Grand Arc, Mountain summit in Savoie, France

Grand Arc is the highest summit of a north–south chain in the Savoie Alps, reaching 2,484 metres between the lower Maurienne and the Isère valley. Its upper faces are snow broken by dark exposed rock, with a steep left flank and a straight right ridge above a broad snowfield. The chain runs from la Grande Lanche (2,110 m) to le Char de la Turche (2,010 m), with le Petit Arc at 2,365 m just south of the main peak.

Grand Arc is the westernmost summit of the Vanoise massif, separated from the Lauzière massif by the Col de Basmont to the south-east. Geologically it continues the Belledonne chain, with its north-south orientation and dominant crystalline micaschist rock. Its chain runs from the Grande Lanche (2,110 m) to the Char de la Turche (2,010 m), with Grand Arc the highest point at 2,484 m.

The name Grand Arc belongs to the 2,484 m summit and to the whole north-south chain of crystalline micaschist that runs from the Grande Lanche (2,110 m) past the dent du Corbeau and la Tuile to the Petit Arc (2,365 m) and the Char de la Turche (2,010 m). The col de Basmont separates the chain from the massif de la Lauzière to the south-east.

The climb requires proper alpine gear and good fitness level, with marked paths leading to the summit. Plan several hours from nearby mountain stations and choose clear weather for the best conditions during your ascent.

The Grand Arc is the westernmost summit of the Vanoise massif, separated from the Lauzière massif by the Col de Basmont to the south-east. Geologically it continues the Belledonne chain: its north-south orientation and dominant crystalline micaschist rock set it apart from the surrounding limestone ranges.