
Popular activities include:
- hiking;
- downhill and enduro mountain biking;
- trail running;
- paragliding;
- golf;
- rock climbing;
- via ferrata.
Whether you’re discovering mountain sports for the first time or you’re an experienced athlete, you’ll find activities suited to your level.
An ideal destination for families
During the summer, Les Arcs offers an impressive programme of activities designed for children.
Easy walks, adventure parks, supervised outdoor activities, alpine farms, swimming pools and family-friendly events allow younger visitors to discover the mountains while having fun.
Some of the most beautiful scenery in the French Alps
Les Arcs enjoys spectacular views over the glaciers of the Vanoise National Park, Mont Pourri and the peaks of the Haute Tarentaise.
Walking trails lead through flower-filled alpine meadows, mountain streams, high-altitude lakes and beautiful larch forests, offering constantly changing landscapes throughout the day.
It’s an exceptional destination for photographers and for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Gateway to Vanoise National Park
One of the great advantages of Les Arcs is its immediate proximity to Vanoise National Park, France’s very first national park.
Covering more than 500 square kilometres, the park is home to remarkable wildlife including ibex, chamois, marmots and golden eagles.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle family walk or a full-day mountain hike, Vanoise offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the French Alps.
Its protected alpine environment makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers staying in Les Arcs.
The best things to do in Les Arcs in summer
From the vast open spaces of Paradiski to beautiful larch forests, alpine lakes and charming mountain villages, Les Arcs offers an incredible variety of summer activities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a nature lover or simply looking for a relaxing mountain escape, you’ll find more than enough to fill your holiday.
Here are the mountain experiences you shouldn’t miss during your summer stay in Les Arcs.
Hiking: spectacular scenery in the heart of the Alps
During summer, Les Arcs becomes a paradise for hikers.
Thanks to the ski lifts operating throughout the season, it’s easy to reach high-altitude trails before exploring alpine meadows, mountain streams, crystal-clear lakes, glaciers and breathtaking views across the Vanoise Massif.
Among the many walks available, these are some of our favourites.
The Aiguille Rouge viewpoint
Reached via the Aiguille Rouge cable car, this spectacular summit rises to over 3,200 metres, making it the highest point in the resort.
On a clear day, visitors enjoy panoramic views stretching across the French Alps all the way to Mont Blanc.
Without question, this is one of the finest viewpoints in Savoie.
Mont Pourri
Standing at 3,779 metres, Mont Pourri dominates the entire valley.
The hiking routes around the massif reveal glaciers, waterfalls and dramatic high-mountain scenery that will delight experienced walkers looking for more challenging adventures in Tarentaise.
Alpine lakes
Several beautiful hiking trails lead to peaceful mountain lakes surrounded by unspoilt Alpine scenery.
These walks are particularly popular with families, combining easy hiking with the perfect setting for a picnic in nature.
Mountain biking: one of the finest bike parks in the Alps
Les Arcs is recognised as one of France’s leading mountain biking destinations.
Each summer, its renowned Bike Park offers dozens of kilometres of trails suitable for every ability.
You’ll find:
- green runs for beginners;
- family-friendly blue trails;
- red and black downhill routes for experienced riders;
- enduro courses;
- cross-country trails.
The ski lifts transport both riders and bikes, allowing you to maximise your time on the descents.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, several local shops also rent electric mountain bikes.
Discover Les Arcs from the sky
Seeing the mountains from above is one of the most unforgettable experiences of the summer.
Several local schools offer tandem paragliding flights over Les Arcs and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, accompanied by fully qualified instructors.
No previous experience is required.
The panoramic views over the Vanoise peaks and surrounding valleys are simply breathtaking.
White-water adventures
When temperatures rise, the rivers around Les Arcs provide the perfect opportunity to cool off.
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, visitors can enjoy a wide range of exciting white-water activities, including:
Whether you’re looking for a gentle family adventure or an adrenaline-filled experience, there are activities suitable for every level.
Explore the villages of Les Arcs
Les Arcs is made up of several villages, each with its own distinctive atmosphere.
Arc 1600
The original resort village, Arc 1600 is appreciated for its peaceful setting and its direct funicular connection with Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Arc 1800
The liveliest village in the resort.
Restaurants, cafés, shops, sporting activities and summer entertainment make Arc 1800 the vibrant heart of Les Arcs during the warmer months.
Arc 1950
Entirely pedestrian, Arc 1950 combines traditional Alpine architecture with luxury accommodation, elegant squares and a welcoming village atmosphere.
It is one of the most charming places to stroll after a day in the mountains.
Arc 2000
Located beneath the highest peaks, Arc 2000 is an excellent starting point for high-altitude hikes and outdoor adventures.
Its spectacular setting makes it particularly popular with experienced hikers.
Slow down and reconnect with nature
Not every holiday needs to revolve around sport.
Les Arcs is also the perfect place to relax.
Enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking the mountains, take a peaceful walk through the forests, unwind beside a mountain stream or simply spend the afternoon reading on your chalet terrace.
