Property French Alps :: French Alps Area Guide

French Alps Area Guide

Haute-Savoie | Annecy and Lake Annecy | Aravis Mountains | Chamonix Valley
Evasion Mont Blanc | Grand Massif | Portes du Soleil

Haute-Savoie

The Ascendant portfolio spans the region of Haute-Savoie in the French Alps. Haute-Savoie extends from Lake Geneva at the northern-most tip, to Chamonix Mont Blanc in the east and Lake Annecy in the south. It is flanked by the Swiss and Italian Alps and the French departments of Savoie and Ain.

This is arguably the most beautiful region in France, with spectacular landscapes and year-round appeal. Haute-Savoie is the birthplace of winter sports tourism and from December to May it is a popular destination for enthusiasts from all over the world. There are 50 ski resorts in the area, providing over 3,500 hectares of pistes for all levels and aptitudes. The largest and best-known ski domains are those of the Aravis Mountains, Evasion Mont Blanc, Portes du Soleil, Chamonix Valley and the Grand Massif. The summer season runs from mid-June to late September, with July and August being the busiest. Walkers, climbers, cyclists, mountain bikers and golfers come to Haute-Savoie to enjoy the numerous outdoor pursuits set against a stunning backdrop of mountains and lakes. Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva provide swimming beaches, sailing and other water sports whilst traditional spa towns offer thermal treatments for visitors.

Owning a property in this part of France has financial advantages; a dual-season destination not only maximises your own use of your property but also enables you to capitalize on any rental income you may require. Strict planning regulations in the region limit the supply of property for sale and this combined with high demand from the UK, Ireland, Switzerland and Italy has resulted in a fast-paced and competitive market with strong annual capital growth.

Geneva airport is 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes from most towns and resorts in Haute-Savoie and there are additional international airports at Lyon, Chambery and Grenoble. Low-cost and scheduled airlines provide regular flights throughout the year and there are numerous transport options between the airports and mountain or lakeside resorts.

Beautiful surroundings, excellent local facilities and ease of access to Haute-Savoie have made it one of the most popular and most visited French regions. Property prices reflect this popularity and are above average when compared to other parts of the country. How much you will pay for a property will vary greatly according to location; however as a general rule of thumb the following scale provides some guidance:

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Annecy and Lake Annecy

Annecy is located on the northern-most tip of Lake Annecy and is the administrative and economic capital of Haute-Savoie. Tourism and local facilities meet to create a vibrant and economically successful town with excellent local amenities for education, shopping, the arts and fine dining.

Annecy is often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps” because of the flower-lined River Thiou and Vassé canal that meander through the medieval old town. The skyline is dominated by the 12th century castle and Basilica of the Visitation which provide panoramic views of the red-tiled rooftops of the old town and the lake. One of France's most photographed scenes is the famous “Palais de l'Ile”, which was built on an island in the River Thiou in the 12th century. This triangular-shaped building once housed the old mint, law courts and dungeons and is now a museum.

Cobbled streets, outdoor markets, pavement cafes and an ideal position right on the lakeside combine to make Annecy a popular tourist destination. The busiest months are July and August however the attraction of Christmas markets and springtime festivals draw tourists from France and all over the world. There are numerous festivals and celebrations to put into your diary, such the famous “Venetian carnival”, when locals dress up in ornate carnival costumes and parade through the old town, the “Fete du Lac”, an impressive musical pyrotechnic display over the lake and the “Retour des Alpages”, a celebration of the end of the summer, when livestock are decorated with flowers and herded down from the pastures and through the old town.

On Annecy's lakefront is the famous “paquier”; a stretch of green parkland which is home to a traditional carrousel and Annecy's French boules club. This park is the ideal spot for a post-lunch stroll to the gardens of the 5-star Imperial Palace hotel and provides magnificent views down the lake to the mountains of Savoie in the distance.

