The French Alps are a major destination for adventurers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The range of resorts allow skiers to stay out for long periods of time and cover great distances. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, several towns have summertime appeal, too. Plus, the French Alps are highly accessible, more so than some of the other major ski destinations in Europe.
Knowing how and how often you’ll use your property are two big considerations when searching for a property investment. While it is easy to find a chalet that’s ideally suited for renovations meaning you can design your dream home, there are also numerous apartments and chalets that are move-in ready, like this duplex apartment in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. Just a few minutes from Geneva, it includes a vast reception area, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and plenty of storage space, plus views of the Swiss countryside.
Also consider this new, fully-equipped chalet in Megeve, which has an open-plan kitchen, a luxury lounge area, cathedral ceilings, glass and wood stairs, and a spa.
If you’re looking for a holiday home in the Alps, you can rent it out for part of the year and then enjoy it with your family during your free time. Or, you can live in the Alps on a permanent basis – this isn’t just an option for retirees! Plenty of working families with young children opt for this lifestyle, and relocating when your kids are still young can make the transition easier.
This waterfront architect’s villa in Anthy-sur-Léman has 7 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, offering your family enough space to feel right at home. The property also has direct lake access, Carrara marble floors, high ceilings, two light-filled lounges, two dining rooms, and a gourmet kitchen.
The soundest investments are homes that are close to resorts (though there’s still a lot of attraction to village properties). Also, buying resort property doesn’t mean you have to buy a home at high altitudes. Aside from ski-in/-ski-out potential, consider the area’s services. For example, Chamonix is a popular ski resort best known for its slopes and landscapes, but it also has stellar shopping and a buzzing après ski scene that attracts a sophisticated and sporty crowd. There are also opportunities for cross-country and extreme skiing, mountaineering, and sledding.
Close to the heart of Chamonix and a three-minute walk from the slopes, this property in Les Houches is outfitted with modern technology, yet designed to look like a traditional mountain chalet. Cozy and inviting, both the wood-burning stove and the hot tub make chilly evenings in the Alps warm and enjoyable.
Also close to the slopes is this chalet in the Chamonix Valley, with six bedrooms, a fireplace, a sauna, plenty of storage for ski equipment, and phenomenal views of Mont Blanc.
If you’re going to take a lot of brief excursions to your new home, though, or if you want to keep travel time to a minimum, you may want to look for property that’s close to an airport. Being a bit removed from the slopes can give you easier access to transportation, and lower lying homes have closer proximity to services and travel options. This three-level, four-bedroom apartment in Veyrier-du-Lac has easy access to nearby beaches and the town centre. Two terraces have views of the lake and mountains, and the sunny living room is set amongst a lounge, open kitchen and dining area.
Many homes in the French Alps have convenient on-site facilities, like swimming pools, ski lockers and underground parking. This elegant villa in Aix-les-Bains has a heated swimming pool and summer lounge, partially-covered terraces, an entrance hall with a majestic staircase, a wellness area, and a wine cellar.
Meanwhile, this contemporary, high-end property in Messery is close to both the village and the Swiss border. Overlooking Lake Geneva, this airy, one-floor villa has an interior Japanese garden, a home cinema, electric sunshades and a home automation system.
Once the snow is gone, the French Alps turn into a balmy playground. Go canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Head out on a picnic with views of the snow-capped mountains (yes, there still might be some snowfall way up high). Get your adrenaline pumping with a day of canyoneering or go slow and steady on a picturesque hike. Spend an afternoon lounging lakeside or take part in a seasonal festival in the town centre.
Discover even more luxury homes in coveted French Alps locales. HOMEHUNTS are specialist luxury property agents who will find beautiful, high-end, luxury French Alps property based on your specific search criteria. Speak directly to one of our consultants by calling +33 (0)970 44 66 43.