After a day outdoors, there’s nothing quite like returning to the comfort of a luxury chalet with a heated swimming pool or sauna while admiring the Alpine scenery.
The best free activities in Les Arcs
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the mountains.
Some of the most memorable experiences are completely free.
We recommend:
- admiring the panoramic viewpoints from each village;
- exploring the extensive network of hiking trails;
- spotting Alpine wildlife, including marmots, chamois and birds of prey;
- enjoying a picnic in the mountain pastures;
- attending free summer concerts and events;
- discovering the remarkable architecture of Les Arcs, designed by Charlotte Perriand.
Photography enthusiasts will also love the extraordinary light at sunrise and sunset, when the surrounding peaks take on spectacular colours.
Summer events in Les Arcs in 2026
Throughout the summer, Les Arcs hosts a vibrant programme of sporting, cultural and family-friendly events. These celebrations bring the resort to life and offer even more reasons to discover the mountains beyond the ski season.
Here are some of the highlights not to miss in summer 2026.
Les Arcs Music Academy and Festival
19 to 31 July 2026
Founded in 1973, the Les Arcs Music Academy and Festival has become one of the leading classical music events in the French Alps.
For almost two weeks, concerts, masterclasses and performances take place throughout the resort, attracting internationally renowned musicians and emerging young talent in an exceptional mountain setting.
Arc 1950 Tuesday Evenings
Every Tuesday throughout July and August
Every Tuesday evening, Arc 1950 comes alive with free concerts, street performances and entertainment for all ages.
It’s the perfect way to end a day of hiking or mountain biking while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this charming pedestrian village.
Hero Les Arcs
2026 dates to be confirmed
Hero Les Arcs has become one of the resort’s flagship summer events.
Over several days, visitors can enjoy outdoor challenges, sporting activities, family entertainment, live performances and a wide range of experiences suitable for every age.
Summer entertainment throughout the resort
Throughout the season, Les Arcs also offers:
- artisan markets;
- open-air concerts;
- children’s shows;
- introductory sports sessions;
- traditional Savoyard events and celebrations.
The programme changes every year, ensuring that every visit offers something new to discover.
Les Arcs in summer with children
Les Arcs is one of the most family-friendly mountain destinations in the French Alps.
Far more than simply a hiking resort, it offers a wide variety of activities designed especially for younger visitors.
Among the most popular family experiences are:
- easy walking trails;
- adventure parks;
- beginner-friendly Bike Park trails;
- trampolines and play areas;
- summer entertainment;
- discovering Alpine wildlife;
- activities organised during Hero Les Arcs.
The summer ski lifts also make it easy for families to reach the mountains without long uphill walks, allowing children to enjoy spectacular scenery with very little effort.
Discover the heritage of Les Arcs
Les Arcs is much more than an outdoor destination.
The resort is also internationally recognised for its remarkable architectural heritage.
Charlotte Perriand and the architecture of Les Arcs
It’s impossible to talk about Les Arcs without mentioning Charlotte Perriand, one of the most influential designers and architects of the twentieth century.
Working alongside developer Roger Godino, she imagined a mountain resort perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings, favouring natural light, local materials and uninterrupted views across the landscape.
Her vision was that the ideal ski resort would “climb the mountainside so that every level enjoys an open view of the horizon.”
Today, Les Arcs is regarded as one of the world’s finest examples of modern mountain architecture.
Visitors from around the world come to discover this innovative approach, which has become an essential part of the resort’s identity.
During the summer, the Les Arcs Tourist Office also organises free guided architecture walks around Arc 1600 and Arc 1800, allowing visitors to better understand the resort’s pioneering urban design.
Our tip
Take time to explore each village on foot.
You’ll discover architecture that remains strikingly modern today while blending harmoniously into the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice: the gateway to Paradiski
Just a few minutes from Les Arcs via the funicular railway, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is well worth visiting.
Highlights include:
- the traditional weekly market;
- local food producers;
- regional Savoyard specialities, including Beaufort cheese;
- lively cafés and terraces;
- historic churches and local heritage.
The town also serves as an excellent base for exploring the entire Haute Tarentaise Valley.
The Baroque Trails
Created for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympic Games, the Baroque Trails showcase around eighty remarkable Baroque churches and chapels across Savoie.
These beautifully preserved buildings tell the story of mountain communities during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when local residents financed the decoration of their churches through agriculture and cheese production.
Among the highlights, we particularly recommend:
- Saint-Grat Chapel in Vulmix, famous for its remarkable medieval frescoes;
- Saint-Martin Church in Hauteville-Gondon, which offers immersive guided visits exploring its rich Baroque decoration;
- the spectacular mountain sanctuary of Notre-Dame des Vernettes, one of the most beautiful Baroque sites in the Alps.
Street art in Moûtiers
For a complete change of atmosphere, visit the nearby town of Moûtiers, home to one of the largest open-air street art galleries in the French Alps.
More than forty large-scale murals, graffiti artworks, stencils and installations transform the streets of the former capital of the Tarentaise Valley into a vibrant open-air exhibition.