Lake Annecy is the cleanest lake in Europe and is famous for the colour of the water in the summer sunshine - a brilliant Mediterranean-turquoise. There are a multitude of sailing and water-sports facilities available, from the humble pedalo to sailing, kite surfing and water skiing. Swimming beaches line the water and a cycle track circles the shores, interspersed with cafes and hotels. Pretty villages can be found along the lakeside, such as; Veyrier-du-Lac, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires on the east shore and Sevrier, Saint Jorioz and Duingt on the west shore.

Annecy is just 45 minutes drive from Geneva Airport and 30 minutes from the ski resorts of the Aravis Mountains (La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Le Chinaillon and Manigod). The central railway station is on a TGV line and there is a small local airport which has daily flights to Paris.

Property prices in central and lakeside Annecy are comparable with those of ski resorts. Demand from local employees and overseas buyers far outstrips current supply and this shows no signs of abating. A new motorway which will reduce the travel time between Annecy and Geneva to just 20 minutes is currently under construction and due to be completed by 2009. The project is anticipated to dramatically increase the number of Swiss buyers in the area, seeking to commute to Geneva and take advantage of lower French property prices.

Properties in Annecy provide strong rental potential for either the tourist season in July and August or year-round to a local employee. The new high-tech hospital outside of the main town, the new motorway and educational facilities will continue to draw buyers seeking a permanent move or a second home in the area and the future for this popular destination looks positive.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport and the rest of France
• New motorway to Geneva will have a positive impact on the property market
• Cosmopolitan and vibrant location for a permanent move
• Easy access to the ski slopes of the Aravis Mountains
• Charming medieval old town
• A good base to explore the region
• Property prices are as high as ski resorts, however resale value and capital growth are impressive
• The old town and lakeside villages are busy in July and August

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Aravis Mountains

The Aravis Mountain range is located to the east of Lake Annecy and extends from the imposing peaks of La Tournette and Les Dents de Lanfon which overlook the lake towards the Mont Blanc Massif. This beautiful part of the Haute-Savoie region is less well known to the British ski set and in many ways this has enhanced the area's appeal for today's buyer. The 4 main resorts are La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Le Chinaillon and Manigod. Additionally there is the village of Saint Jean de Sixt (not a ski resort but close enough to La Clusaz to benefit from the same facilities) and the market town of Thones.

The resorts in the Aravis Mountains started out life as farming communities and to this day the production of many famous alpine cheeses including reblochon and entremont plays a large part in the local economy. The area is known for its alpine charm and authenticity - however don't confuse traditional with outmoded - the area has been a well-kept secret for locals and non-British buyers for many years and local facilities and services are excellent.

The area is popular with tourists in both winter and summer alike. From December to the end of April there are 220km of alpine ski slopes and over 120km of cross country ski pistes to follow, plus snow shoeing trails, husky sleds and ice-climbing. During the summer months walking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding and water sports on Lake Annecy are all readily available. The area suits all types of visitors, with plenty to do for families as well as adrenalin-seekers and couples.

The ski resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Le Chinaillon and Manigod vary in size, with La Clusaz being the largest and Manigod being the smallest. La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are both very popular resorts which have been developed in recent years to combine traditional alpine architecture with contemporary apartments and an impressive array of après-ski nightlife. Le Chinaillon is higher in altitude and has really started to take off, with new apartments and chalets being constructed and additional services going in. Manigod is located in one of the most beautiful valleys in Haute-Savoie, south-facing with stunning views La Tournette.

The local authorities have now really clamped down on the amount of building work that takes place around La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Manigod and there is little property available for sale. Some British buyers have moved into the area - although not to the same extent as Morzine or Chamonix - and prices have experienced very healthy capital growth over the past 5 years. Le Chinaillon is a resort which is offering new opportunities for prospective buyers and a resort to watch out for.

