Published January 23 2026 Reading time: 5 min
Let's set off together to discover the village of Arêches, located at an altitude of 1080 m, in a landscape where the mountain imposes its presence at every moment.
We are in the heart of the Beaufortain, a mountain range characterized by deep valleys and rocky peaks, dominated by the Grand Mont (2687m). This range is not merely a backdrop: it shapes travel, trade, and even the way the inhabitants built their villages. It is a territory where water has always played a vital role, whether for agriculture, livestock farming, crafts, or mining.
A village shaped by the mountain and history
What's fascinating about Arêches is understanding that the village wasn't built "by chance." It was born from a close relationship with the mountain: the alpine pasture exploitation of natural resources, the organization of the seasons and later theminingAnd it is precisely this mix of peasant and industrial history that has given Arêches its character.
Initially, Arêches was just a hamlet belonging to BeaufortBut the exploitation of resources led to population growth and a desire for autonomy. In 1611, a priest was installed there, still under the authority of the parish priest of Saint-Maxime, then in 1803 an independent parish was created: the parish of Saint John the Baptist to allow the inhabitants of Arêches to attend mass in their own village. The church then becomes a powerful symbol of this local identity.
The village reads like a book: architecture, granaries, and solidarity
As you walk around, you discover two worlds: the "top" of the older village and the more industrial "bottom." The top is the historical heart, built around a chapel dating from 1660This is where you find the traditional architecture, with tightly packed houses, narrow alleyways and that feeling of a peasant village.
The village center developed around the foundry, an important craft activity in the 15th century, which still leaves its mark today in the structure of the village and in the organization of the districts.
And then there are the granaries, these small wooden buildings, typical of the region, which immediately give a feeling of authenticity. They are built of spruce logs, placed on stone cellars, and serve to protect the family's wealth Grain, cheese, linen, money… A simple but incredibly effective construction that perfectly encapsulates the mountain spirit: Make do with what you have, but do it well..
What is also striking is this idea of solidarityBuilding in the mountains was not an individual endeavor: mutual support and assistance were essential. The village's housing and organization bear witness to a strong collective life, where community was indispensable.
Water, stone and wood: the materials of the village
In Arêches, everything is built to last. The houses have stone foundations with wooden upper floors. The roofs are sturdy, designed to withstand the winters. It quickly becomes clear that the architecture is a response to the constraints of the mountains: cold, snow, wind.
We also discover a very concrete element of collective life: the Bachal, this stone basin (framework dated 1913) divided into 2 which served on one side for drinking water and washing clothes and on the other for watering livestock.
Traditionally, the bacal is open to the south (to enjoy the sun) and closed on the other side (to protect against the cold).
It's a small detail, but it tells a great deal: water was scarce, precious, and village life revolved around its management.
The mines: the secret and industrial side of Arêches
What often surprises visitors is learning that Arêches also has a important mining historyCoal mining, in particularanthracite, has marked the village for several centuries and transformed local life.
The mine has experienced its apogee In the 20th century (1919): at that time, about thirty workers toiled there under difficult conditions. The coal was used in lime kilns, forges, and for smelting copper and lead. This activity also allowed young men from the village to avoid compulsory labor service (1943) during the Second World War.
Mining operations ceased in 1951. Today, only traces remain: the tunnels, the history. And it is precisely this blend of industry and tradition that makes Arêches so special today.
The Church of Saint John the Baptist: a Baroque jewel in the heart of the village
The village church is an example ofSavoyard Baroque art Simple on the outside, rich on the inside. Altarpieces, statues, paintings, frescoes and gilding… the whole gives an impression of light and warmth, as if the village had wanted to bring a little grandeur to a harsh environment.
It is an essential stop to understand the local spirituality and culture.
Skiing: a modern activity that respects the village's identity
Skiing arrived in the 20th century, initially through military service, then thanks to local pioneers and the first competitions. The resort was founded in 1947 Winter tourism is developing gradually with the first ski lifts et telesieges, and continued throughout the 80s-2000s until its recent modernization (Christmas 2019: Bois cable car which connects the two sectors).
But Arêches has managed to keep its The authenticityThe mountain has evolved with the times, without erasing the memory of the village.
Because Arêches is something you earn. It's not just a spot for taking photos: it's a living village, where every stone, every alleyway, every detail tells a story. You don't just come to see a village: you come to understand how the mountains shape a culture, traditions, and a way of life.
Let yourself be surprised by Arêches by booking your in guided tour with our guide Pascaline
