 Chamonix Property
The Chamonix valley offers a wide range, situation and type, of property opportunity. The valley stretches from Vallorcine to Les Houches, with Chamonix at its centre. Investors can choose between renovated farm properties, bespoke chalets or an apartment pied-a-terre in the heart of town.
Properties in the Chamonix valley have seen excellent capital growth in the last few years. Property prices per metre square are still lower than those of chalets and apartments in other desirable French ski resorts, such as Courchevel and Val d'Isere. As part of Annecy's bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, the resulting improvement to the valley's infrastructure, are likely to further increase interest in property investment in Chamonix and the surrounding villages.
A few of the beautiful chalet properties above the town are ski-in, ski-out and all of them enjoy extensive views of the Mont Blanc panorama. Other popular areas for chalet purchase include Le Bois and Les Praz, five minutes drive from the centre of Chamonix and close to the Flegere ski area and golf course. Properties here benefit from more open space and 360° mountain views.
The small village of Argentiere, at the base of the Grands Montets ski area, has a more traditional ski resort feel. Further up the valley towards the Swiss border buyers are showing growing interest in the authentic mountain villages of Vallorcine and Le Buet, close to the ski area of Le Tour. The hamlets of Le Lavancher and Le Coupeau offer greater serenity for buyers looking for a true mountain retreat.
Chamonix's status as a working town with established schools and a good variety of year-round services makes it a realistic choice for relocation, proven by a permanent population of local French families and families from Great Britain, Sweden and North America.
Les Houches, a ski resort in its own right, is popular with finance and business professionals looking for a mountain property within an easy commute of Geneva. The excellent links to Geneva airport also appeal to airline pilots basing themselves outside of their domicile. Interest in holiday property in Les Houches will grow further if the proposed ski link with the spa town of St Gervais is given the go-ahead.
Chamonix's Appeal
Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, Chamonix has a justifiable reputation for 'steep and deep' skiing. While the Chamonix valley has four pisted ski areas - the Brevent, Flegere, Le Tour and the Grands Montets - many skiers come to test their nerve in the extensive backcountry.
Chamonix's summer season is well-establised and traditionally the town welcomes higher numbers of visitors in July and August than during the winter months. Summer activities include rock climbing, hiking, golf and mountain biking. The year-round appeal of the resort makes a good opportunity for rental income.
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