The market town of Thones and surrounding villages offer buyers best value for money in the Aravis Mountains, being exactly half way between the ski pistes of La Clusaz and the banks of Lake Annecy. This is a popular choice for many buyers who want their euro to go a bit further. A pretty 15th century arcade and large church dominate the main centre, with plenty of shops and pavement cafés, an outdoor pool and renowned Via Ferrata to draw the tourists in the summer. In the winter the town bustles with a mix of locals and tourists and there are regular buses to the ski pistes. With good local facilities this is an ideal place to consider if you are making a permanent move to the area and require local schooling and a year-round community.

Access to the Aravis Mountains is very good, with Geneva Airport being just 1 hour away and plenty of direct links via ski bus or private transfer to resorts. None of the towns have a train station, the nearest mainline station is Annecy followed by bus and taxi services to the resorts. Roads are kept clear during the winter season. Lake Annecy and Annecy centre are just 20-25 minutes from La Clusaz and 15 minutes from Thones.

Property prices in the Aravis Mountains vary greatly according to location. The main hotspots are La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand and Manigod, where buyers pay a premium to be near to the ski pistes or the centre of resort. Thones offers an excellent alternative to ski and lakeside resorts for those seeking a year-round location to buy.

Rental potential is excellent, with a very strong winter and summer season. There are letting agents in the area that can manage rentals for owners and property management companies geared up towards the English-speaking market.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport
• Year-round appeal with ski resorts of La Clusaz, Le Grand Bornand, Le Chinaillon, Manigod and Lake Annecy
• Traditional alpine architecture combined with contemporary facilities
• Authentically French, less British buyers than other resorts in Haute-Savoie
• Strong rental potential
• Le Chinaillon a developing resort
• Charming market town of Thones offers good value for money and facilities for a permanent move

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Chamonix Valley

Chamonix and the Chamonix Valley offer some of the best skiing and mountaineering activities in the French Alps, combined with stunning surroundings and lively, cosmopolitan resorts. Local scenery is dominated by the permanently snow-clad peaks of Mont Blanc, which at 4,807m is Europe's highest mountain. Chamonix became the birthplace of winter sports when the first Winter Olympics were held there in 1924 and it is widely recognised as the French mountaineering capital thanks to the famous “Compagnie des Guides”, or mountain guides association, which was founded in Chamonix in 1821. The Mont Blanc tunnel connects the Chamonix Valley to the Valle d'Aoste in Italy and the Italian ski resort of Courmayeur and the Italian Alps are just a 20 minute drive away.

The main resorts in the Chamonix Valley are Chamonix Mont Blanc, Argentière, Le Tour, Vallorcine, Les Houches and Servoz. Each resort has something different to offer depending whether you prefer to be right in the thick of things or somewhere slightly more peaceful. The main town of Chamonix is a built-up area, with a multitude of shops, bars and restaurants and a heady mix of architectural styles. Chamonix is hugely popular with international and French visitors throughout the entire year (the only really quiet time being November) and has an active and vibrant social scene.

Nearby Argentière is a smaller resort, with superb high altitude ski runs and a long ski season which runs from December through to May. There are fewer après-ski options than Chamonix, although the resort is still lively and attractive with plenty of winter sports and mountaineering facilities available.

The expanding resort of Les Houches is just 5 minutes down the road from Chamonix and has two hubs of accommodation and amenities centred around the two central ski lifts. Les Houches has seen a great deal of development in recent years and a new ski lift is planned to connect it to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, which promises to generate increased interest in the area.

The pretty village of Servoz is a traditional, smaller alpine community, with regular open-air markets and a smattering of shops and eateries. The nearest ski pistes can be found at nearby Les Houches, just a couple of minutes up the road. Servoz has plenty of snow shoeing and summer activities available and the peaceful setting is ideally suited to those seeking a quieter holiday location within easy striking distance of the pistes and local amenities.

