French alps information
- Great for winter sports
- Clean nature in the summer
- Character luxury villages
- Good return on investment
The Alps are well known for their ski resorts. But above all, it is a place to enjoy and relax in good company of your family and friends. Every time you spend in this extraordinary environment, you create new and unique memories. So why not take the plunge and buy your own flat or chalet to repeat the adventure year after year and in any season. You are spoilt for choice.
On the Swiss border, nestled in the south of Lake Geneva, the Portes du Soleil offers an impressive ski area. It is made up of flagship resorts such as Morzine, south of Abondance (a village famous for its cheese), Châtel, Les Crozets, Les Gets, and Avoriaz. The latter built its reputation with the creation of the fantasy film festival in 1973, eleven years after the opening of this trendy resort.
To the east of Annecy, straddling the Savoie and Haute Savoie, is the Aravis massif. Green valleys in summer with gentle slopes dotted with ancient chalets, bulbous bell towers and Savoyard farms where Reblochon cheese is made. It is well known for the resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand. Continuing eastwards, the Grand Massif ski area offers family resorts for lovers of confidential and chic addresses, such as Les Carroz or Saomëns.
With a good road network, the Aravis, the Grand Massif and the Chamonix valley can also count on the railway network which passes through Sallanches located in the valley.
The Mont-Blanc, whose altitude was last measured in 2021 at 4,808m, dominates an impressive ski area. Chamonix is the ideal resort for mountain lovers in all seasons. Summer offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, climbing, golf, hiking, etc. In addition, the Chamonix valley offers many opportunities to buy building plots, new or recently renovated homes, benefiting from a breathtaking view and the proximity of the shops or the calm of the resort.
Nearby Megève, nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, is a village with medieval streets and beautiful Savoyard chalets that take us back to the imagination of our childhood. It is not surprising that the Rothschild family chose it in the 1920s as their holiday resort.
Between Albertville and the Italian border, the Paradiski ski area is a pole of attraction for the Bourg Saint Maurice valley. The resort of Les Arcs is directly linked to the town for shops and other services such as the rail network. La Plagne is not far away either. The active valley promotes its terroir all year round and the summer is the occasion to discover other sports such as canoeing or rafting and many markets where local crafts are well represented.
Between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys lies the Vanoise National Park. This natural area where the fauna and flora are protected and observed all year round is a holiday destination in all seasons for all sportsmen and nature lovers. Tignes is located on the heights of the park, a family and festive resort where the Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area can be reached on foot. The resort also offers many quality summer activities.
Thanks to its central location in the heart of the Alps, the Trois Vallées ski area in Savoie is undoubtedly the leading destination for alpine ski enthusiasts. Indeed, it is the area which gathers the greatest number of famous resorts: Méribel, Les Ménuires, Val Thorens and Courchevel whose reputation goes beyond the borders of France, to name but a few.
An hour and a half east of Grenoble on the A43 motorway, Les Sybelles ski area is located on the Arvan-Villard massif. Perhaps a little less known, this ski area is nevertheless not negligible with its 310 km of slopes. Moreover, the resort of La Toussuire was the birthplace of an Olympic champion, Jean-Pierre Vidal, slalom champion in 2002 in Salt Lake City.
To the south of the Alps, the Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes ski areas are easily accessible due to their proximity to Grenoble. Historically, the annual visit of the Tour de France to Alpe d'Huez has helped to develop a reputation for all-season tourism. Investing in a flat or chalet in this modernised resort offers a high return on investment thanks to its strong tourist appeal. In addition, the more affordable prices in comparison to its neighbours make it an even more attractive place.
The Alps are the ideal place to invest in a second home that you can use for a few weeks a year and rent out the rest of the time. The best of both worlds: a good investment return and a place where you can create new memories with your friends, your children, or grandchildren. So, check out our offer of properties for sale...
