Gentle Walking Routes in Les Arcs & the Paradiski

There are plenty of well-signposted walking routes accessible from the various Les Arcs resorts, encompassing high-altitude nature paths, forest trails and visits to places of incredible natural beauty. Many of the villages are within walking distance of one another, although local, free bus services are available between the resorts, with Arc 1600 and Bourg Saint Maurice being connected by the frequent funicular. In the summer, inexpensive pedestrian passes allow full use of the lifts, so you can access spectacular vistas without superhuman efforts. The lift system also allows for easy transport back to resort; whizzing you down in cases of bad weather, tiredness or injury.

Below is a small selection of gentle, family-friendly walks and hikes in the Les Arcs area. These are all either easily accessed on foot from the Les Arcs villages, or just require short bus ride/gondola journey. It is always worth noting that for younger children, backpacks with water and snacks are a great idea as some of the routes may have no refreshment stops during the walk.

There are innumerable routes to choose from in the area, so head to our maps page for summer lift maps to give you some more inspiration. The tourist information centres always have pedestrian guides in the summer months, whilst the local sports shops sell hikers’ handbooks and maps highlighting designated pathways throughout the region.

Walk 1 - Sentier découverte on the Col de la Chal
Duration: 30 minutes
This is a high-altitude loop at the top of the Col de la Chal peak which provides the perfect gentle stroll for people who love the great outdoors. The walk is peppered with information points, so you can learn about local flora and fauna as well as the topographical aspects of the Les Arcs region. Situated at almost 2,500m above sea level, the air is fresh, the views are panoramic and the wildlife is abundant. Although it is very high up, the sentier découverte is easily accessed via pedestrian-accessible lifts. In Arc 1800 you can board the Transarc gondola in the Villards quarter, whilst from Arc 2000 it is approximately a fifteen minute walk to the direct Arcabulle chairlift. Upon reaching the top of the lift, walk around the La Crèche restaurant on its right-hand side and you will find signposts for the start of the trail.

The walk is designed for beginners and it really is quite short and sweet. As an introduction to the mountains, however, it is perfect. You are able to ride the lifts, get some idea of the vast scale of the French Alps and learn a lot about the creatures that populate the mountainside during the summer months. Take some binoculars, because it is a great place to spot birds of prey or even furry marmots.

Walk 2 - Le Chemin Bellecôte from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800
Duration: approximately one hour each way
Comprising a gently-inclined pathway leading through the forest from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800, the trees provide welcome protection from the summer sun. Ideal for families, you can walk the route can one direction, secure in the knowledge that free buses are on-hand for the journey back. Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 are the two busiest resorts during the summer months, with plenty of facilities and activities to entertain everyone. The Chemin Bellecôte trail is a great way to get to the Mille 8 complex (complete with swimming pools) in Arc 1800 or to the funicular in Arc 1600. Due to the altitude differences between the villages, the route is slightly uphill when travelling from Arc 1600 or downhill in the opposite direction (the overall elevation change is actually slightly less than 200m though, so the pathway never becomes too steep). Walking through the trees is always a pleasant option, particularly as the weather in summertime is almost ubiquitously hot and sunny.

To join the route in Arc 1600, head to the main square where the lift pass office sits (the Place du Soleil) and look out for the yellow signposts. Heading away from the funicular and Mont Blanc chairlift, follow the Bellecôte arrows past the Adret building and the ESF chalet onto the main pathway. In Arc 1800, starting at the Bernard Taillefer centre, you follow signs through the Charvet quarter, past the bus stop and onto the road towards Arc 1600. After about 80m, the trail goes off to the right.