Skiing in this area is geared toward intermediate and experts in Chamonix and Argentière and families and intermediates in Les Houches. There are no ski runs down to the resort at Chamonix but the town is well serviced by a number of ski lifts, cable cars and ski buses. The pistes of Les Houches are used as practise grounds for the French national ski team, and the famous “Green Run” (actually a black) plays host to the annual men's downhill world championships, known as the “Kandahar”.

During the summer season the Chamonix Valley is popular with tourists from all over the world and there are a multitude of outdoor pursuits to enjoy as well as sightseeing opportunities. Paragliding, cycling, hiking, climbing and mountaineering are some of the readily available activities and the draw for nature lovers and the young at heart is huge. From central Chamonix, the Mer de Glace glacier at Montenvers is accessed via the famous “little red train” from central Chamonix and each year a small grotto is carved in the glacier so that visitors can wander inside. The Aiguille de Midi cable car runs from downtown Chamonix up towards Mont Blanc in two stages; one to 2,310m and one to 3,800m. From the top observation tower visitors are afforded magnificent 360 degree views of the Chamonix Valley and the Italian Alps, as well as the summit of Mont Blanc and its glaciers. It's even possible to spot climbers making their challenging ascent of the summit or returning from the top.

Chamonix and the British have always enjoyed a passionate love affair and this looks set to continue for many years to come. There are said to be about 1,000 British natives living in Chamonix on a permanent basis, which equates to about 1 in 10 of the local inhabitants. However despite international influences Chamonix is still undeniably French, and has a charm and character that really appeals.

Access to the Chamonix Valley is direct and easy – the area is just 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Geneva Airport and there are regular direct bus services throughout the year plus extra services during the holiday season. Chamonix and Les Houches also each have their own railway stations and the nearby Mont Blanc tunnel enables easy access to Italy.

The property market in the Chamonix Valley has benefited from years of British and Italian-led interest and today property prices in the hotspots are comparable with those of Mégève. Prices are lower in the developing area of Chamonix Sud and with so much to offer it's easy to see why the resort continues to grow. Prices in Argentière are generally higher per square metre than those in Chamonix whilst your euro will go further in Les Houches or Servoz at the entrance to the valley.

The Chamonix Valley is good news for investors seeking to make a good rental return on their property. The area has extended winter and summer seasons and with visitors from all over the globe there is always a strong market for lettings.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport, just 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
• Central Chamonix and Les Houches have railway stations and regular, direct buses service the area
• Easy access to the Italian Alps via the Mont Blanc tunnel
• Strong year-round appeal with extended winter and summer seasons
• A good mix of lively, cosmopolitan resorts and traditional alpine villages
• International appeal, particularly with British visitors and buyers
• Stunning scenery, challenging skiing and a multitude of summer sports
• Les Houches is a developing resort, with a new lift planned to connect to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

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Evasion Mont Blanc

The Evasion Mont Blanc domain is probably best known for the fashionable mountain resort of Mégève, which has held a strong appeal for French, Italian and British tourists over many years. Tourism began here in the 1880s and 1890s when a road was built linking north and south Savoie, linking the Arve and Isère valleys via the Val d'Arly. This beautiful part of the Alps is renowned for its wide and sunny valley bottoms combined with pine-clad mountain sides that are ideal for skiing, walking and enjoying the fabulous views of Mont Blanc. This is a year-round destination, equally popular with tourists in both winter and summer alike.

The area boasts one of the largest ski domains in Haute-Savoie, with over 450km of pistes spread over a number of different resorts. Destinations such as Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Le Bettex, Les Contamines, Combloux, Praz-sur-Arly and la Giettaz all come under the Evasion Mont Blanc title.

