French Alps experiences new boom in developments

There has been a surge in the number of new properties appearing in the French Alps.

Erna Low Property has over a dozen new developments for sale across the Northern French Alps, while MGM French Properties is adding an additional chalet to a luxury ski residence in the Champgny-en-Vanoise resort.

Resorts with properties for sale via Erna Low Property include Morzine, Les Gets, Combloux, Megeve, Chatel, St Gervais and Chamonix – all aiming to provide great investment opportunities in resorts with year-round appeal.

Les 3Sophie in Morzine and Le Vieux Chêne in Les Gets are the two properties that Erna Low state have generated the most interest to date.

Located at the base of the Morzine-Avoriaz gondola, Les Prodains, Les 3Sophie apartments consist of 21 apartments spread across three chalet style buildings. All apartments (from €119,000) will come fully furnished and equipped to the highest alpine standard, with some including parking, storage cave, ski locker and furniture.

The leaseback/managed arrangement allows owners to receive 75% of the net profits – income tax free – on the rent generated on their property, while having genuine freedom on their own personal usage. Those who do not wish to rent their property, however, can simply purchase the property as a second home.

Meanwhile, Le Vieux Chêne, Les Gets, offers one to four-bedroom apartments from €427,000 – designed as a comfortable and cosy mountain lodge. Located in a prestigious location in the heart of the resort, the 25 apartments all benefit from a selection of quality services and a mix of stone and wood to create a warm and elegant atmosphere.

What’s more, buyers are encouraged to personalise their apartments with their own fabrics, colours, lighting and furniture to create their own interior space. With the town’s restaurants, shops and ski lifts all a stone’s throw away, Erna Low cites Le Vieux Chêne as a great investment.

“A building boom is currently taking place across the French Alps,” said James Ross, sales director at Erna Low Property. “In Les Gets, partly due to a pause on building from the 1st January 2019 for a year, a number of developers have rushed forward developments and planning and we currently have seven developments for sale here.”

Elsewhere, MGM French Properties is expanding its popular four-star ski residence – Les Alpages de Champagny – in the Champagny-en-Vanoise resort. The new chalet comprises two to five-bedroom apartments which provide stunning views and exclusive access to the private pool and facilities next door. The intimate collection of 13 apartments are available for outright purchase and start from €305,000.

Inside features interior details such as stone and wood parquet flooring, pine doors, granite work tops and walls completed in wood or a bright white finish. Kitchens come fully-fitted with the latest appliances, while bedrooms are complete with large built-in wardrobes and bathrooms include vanity units with basin and mirror. Each apartment also boasts a private storage cellar, a ski locker and a private car parking space.

Champagny-en-Vanoise is a traditional mountain village, situated in a wooded area at the entrance to the Vanoise National Park. With an altitude of 1,250m and excellent access to the La Plagne/Paradiski ski area, the village is perfect for skiers.

The ski area comprises 135 marked runs spanning 225 kilometres of terrain, which can be accessed via the Champagny gondola lift from the village. This includes a variety of beginner friendly slopes such as 10 green and 71 blue runs. For more experienced skiers, there are 34 red and 19 black pistes as well as cross-country terrain. In addition, there's a dedicated snow park for showing off tricks.

Other activities in the resort include children’s sleighing, dog sledging, guided snow-shoeing, horse riding and ice skating. Thrill seekers can even enjoy the Olympic bobsleigh run which boasts 1,500 metres and 19 bends. Visitors can choose between four ‘thrill’ levels which reach speeds of up to 120km per hour.

Champagny’s town offers activities all-year round, though. In the summer, families can enjoy nature at its finest with a variety of walks and hiking trails through its valleys and mountains or fishing. The Champagny gondola stays open in the summer, meaning altitude of 1970m can be reached no matter the season.

Reaching Champagny-en-Vanoise itself is also fairly simple; there are eight airports within three hours’ drive to the resort to choose from, including Annecy, Chambery, Geneva and Grenoble.

Richard Deans, sales manager at MGM French Properties, commented: “The expansion of Les Alpages de Champagny is a testament to its popularity and success as a leaseback development. The new apartments open up a special opportunity for more customers to purchase outright and enjoy a world-class ski resort.”

“Residents will benefit from quick access to the slopes with a free navette bus between the residence and gondola lift which is one kilometre away. They will also enjoy the fantastic facilities including swimming pool and sauna, providing the perfect place to relax and unwind in after a long day skiing.”