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Holidays in Les Carroz d'Araches
Agricultural and watchmaking roots: Before tourism, Les Carroz was a farming village. In winter, locals did subcontract watchmaking work for income.
Ski pioneer: In 1936, two watchmakers, Charles Pons and Léon Carpano, built the first ski lift at Kédeuze, inaugurated in 1939. At the time, it was the longest in Europe. It was replaced by a gondola in 1954.
Resort development: More ski lifts followed, including the “Figaro” lift (1948–49) and the new Kédeuze gondola (1954). Infrastructure like a tourist office, post office, and medical center appeared in the 1960s.
Grand Massif integration: Today, Les Carroz is a charming alpine village (1140–2113?m elevation) and a gateway to the Grand Massif ski area (265 km of slopes).
Village Description
Traditional alpine charm: The village features classic wooden and stone chalet architecture, maintaining an authentic mountain feel.
Lively and family-friendly: There’s a central square with weekly markets (Tuesdays), bakeries, a library, shops, cinema, spa (Aquacîme), and performance venues.
Easily accessible: Located in Haute-Savoie, about 75 km from Geneva (45–60 min by car). It’s sunny and well-situated for both winter and summer adventures.
Typical Food
Savoyard specialties:
Raclette (melted cheese with potatoes and charcuterie)
Tartiflette (potatoes, cheese, bacon, cream)
Fondue (melted cheese for dipping bread)
Local desserts: Blueberry tart is a regional favorite.
Notable restaurants:
Le Tire-Fesses: Savoyard dishes, pizzas, burgers, cozy atmosphere
Les Servages d’Armelle: Gourmet, Michelin-starred cuisine
La Croix de Savoie, Aux Petits Oignons, La Pointe Noire: Modern alpine dining
Le Marlow: Popular après-ski bar-restaurant in the main square
Winter Activities
Skiing & snowboarding: 37 km of local slopes (connected to 265 km in the Grand Massif). 4 green, 16 blue, 9 red, and 4 black runs.
Freeride & Snowpark: Areas like Corbalanche freeride zone and Oasis Cool Zone.
Other winter sports:
Night skiing
Fatbiking
Sledding, dog sledding
Ice climbing
Snowmobile, quad on ice
Outdoor skating rink
Aquacîme spa: Outdoor hot pools with mountain views, sauna, steam room — open year-round.
Summer Activities
Hiking & mountain biking: Lift-accessible trails via the Kédeuze gondola, including a bike park.
Workshops for families: Build shelters, learn natural cosmetics, identify mountain stones.
Adventures:
Canyoning, rafting, climbing
Paragliding, hot air balloon rides
Tree-top forest courses
Leisure: Tennis, golf, skatepark, beach-volleyball, outdoor spa
Events:
Hot air balloon festival (“Montgolfiades”)
Cycling races (e.g., Tour de l’Avenir stage finishes)
Summary
Les Carroz d’Arâches is a picturesque mountain village rooted in farming and watchmaking history. Now a year-round destination in the French Alps, it offers authentic alpine charm, rich cuisine, and access to the Grand Massif ski area. Its family-friendly atmosphere and blend of tradition with adventure make it ideal for both winter sports and summer relaxation.
Ski pioneer: In 1936, two watchmakers, Charles Pons and Léon Carpano, built the first ski lift at Kédeuze, inaugurated in 1939. At the time, it was the longest in Europe. It was replaced by a gondola in 1954.
Resort development: More ski lifts followed, including the “Figaro” lift (1948–49) and the new Kédeuze gondola (1954). Infrastructure like a tourist office, post office, and medical center appeared in the 1960s.
Grand Massif integration: Today, Les Carroz is a charming alpine village (1140–2113?m elevation) and a gateway to the Grand Massif ski area (265 km of slopes).
Village Description
Traditional alpine charm: The village features classic wooden and stone chalet architecture, maintaining an authentic mountain feel.
Lively and family-friendly: There’s a central square with weekly markets (Tuesdays), bakeries, a library, shops, cinema, spa (Aquacîme), and performance venues.
Easily accessible: Located in Haute-Savoie, about 75 km from Geneva (45–60 min by car). It’s sunny and well-situated for both winter and summer adventures.
Typical Food
Savoyard specialties:
Raclette (melted cheese with potatoes and charcuterie)
Tartiflette (potatoes, cheese, bacon, cream)
Fondue (melted cheese for dipping bread)
Local desserts: Blueberry tart is a regional favorite.
Notable restaurants:
Le Tire-Fesses: Savoyard dishes, pizzas, burgers, cozy atmosphere
Les Servages d’Armelle: Gourmet, Michelin-starred cuisine
La Croix de Savoie, Aux Petits Oignons, La Pointe Noire: Modern alpine dining
Le Marlow: Popular après-ski bar-restaurant in the main square
Winter Activities
Skiing & snowboarding: 37 km of local slopes (connected to 265 km in the Grand Massif). 4 green, 16 blue, 9 red, and 4 black runs.
Freeride & Snowpark: Areas like Corbalanche freeride zone and Oasis Cool Zone.
Other winter sports:
Night skiing
Fatbiking
Sledding, dog sledding
Ice climbing
Snowmobile, quad on ice
Outdoor skating rink
Aquacîme spa: Outdoor hot pools with mountain views, sauna, steam room — open year-round.
Summer Activities
Hiking & mountain biking: Lift-accessible trails via the Kédeuze gondola, including a bike park.
Workshops for families: Build shelters, learn natural cosmetics, identify mountain stones.
Adventures:
Canyoning, rafting, climbing
Paragliding, hot air balloon rides
Tree-top forest courses
Leisure: Tennis, golf, skatepark, beach-volleyball, outdoor spa
Events:
Hot air balloon festival (“Montgolfiades”)
Cycling races (e.g., Tour de l’Avenir stage finishes)
Summary
Les Carroz d’Arâches is a picturesque mountain village rooted in farming and watchmaking history. Now a year-round destination in the French Alps, it offers authentic alpine charm, rich cuisine, and access to the Grand Massif ski area. Its family-friendly atmosphere and blend of tradition with adventure make it ideal for both winter sports and summer relaxation.
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