Attractions and Places To See around Les Arcs - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Les Arcs, a renowned ski resort in the French Alps, offers a diverse range of notable landmarks and natural features. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including high peaks and national parks, alongside cultural sites and modernist architecture. Visitors can explore various altitude levels, from glaciated peaks to alpine meadows, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration. The area also features unique architectural styles and historical towns.
Best attractions and places to see around Les Arcs
- The most popular attractions is The Three Crosses, a summit that offers a magnificent panorama. This highlight features a group of three crosses, commemorating a biblical tradition.
- Another must-see spot is Col de la Valdingarde Ascent, a climb with quiet, car-free roads. Visitors can expect nice views during the ascent, though the asphalt quality requires careful descent.
- Visitors also love Pennafort Gorges, a gorge known for its great rock formations. This natural monument offers opportunities for hiking and exploring its unique canyon landscape.
- Les Arcs is known for its diverse natural features, historical sites, and challenging outdoor trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from high mountain peaks to cultural towns and scenic gorges.
- The attractions around Les Arcs are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 upvotes and over 170 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
The Three Crosses
Highlight • Summit
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Col de la Valdingarde Ascent
Highlight • Climb
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Route Forestière des Cavalières
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Pennafort Gorges
Highlight • Gorge
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Draguignan
Highlight • Settlement
You will find several dragon statues in the city center of Draguignan.
According to legend, the place was born from the fight against a dragon. This clearly appears on the medieval weapons of the city, as well as on the statuary art of some holy places.
The interpretation is in accordance with the legend of the bishop of Antibes, the pious Hermentaire who would have fought victoriously around the year 400 a winged dragon. The struggle between a saint and a dragon, which represents the unconverted pagan or more broadly the forces of evil, is a classic allegory in the history of Christendom.
Draguignan is also the birthplace of Claude Gay, great explorer, botanist and friend of Chile. A place in Draguignan bears his name and his face is painted on the facade of a building overlooking this same place. (The work is made up of several hundred animals forming the face of the naturalist).
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Tips from the Community
The climb from Roquebrune-sur-Argens is definitely worth it for the amazing views! At some point, you'll even see the Mediterranean Sea and Saint-Raphaël! The asphalt is poor, however, which isn't so much of a problem when climbing, since you're already going slowly. It gets better after the second green light, but by then you're already pretty high up. If you want to descend (again) towards Roquebrune, you have to hold the handlebars firmly and be on your guard! A few stones or hops over potholes at high speed are all it takes, and you'll quickly find yourself on the outside edge of the bend! The climb itself is manageable – only a few sections are significantly over 6%, and they're mostly short.
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A beautiful and very isolated route, paved throughout. However, the surface is often not the best, so ride carefully! Narrow tires on a road bike, especially if you're not using tubeless tires, can easily lead to a flat tire.
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Very bad road surface. I did the segment from north to south last week with a racing bike. It is a miracle that I did not get a flat tire. Especially the (long) descent to Roquebrune is in very bad condition. It might be better to do the ride in the opposite direction so that the speed is lower a where the road is worst.
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With this highlight, hikers will find not just one, but a group of three crosses on this mountain - as the name "Les Trois Croix" suggests. A wayside cross or summit cross commemorates the death of Jesus Christ, and always the middle one. But the other two are not here without reason: According to the biblical tradition of the New Testament, Jesus Christ, accused of being the "King of the Jews", was not sentenced to death by crucifixion alone, but together with two criminals and executed (see, for example, the evangelist Luke 22:33): + "They came to the place called the Place of the Skull; there they crucified him and the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left." +
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Hiking trails with great views and well-secured sections for easy climbing
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In my opinion, the climb from Roquebrune is better because the road is worse there than on the other side. A gravel bike would be an advantage. But it is also possible with a racing bike.
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Fantastic walk. If you park at the Hotel. Walk back to the bridge and turn left. The path down starts immediately over the bridge on the right.