Mégève is the domain's capital, a charming and typically French resort that has successfully retained its traditional alpine charm whilst embracing responsible modernisation. Strolling through the resort you will come across pretty cobbled streets and a flower-lined village centre with a picture-perfect square, overlooked by an old church and the town hall. The local architecture is a picturesque mix of stone and wood and horse-drawn carriages glide through the pedestrianised centre. Along the way you'll pass by numerous chic designer retailers, smart eateries and a classy casino. The town is famous for its sophisticated après-ski and cultural attractions – a fabulous display of Christmas lights and the famous Christmas parade draw many winter visitors, whilst art galleries and exhibitions draw the crowds in the summer. Mégève is one of the best-known and liveliest of the French ski resorts and has a reputation for attracting the jet-set of both the French and international buying market.

Whilst the property prices in Mégève reflect the popularity of the resort, there are plenty of options for those who like the area and would prefer their euro to go a bit further. The nearby village of Praz-sur-Arly is Mégève's smaller and cheaper neighbour, linked to the ski pistes of Flumet and Notre Dame de la Bellecombe. Investors should note that Praz is planned to be linked to Mégève in the future and this can only push property prices up.

Combloux is a village that has really benefited from the ripple effect of Mégève over recent years and it has become a popular ski destination in its own right. The views of Mont Blanc and the Aravis from this end of the valley are superb and there is a cosy, family feel to the village. The recent creation of an eco-friendly swimming lake has further enhanced the summer appeal of Combloux and 50 miles of mountain walking trails have set the village firmly on the map as a year-round destination.

The spa resort of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is really growing in popularity with international buyers and justifiably so. Saint Gervais started out life as a summer resort in the 19th century, when tourists would come to enjoy the “cures” offered by the sulphurous natural thermal baths. In the 1930s it began to grow as a winter sports destination and today it is well-connected to the ski pistes of Mégève by cable car. Saint Gervais is also home to the Mont-Blanc tramway which runs to the slopes of Les Houches in winter for skiers and in summer for walkers.

Les Contamines-Montjoie is another resort growing in popularity and shows great potential for the future. The resort centre has a charming, traditional feel and there are regular markets and visitor displays. This is an excellent destination for families – the resort has the “Petit Montagnard” (Little Mountaineers) seal of approval for offering a multitude of winter and summer activities for children via its year-round activity programme. As well as its own 90km of ski runs, Les Contamines is also linked to Mégève and Saint Gervais by ski bus. A new lift is planned to connect the resort straight to the ski pistes of Evasion Mont Blanc – this new development should certainly have a positive impact on the local property market.

This part of Haute-Savoie has both winter and summer appeal. For skiers there is a huge domain to be explored, although some of the resorts are linked by ski bus rather than by lift. The skiing here is less challenging to that proffered by the neighbouring Chamonix Valley however the pistes here are wide, extremely well maintained and the views magnificent. In the summer the area is open for mountain bikers, walkers and climbers and golfers can enjoy a game or two at the excellent course at Mégève. Swimming lakes and plenty of family activities make Evasion Mont Blanc a wonderful base for a second home.

Access to Evasion Mont Blanc is easy, most resorts are just 1 hour from Geneva Airport and the area is well served by regular bus services. There are no railway stations although a tramway links Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to Le Fayet in the valley floor.

Mégève has long been the preferred luxury ski destination of the French and with increased numbers of Italian and British buyers prices have risen to amongst the highest in Haute-Savoie. The recent re-opening of the Mont Blanc tunnel has reenergized the Italian buying market and many Swiss buyers will travel from Geneva for a weekend holiday home. If you like the area and don't want to pay top whack for your property then the resorts which are connected to the Mégève ski pistes offer better value for money. It's always worth keeping an eye on which are planning new lifts as these will make for good investment destinations.

