Winter Olympics 2018

Here at Ascendant Property we're supporting Annecy's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. France has already confirmed that it will be putting forward a candidate city for the 23rd edition of the games and on March 18th this year, the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF) will announce the name of that candidate. Annecy faces competing bids from the cities of Nice and Grenoble, plus a rather ambitious entry by the little village of Pelvoux in the Southern Alps, home to just 400 people!

The Annecy bid has a long and growing list of supporters from the sporting, political and commercial communities, all keen to see the Winter Olympics return to its birthplace in Haute-Savoie (Chamonix having hosted the inaugural event in 1924). Even its Swiss neighbour, Geneva, has firmly come out in support of the 2018 Games taking place in Annecy and Haute Savoie. Competition events would be spread out between Annecy and the nearby winter resorts of this area, the largest, most popular ski destination in the world. Many of the resorts are famous names in their own rights. Chamonix, of course, would play an integral part, hosting skiing and ice hockey events in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Morzine-Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil would host many of the downhill skiing competitions; curling would take place in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains; Flaine would be home to snowboarding and the ski jumping and cross-country events would take place in La Clusaz. Annecy itself would host the ice skating and speed skating, plus the Olympic village.

The support for the Annecy Haute-Savoie bid is understandable. The area is exceptionally beautiful and has unrivalled infrastructure (good road and rail links and easy access from Geneva International Airport; modern, extensive winter sports facilities; quality accommodation, restaurants etc.). These are the very same reasons that people from around the world choose to buy property here. Good luck Annecy on the 18th March!

Geneva - Annecy motorway

Since December 2008 it’s become even easier to reach Annecy and the ski resorts of the Aravis Mountains from Geneva city centre and airport. The new Annecy - Geneva motorway opened in December 2008 and has cut the journey time from Annecy to Geneva to just 25 minutes by car.

The new route is a toll road and there is a charge of about 5 euros to use it, however if you are a regular commuter membership discounts are available. If you own a property or you are planning to purchase a property in the Annecy area or the nearby ski resorts of La Clusaz or Le Grand Bornand the new motorway makes a real difference to your journey times.

The new motorway also confirms Annecy and the Lake Annecy area as an excellent choice for those relocating to Geneva for work purposes. Annecy property offers much better value than Geneva and surrounding areas, as well as being one of the most beautiful towns in France. The quality of life here is fabulous, offering all the amenities of an affluent and vibrant town combined with the magnificent scenery of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. The mountain resorts of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are just a 25 minute drive from Annecy and local inhabitants are able to enjoy swimming and watersports on the clean, clear waters of Lake Annecy as well as skiing, paragliding, hiking and climbing in the mountains.

If you plan a move to the area and you are considering a property purchase in Annecy or a ski property in La Clusaz or Le Grand Bornand, get in touch, we’d be delighted to advise you and help with your purchase.