SITUATED BETWEEN Mont-Blanc and the Vanoise national park, the award-winning French resort of Les Arcs has remained faithful to its alpine heritage whilst preserving its superb natural environment. Distinguished by its unique architecture, Les Arcs harmoniously blends tourism and tradition and is a modern functional resort that is fully integrated into the mountain landscape. With baroque churches nestled in the heart of traditional villages, avant-garde architecture and Savoyard cuisine, Les Arcs is one of the most charming and atmospheric resorts in Europe.

Will you be looking for big night out? There are a couple of the bars that have a decent buzz and the best time to hit them is the night before the chalet staff have their day off. Usually, a Tuesday night.
You'll find reasonably good bars in each village - especially Arc 1800. One word of warning about Arc 1950 - the brand-new village of self-catering apartments beneath Arc 2000 and the Aiguille Rouge. It's a great place to stay, however the bars are expensive. Some good bars to visit;
Arc 1600 - the bar of the UCPA, and in Bar des Montagnes (in the Hotel Cachette), Arc 1800 - Tantra, new this year, in the Villards area, and the Red Hot Saloon, Arc 1950 - the Chalet de Luigi (much better than the Belles Pintes), Arc 2000 - the Red Rock café, Peisey-Vallandry - The Flying Squirrel and the Bar Mont Blanc.

Shopping throughout the various levels of Les Arcs offer a variety of shops; from sports gear, to fashion to local produce. There are over fifty places to eat around the resort with the largest proportion in Arc 1800, but with 5-10 options in each of the other three resorts. In Arc 1800 no visit is complete without a crepe at cosy Mamie Crepe. In 1600 the slopeside Chalet de L'Arcelle is a cosy option that serves good food. 1950 offered a good choice of high quality eating options from the start.