Rentals are strong in both winter and summer in the local area and there are many property management agencies well-used to dealing with English-speaking owners.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport, just 1 hour by car
• Le Fayet and Saint Gervais are linked by tram and there are regular bus services to the airport
• Strong year-round appeal with winter and summer seasons
• Mégève offers a luxury holiday destination, whilst the neighbouring, connected resorts provide more affordable properties and facilities
• The skiing is less challenging than neighbouring Chamonix Valley, ideally suited to intermediates and beginners
• French and international buyers, including Italian, Swiss and British
• Great views of Mont Blanc from this side of the Massif and excellent hiking and biking trails
• Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Les Contamines-Montjoie both plan new lifts

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Grand Massif

The Grand Massif area of Haute-Savoie lies between Geneva and Chamonix and stretches through the Vallée de Giffre, named after the fast-flowing river Giffre which tumbles through the valley floor. The valley starts just outside a small village called Mieussy and rises to the famous “Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval”, a glacial amphitheatre of sheer cliffs in a horseshoe formation with numerous waterfalls cascading over the sides. This part of Haute-Savoie was previously overlooked by the ski crowd, however good snow records, increased resort development and cheaper property prices have all sparked interest amongst buyers, and the destination has developed a name for itself in recent years. The resorts in this area are credited with an authentic French appeal, traditional alpine charm and family-orientated, quieter après-ski. In the past local communities relied mainly on summer tourism and as a result there is an excellent range of activities to enjoy throughout the year.

The Grand Massif ski domain covers the resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoëns, Morrilon, and Sixt with 195 interconnecting ski runs and over 265km of pistes.

The largest resort in the area is Flaine; a purpose built ski station that was developed in the 1960s. Accordingly, the architecture of the resort reflects this era, as demonstrated by the large concrete buildings in the centre, constructed by the American architect Marcel Breuer. To some these are an eyesore whilst to others a shining example of the cutting edge style of the time. At its conception Flaine was a hugely popular futuristic ski destination, then came a fall from grace which has left the resort undeveloped since the 1960s. However there has been a recent resurgence in interest – a superb snow record and long winter season generated from a micro-climate created by nearby Mont Blanc and magnificent views of the Massif have encouraged the Canadian developer Intrawest to invest heavily in the construction of a series of new apartment residences. This teamed with the creation of a new “village” and the redevelopment of the area around the main ski lift are set to put Flaine firmly back on the map.

The south-facing resort of Les Carroz is positioned on a plateau overlooking the Arve Valley. It offers a wide range of activities throughout the year and is one of the main resorts centred around Flaine. Les Carroz has no pretensions yet it has excellent facilities and alpine charm. At 1,140m in altitude you can ski to the resort and easily link into the pistes of the Grand Massif from the main ski lifts.

Samoëns is a charming alpine village that has recently seen heavy investment to turn it into a popular ski destination. At only 700m in altitude it is not a ski-to-your-door resort and a gondola is required to carry skiers to the slopes at 1,600m. Despite its considerable expansion Samoëns has managed to retain the feel of a small community with its pretty centre and traditional stone-built homes. The nearby, smaller ski resort of Morillon is a popular choice for French families. Located in the base of the valley at 700m in altitude, it has a lift to take skiers to the pistes at “Morillon 1100”, where there are a number of apartment residences and a couple of eateries.

If you are really seeking a small, quaint and peaceful location for your holidays then you could look to the village of Sixt, which forms part of the Grand Massif. With just 20 miles of ski pistes this 9th century village won't keep the big ski fans occupied for long, however property prices here do reflect that and are considerably lower than the neighbouring resorts. The proximity of the nearby “Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval” is the real draw for this village, with walking and climbing in a beautiful nature reserve right on your doorstep.

There is plenty to do in the Grand Massif outside of the ski season, with white water rafting and canoeing on the Giffre, paragliding, hang gliding, walking, climbing and mountain biking all readily available.

