DEVELOPMENTS CLOSE TO SELLING OUT IN SOME OF FRANCE’S MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY SKI RESORTS

Ski season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time for snow enthusiasts to consider purchasing a home in the snowy French alps. For families, an alpine retreat is a sound investment choice; great while children are young and guaranteed to remain popular as they grow into adults. MGM French Properties is currently marketing two developments in the family-friendly resorts of Champagny-en-Vanoise and Flaine, both of which are close to selling out. Occupying prime positions within their respective resorts and with that all-important close proximity to the slopes, buyers would be wise to act sooner rather than later.

Le Centaure has already sold 95% of its two-bedroom apartments. This ski-in-ski-out development is in the centre of avant-garde Flaine, and is located just next to the Grand Platières cable car, which provides access to some of the best slopes the Grand Massif area has to offer, including the 14km-long, lift-free Cascades piste, and a mix of runs to suit all abilities.

Based on a flexible leaseback scheme, the development is ideal for buyers looking for a hassle-free home, as its turnkey apartments are fully managed by the MGM team, offering guaranteed rental returns whilst not in use.

Residents of Le Centaure will benefit from luxurious, top of the range amenities, including two saunas, a steam room, two jacuzzis, a massage room and gymnasium. An expansive swimming pool creates an excellent space for a family to unwind and soothe aching muscles after a long day on the slopes.

The apartments have welcoming, rustic interiors, with bedrooms furnished in solid oak, with private balconies offering stunning mountain views. The open plan living area includes a fully fitted kitchen, with granite worktops and wooden doors, and a relaxed dining space. Satellite TV and fast WiFi combine to ensure maximum comfort and convenience.

The centre of the resort, the Forum, is pedestrian-only, while the Grand Massif ski area has a total of 265 kilometres of piste, with links to a multitude of other resorts. Flaine arguably boasts one of the finest views of Mont Blanc in the main bowl area at the top of the Grand Platieres ski lift, with a strong record of reliable snow.

Keeping up a reputation for culture, Flaine’s museums contain a wealth of artwork, including pieces by Picasso, and the resort’s modern architecture has been universally applauded. A good year-round choice, the summer season sees a whole host of activities for visitors, including an 18-hole golf course at 1,900 metres, paragliding, caving, rock climbing, canyoning and via ferrata, among others.

Prices for the spectacular apartments in Le Centaure start at €254,167 (53.5 m² to 57 m²), and are available immediately from MGM French Properties.

On the other side of Mont Blanc, Les Balcons Etoilés in Champagny-en-Vanoise has also been a popular choice this year, with less than 50% of the ski-in-ski-out apartments remaining. The one to three-bedroom apartments are available for outright purchase, which is a rare opportunity in such a popular resort. Purchasers may choose their own furniture package, and can organise to let the apartment with a reputable local agent whilst not in use.

The homes are south-west facing, and offer striking views. The apartments are among MGM’s new generation residences, which offer superior construction and accommodation quality, set to drastically change the definition of high quality in the French alpine property market.

The development is entered through a welcoming reception area and apartments are accessed securely by a digital code. The apartments have a luxurious rustic interior, the open plan living area including a spacious kitchen with a sleek granite worktop. Large French windows offer panoramic vistas of the mountain landscape. Designed in traditional Savoyard style, the building is designed with local wood and stone and a large private balcony for each home.

The bedrooms include a large wardrobe, cosy soft furnishings and brushed wooden parquet flooring. The bathroom includes a wooden vanity unit with granite basin and mirror, heated towel rails and an expansive bathtub, the perfect place to unwind peacefully.

Renowned for its picturesque, family-friendly atmosphere, chocolate box Champagny forms part of the immense 435-kilometre Paradiski area, due to its links with the ‘Vanoise Express’ cable car, which is among the largest cable cars in the world. This opens the resort up to a whole host of additional ski areas, including Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and Montalbert, ideal for more adventurous skiers. The town itself is friendly and idyllic, with charming alpine architecture and a wide variety of authentic restaurants and bars. Summer in the picturesque village is a great opportunity to explore the Vanoise National Park, described by some as the ‘Great Garden of France’, in addition to tennis and climbing in the area.

For further information on Le Centaure and Les Balcons Etoilés, contact MGM French Properties on Tel: 0207 494 0706 or visit:  www.mgmfrenchproperties.com