LOCATION HOTSPOT


A tale of two seasons: Chamonix is beautiful in both summer and winter


Charming Chamonix T


here are few, if any, places in France that tick the ‘all-seasons appeal’ box better


than Chamonix, located at an altitude of 1,030m in the Haute- Savoie. As popular in summer as it is in the winter ski season, it’s a year-round playground for lovers of the great outdoors. Known as the ‘capital of


extreme sports’, its challenging terrain along with activities such as snowboarding, ice climbing, mountaineering and paragliding have made it a magnet for adrenalin junkies. With the ski area rising to


3,842m, Chamonix also off ers the longest ski season in the French Alps, with some 150km of marked runs and 15,000 hectares of off -piste terrain. The town hosted the fi rst Winter Olympic Games in 1924. In summer, the Chamonix


valley comes alive with hikers (more than 350km of marked trails), climbers, cyclists and golfers, as well as those simply soaking in the serene scenery and breathing the fresh mountain air – there’s a spa too.


With its superb Mont Blanc


backdrop, Chamonix is a charming mountain town, not a purpose-built ski station. Bustling restaurants and bars sit alongside shops showcasing Alpine gastronomic produce and artisanal crafts, and there are lots of local festivals, events and exhibitions. And don’t miss the iconic red Montenvers train which snakes its way up to the top station at 1,913 metres. At under 100km from Geneva


airport, Chamonix is relatively easy to access too.


On the market It’s no surprise then that the


town is a sought-after spot for those seeking both holiday or permanent homes. Add in the fantastic rental income opportunities and it really does have a lot to off er. Househunters will fi nd a


choice of traditional chalets and more modern apartments. Properties closer to the town centre provide easy access to amenities, while those further out are ideal if you prefer a quieter, more private setting. For ski-in/ski-out convenience,


This lovely mountain town is a hit with summer hikers as well as winter skiers, so it’s no wonder it attracts housebuyers too, writes Karen Tait


choose Les Grands Montets or La Flégère, while for spectacular panoramas of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles peaks, the areas of Les Bois and Les Praz off er some of the best views. The south-facing slopes of the resort enjoy plenty of sunshine too. Chamonix is one of the top


performers within the French Alpine property market, and prices refl ect this, with an average square metre value of €11,620 for houses and €8,360 for apartments. ■


FIND MORE PROPERTIES ON FRANCEPROPERTYSHOP.COM & FRENCHENTREE.COM


€285,000: Two-bedroom apartment in the Grand Roc development within walking distance of Grand Montets (Sextant Properties)


78 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023


€474,000: One-bedroom, dual- aspect, third-fl oor apartment with balcony; Mont Blanc views and close to shops, bars and restaurants (Mountain Base)


€1.36m: New chalet off ering four ensuite bedrooms, open- plan kitchen/living/dining area, ski room and garage; can be delivered furnished (Home Hunts)


© SHUTTERSTOCK


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