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Very beautiful hike with a magnificent panorama. But it's no longer GR and it really goes up, approaching the summit we walk along the cliff holding a chain placed as a handrail. Not recommended for young children and people prone to vertigo. Avoid in humid weather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most scenic viewpoints around Les Arcs?
For breathtaking panoramas, visit The Three Crosses, a summit offering magnificent views. The Aiguille Rouge, the highest point in the Les Arcs ski area, also provides stunning vistas, often including Mont Blanc. Additionally, several Panoramic Terraces across the resort, such as the Panoramic Terrace of Varet at Arc 2000, offer majestic mountain views.
Are there any notable natural features or parks to explore near Les Arcs?
Yes, the region is home to the vast Vanoise National Park, France's largest national park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including ibex and marmots. You can also explore the unique canyon landscape and great rock formations of the Pennafort Gorges, which offer opportunities for hiking.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the attractions in Les Arcs?
Les Arcs is an outdoor activities paradise. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For gravel biking, explore routes like the 'View of the Argens River – Rocher de Roquebrune loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try the 'Les Arcs Enduro' trails, while runners might enjoy the 'Oppidum of Taradeau loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Gravel biking around Les Arcs, MTB Trails around Les Arcs, and Running Trails around Les Arcs guides.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in Les Arcs?
Absolutely! Families can enjoy the thrilling 3km Rodeo Luge in Arc 2000. The Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) at the top of the Transarc gondola in Arc 2000 features wonderfully carved ice figures. The Mille8 Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Arc 1800 offers aquatic areas and facilities for relaxation and recreation. The town of Draguignan also has historical sites and a charming atmosphere suitable for family exploration.
What historical or cultural sites are worth visiting in the Les Arcs region?
The resort itself is known for its modernist architecture, particularly in Arc 1600, recognized for its integration with the natural environment. The valley town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, serving Les Arcs, has a rich history with museums and historic buildings. Near Les Arcs-sur-Argens, you can find the historically significant Chapelle Sainte Roseline and the Château Font du Broc, which offers wine tastings.
Where can I experience unique architecture in Les Arcs?
Les Arcs is renowned for its avant-garde modernist architecture, especially in areas like Arc 1600, which has received the 'Remarkable Contemporary Architecture' label. This design philosophy focuses on integrating buildings with the natural environment, maximizing sunshine, and separating pedestrian, skier, and car movement.
What is the Col de la Valdingarde Ascent and what can I expect there?
The Col de la Valdingarde Ascent is a popular climb known for its quiet, car-free roads and nice views. While the asphalt quality can be challenging in parts, making careful descent necessary, it's a rewarding route for cyclists. You can also find a great coffee spot in the village at the bottom of the climb.
What are some unique indoor attractions in Les Arcs?
The Mineral Gallery at the Transarc mid-station offers an engaging experience showcasing various minerals. For a more artistic and chilly experience, the Grotte de Glace (Ice Caves) at Arc 2000 features impressive sculptures carved from snow and ice.
What is the Vanoise Express and why is it notable?
The Vanoise Express is a remarkable double-decker cable car that connects Les Arcs with La Plagne, forming the Paradiski ski domain. It's notable for its impressive capacity, carrying up to 200 passengers, and offers a unique experience as it spans the valley.
What is special about the town of Draguignan?
Draguignan is a city of approximately 40,000 inhabitants, known for its rich history and charming old center. Legend says the city was born from a fight against a dragon, a theme reflected in its medieval weapons and dragon statues found throughout the city. It also features nice little cafes and bars, and is the birthplace of explorer Claude Gay.
Are there any challenging trails for experienced hikers or cyclists?
Yes, for experienced hikers, the ascent to The Three Crosses is a very beautiful but challenging hike, involving walking along a cliff with a chain handrail near the summit. Cyclists looking for a challenge can tackle the Col de la Valdingarde Ascent, or explore the Route Forestière des Cavalières, which offers typical French backroads with minimal traffic, though some sections require careful navigation due to asphalt quality.
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