Access to the area from the airport is very straightforward and most resorts can be reached within 1 hour. Flaine takes slightly longer to reach due to the hairpin bends on the road up.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport, just 1 hour by car (Flaine slightly longer)
• Regular ski bus services
• Strong year-round appeal with winter and summer seasons
• Good snow record and longer winter season due to Mont Blanc micro-climate
• Lower property prices than many other resorts in the Alps
• Good range of skiing for all levels
• Après-ski and facilities geared towards families
• Authentic French appeal in Samoëns, Morrilon, Sixt and Les Carroz
• French and international buyers
• Excellent views of Mont Blanc from this side of the valley
• Regeneration of Flaine and continued development of Samoëns set to be a major plus for the area

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Portes du Soleil

The Portes du Soleil is now one of the best-known ski domains in the French Alps, with over 650km of ski pistes and cross border skiing into Switzerland on one ski pass. This part of the Haute-Savoie region is also known as the “Haut-Chablais” and is an area of alpine meadows, pine-clad slopes and deep mountain gorges. The people of the Haut-Chablais were originally tradesmen, cattle farmers and woodsmen and in many of the smaller villages they have successfully adapted to tourism without losing the authenticity of the local community.

The main resorts of the French side of the Portes du Soleil are Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz. There are additionally a number of other, smaller satellite villages which form part of the same domain, such as Chatel, La Grande Terche, Montriond, and La Chapelle-d'Abondance.

The largest French resort of the domain is Morzine, which was still a farming community at the beginning on the 20th century. During the mid-1920s the resort began to develop a tourism trade for winter and summer activities and by 1934 the Pleney cable car was installed and mountain tourism really took off. However it wasn't until a local resident, Jean Vuarnet, won a gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics that the village was finally inspired to convert mountain pastures into ski slopes and the ski trade began. Today Morzine still holds on to some of the original charm of its early days, although tourism has now eclipsed the old farming community. Morzine is also an excellent base for summer sports and has a strong year-round appeal for visitors to the area seeking to enjoy mountain biking, hiking and paragliding amongst other activities.

The nearby village of Les Gets is a smaller, peaceful resort which contrasts sharply with its larger neighbour. Les Gets dates back to the 14th century and has successfully retained a quaint mix of old Savoyard architecture and alpine charm despite its development as a tourist destination. The village is ideally suited to families and has excellent links into the Portes du Soleil domain.

Avoriaz is a purpose-built resort standing high in a dramatic clifftop setting. The resort was created by the Jean Vuarnet after he won a gold medal at the 1960 Winter Olympics and has subsequently been named as a Landmark of the 20th Century by the French government. As with most purpose-built ski stations Avoriaz was originally a series of apartment blocks of very small ski apartments, interspersed with ski hire shops and a small number of bars and restaurants. In more recent years the architectural style has been much improved and gradually metamorphosed into more spacious accommodation with better local amenities. The resort is pedestrianised, so there is no need to worry about bringing a car and it offers a great doorway into the Portes du Soleil domain.

In more recent years the Portes du Soleil domain has rapidly increased in popularity with British buyers and demand has pushed up property prices. Morzine and particularly Les Gets are now comparable with Chamonix when comparing the price per square metre. Buyers who invested in the area 5 years ago have often seen their investment double in value and with high demand the upward trend looks set to continue. The smaller satellite villages offer better value for money although their facilities to do not match those of their large neighbours. The Portes du Soleil area has excellent facilities for both winter and summer use, with plenty of hiking and mountain biking on offer and it is well suited to both families and young people.

Access to the Portes du Soleil from Geneva Airport is straightforward, although the hairpin bends on the drive up extend the journey time slightly from the usual 1 hour to 1 hour 15 mins or so. There are regular bus services from the airport which increase in frequency during the ski season and numerous private transfer options.

Lettings potential in this area is very good for a year-round market and lettings agents are geared up towards the British property owner.

Overview:

• Excellent access to Geneva airport, 1 hour 15 mins by car
• Regular ski bus services
• Strong year-round appeal with winter and summer seasons
• One of the largest ski domains in the world, with 650km of ski pistes
• Good range of skiing for all levels
• Lively après-ski as well as facilities geared towards families
• Authentic French appeal in Les Gets
• Many British buyers – particularly in Morzine, leading some to comment that the resort has lost its authenticity

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