Les Arcs was created in 1968 to fulfil the demands of the mass tourism attracted by winter sports. The project also enabled young architects and innovative developers to develop an architectural concept in which the quest for functionality and profitability was adapted to suit the splendid natural surroundings.

Guided tours or how to explore the architecture of les Arcs
Proof that modernity can compromise with the mountains, nature and the town, the conglomerations of Arc 1600 and Arc 1800 were awarded the « 20th Century Heritage » label in 2006.  The les Arcs Tourist Office organises free guided tours to explore the architecture of les Arcs. Every week a guide offers visitors a guided walk round the various parts of the resort.

Modernity working on behalf of nature
Creating a ski resort out of nothing and constructing a setting that is functional and aesthetically pleasing and fulfil is the needs of this new growth in tourism is in itself an exciting project.
The developer, Roger Godino and the young team of architects who worked on les Arcs resolutely aligned their project with modernity. Contrary to the opinion of some detractors who saw in it a desire to « concrete over the mountains », under the benevolent authority of Charlotte Perriand, this intensely creative period was intended to work for the conservation of nature.
 
Charlotte Perriand: a creative woman
An architect and designer of genius, she worked on the building of the various sectors of les Arcs for nearly 20 years. She was the soul of the group of architects who were fascinated by her creative power.
Through keeping the group together and preventing them from
drifting it is surely thanks to her that the architectural line defined at the outset endured throughout the construction of all the sectors.
Her concept of functionality, the “right move“, practical shape, simple beauty without design and without added decoration, was to inspire a style of architecture conceived from the inside working outwards. By making these young architects start by putting themselves in the visitors’ shoes she overturned their professional reflexes and pushed
them to go beyond the usual boundaries between town planning,
architecture and fittings.
Her work in les Arcs is particularly recognisable for:
- The raised balconies allowing light to flood into the apartments and to provide a wider outlook on the view
- The work on the furnishings, every piece of which was conceived and designed by Charlotte Perriand
- The innovative technical solutions such as the resin bathrooms made in a single block to minimise time and costs. An unknown
process at the time!
- The integral kitchens opening onto the living area. Almost standard today, they were a real revolution 40 years ago!
- The work on the buildings’ gangways, given life by the solid colours of the wood and the lighting.