It’s an unexpected cultural stop that’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Our tips for making the most of Les Arcs in summer
Book popular activities in advance
Paragliding flights, guided excursions and some family activities can become fully booked during the peak summer weeks.
Booking ahead allows you to enjoy the widest choice.
Make the most of the summer ski lifts
The lifts provide quick access to panoramic viewpoints, hiking trails and mountain bike routes while saving valuable energy for the adventures that await at the top.
Balance adventure with relaxation
One of the greatest pleasures of staying in Les Arcs is being able to alternate active days with moments of complete relaxation.
Spend the morning hiking, enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace, relax beside the swimming pool at your chalet before heading out for an evening stroll through one of the villages.
It’s this balance that makes a summer holiday in Les Arcs so memorable.
Explore every village
Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000 each offer a completely different atmosphere.
Taking time to visit them all allows you to discover the full diversity of the resort and appreciate everything Les Arcs has to offer beyond its famous ski slopes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Les Arcs on a sunny day?
Sunny days are perfect for hiking to the Aiguille Rouge, exploring the many trails of Paradiski, mountain biking, paragliding or simply enjoying lunch on a sunny terrace overlooking the mountains.
The breathtaking views across the Vanoise Massif are among the finest in the French Alps.
Is Les Arcs a good destination for a family summer holiday?
Absolutely.
Les Arcs is one of the most family-friendly mountain resorts in the French Alps. Summer ski lifts, accessible walking trails, outdoor activities, family entertainment and vast natural spaces make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
When is the best time to visit Les Arcs in summer?
July and August offer the widest range of activities, with ski lifts operating daily, major summer events and a lively atmosphere throughout the resort.
June and early September are ideal for travellers looking for quieter hiking trails, pleasant temperatures and a more peaceful mountain experience.
Are the ski lifts open during the summer?
Yes.
Several ski lifts operate throughout the summer season, allowing hikers, mountain bikers and families to reach high-altitude viewpoints with ease.
They provide convenient access to some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps.
What can you do in Les Arcs when it rains?
Even on rainy days, there’s plenty to enjoy.
Take the opportunity to discover the remarkable architecture of Charlotte Perriand, visit Bourg-Saint-Maurice, relax in a wellness spa, enjoy lunch in one of the resort’s restaurants or simply unwind in the comfort of your luxury chalet.
Les Arcs or La Plagne: which resort is better in summer?
Connected by the Paradiski area, Les Arcs and La Plagne both offer an outstanding range of summer activities.
Les Arcs is particularly popular with hikers, mountain bikers and lovers of wide-open Alpine landscapes.
La Plagne is often the preferred choice for families thanks to its variety of activities and excellent value for money.
👉 Read our guide: What to do in La Plagne in summer
Les Arcs or Méribel: which should you choose for a summer holiday?
Méribel is known for its traditional Savoyard atmosphere, beautiful forests and access to Les 3 Vallées.
Les Arcs offers larger mountain landscapes, higher-altitude viewpoints and one of the best outdoor sports programmes in the French Alps.
Both are exceptional destinations, and the right choice depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.
👉 Discover our guide: What to do in Méribel in summer
Can you go mountain biking in Les Arcs during the summer?
Yes.
Les Arcs is home to one of the finest Bike Parks in the French Alps.
From beginner-friendly trails to technical downhill routes, riders of every ability can enjoy an extensive network of mountain bike tracks, all easily accessible via the summer ski lifts.
Can you enjoy Les Arcs in summer if you don’t ski?
Of course.
Summer in the mountains offers a completely different experience.
Hiking, golf, paragliding, wellness, gastronomy, cultural heritage, photography and simply relaxing in a luxury chalet all make Les Arcs an outstanding destination, even for visitors who never put on a pair of skis.
Where should you stay in Les Arcs during the summer?
A luxury chalet is one of the best ways to enjoy everything Les Arcs has to offer.
You’ll benefit from generous living spaces, mountain views, a fully equipped kitchen and, depending on the property, premium facilities such as a private swimming pool, sauna or wellness area.
Our collection of luxury chalets in Les Arcs allows you to experience the Alps at your own pace, in complete comfort and privacy.
Experience Les Arcs in summer
With its spectacular Paradiski scenery, exceptional hiking trails, renowned Bike Park, charming Alpine villages and vibrant summer events, Les Arcs is one of the finest mountain destinations in the French Alps.
Whether you’re passionate about outdoor adventures, looking for quality family time or simply seeking peace and relaxation surrounded by nature, Les Arcs offers an unforgettable summer experience.
Choosing the right accommodation is an essential part of your holiday.
A luxury chalet provides the space, privacy and comfort needed to fully enjoy the mountains, while premium facilities such as a heated swimming pool, sauna or spacious terraces make every moment even more memorable.
At Pointe de Sel, we carefully select exceptional chalets that offer far more than simply a place to stay.
Each property has been chosen to create unforgettable Alpine holidays where comfort, authenticity and luxury come together in perfect harmony.
Browse our collection of luxury chalets in Les Arcs and start planning your next summer holiday in the French Alps.
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