History

What would Bourg-Saint-Maurice be like without les Arcs and vice versa ?
A stopping point on the Roman way linking Vienne and Lyon to Turin, Bergintrum did not adopt the name of Bourg-Saint-Maurice until the 19th century. Much coveted, many times conquered and exchanged through alliances; it wasn’t until 1860 that the town became a definitive part of France. Cattle rearing, haymaking, moving animals up to the high mountain pastures, farming competitions and religious services set the pace of life for the Borains (locals) for decades. The booming economy and the arrival of paid holidays during the 20th century shaped the Bourg-Saint-Maurice / Les Arcs that we know today : a mountain town that adapted to the changes and developments of the modern world, with its clever architectural design, dynamic tourist appeal and genuine character. Come and check out Bourg-Saint-Maurice / Les Arcs for yourself, through its exhibitions and museums, its tourist routes accompanied by a heritage guide and its traditional festivals.

Creation of les Arcs
1968 : Arc 1600 resort opening.
1974 : Arc 1800 resort opening with the inauguration of the Hotel du Golf.
1979 : Arc 2000 resort opening with the Club Med.
2003 : Inauguration of the first tourist residences in Arc 1950.

Thanks to a successful meeting, in the early 60’s, between Roger Godino, developer and constructor in mountain tourism and Robert Blanc, born in the area and a ski instructor and high mountain guide, Les Arcs took shape with the help of well-known engineers, architects and town planners sharing the same creative spirit.

Three fundamental rules were followed in order to create a functional and aesthetic construction in keeping with the tourist development of that time :

respect for the area and the natural surroundings,

the conservation of existing old mountain chalets which were not to be copied for more authenticity,

use of local material.

Les Arcs is completely integrated into the mountain setting, and distinguished by an exterior architecture avoiding buildings overlooking one another and by an interior open plan concept (open kitchen, large picture windows, and raised balconies) which paved the way for a new style of living.

20th Century Label
In 1999, the Ministry for the Arts and Communications introduced new policies in favour of the architectural and urban heritage of the 20th century : protection, public awareness and restoration. Living proof of modernity working hand in hand with the mountains and nature, Les Arcs town planning is being studied by the Grenoble School of Architecture.

Charlotte Perriand
Charlotte Perriand, a woman full of life and ahead of her time, is well known for having worked with Le Corbusier for ten years and, above all in Les Arcs for her innovative ideas which inspired the resort’s design team, from Roger Godino to Robert Blanc including Gaston Regairaz, Guy Rey-Millet, Bernard Taillefer... Charlotte Perriand wrote in her memoirs «Vivre, c’est faire vivre ce qui est en nous» “to live is to bring alive what is inside us” And when we look at Les Arcs, it is certainly Charlotte Perriand who lives on today. An exhibition will shortly be dedicated to her work at the Beaubourg National Arts and Culture Centre.

La FACIM
Hervé Gaymard is President of the FACIM (Foundation for International Cultural Action in the Mountains). It was created in Courchevel in 1970 to develop international cultural exchanges. The FACIM was commissioned in 1991 by the Savoyard Regional Council and the Ministry of Culture to revive and promote the Maurienne and Tarentaise regions, famous for their art and history. It ensures the development of the Savoyard heritage and works towards the expansion of three main themes : religious, military and rural. They each have their own historical itinerary, the ’Chemins du baroque’®, ’Pierres-fortes® de Savoie’ and ’Terres des Alpes’®. Today the FACIM is taking a new area under its wing: the contemporary heritage of winter sports resorts. A brochure is available in the Tourist Offices.

Bourg Saint Maurice Tourist Office
Jean-Marie Chevronnet, Heritage Department, National Tour Guide and Interpreter, FACIM Lecturing Guide
105, place de la Gare 73700 Bourg St Maurice
Tel. : +33 (0)4 79 07 04 92
Fax : +33 (0)4 79 07 24 90
E-mail : jean-marie-patrimoine@lesarcs.com