Wishlist
Choosing a French resort to invest in will always be hard, the selection is simply too good. We have over 20 resorts in the French Alps alone and could list hundreds of reasons why we love each one, but to make it simpler, we’ve produced a summary for you. Each resort is unique and has its own wonders and charms, but we hope, after reading through our quick guide, your top three will be clearer to you!
Les Trois Vallées
Courchevel
Possibly one of the most well-known resorts in the world, and rightly so, is Courchevel. Courchevel is a little microcosm of the Alps as it has four different villages each with completely different vibes. Whether you want the height of luxury and high-end boutiques in 1850, or a sweet little tranquil French village down in Le Praz, Courchevel has an option for you. For us, we love the charismatic charm felt wandering through the cobbled streets after a hearty Alpine dinner in Le Praz.
Meribel
This fairy-tale resort is positioned right in the middle of Les Trois Vallees, giving it elite access to the 600km ski area. The properties all follow a Savoyard chalet aesthetic making you feel truly immersed within the mountain charm. The slopes are, of course, very varied, but Meribel is known to have more family friendly slopes as well as great schools for young beginners.
Les Menuires
As one of the less expensive resorts within Les Trois Vallees, Les Menuires has exceptional value for money. The high altitude of 1850m offers spectacular panoramic views and ensures that properties are ski in, ski out. The lift infrastructure as well as the connections throughout the mountains is extremely efficient; Les Menuires takes skiing seriously, and that’s why we love it.
Val Thorens
The highest resort in Europe at 2300m, Val Thorens has two main focuses: skiing and après. The skiing is unbeatable at such high altitudes reaching 3230m and over 600km of slopes; the après scene is one of the liveliest in the Alps. Val Thoren’s top quality to us is the number of luxury ski in, ski out properties.
St Martin de Belleville
Authentic, beautiful and quaint, St Martin de Belleville is the village which has it all. Known as one of the quieter villages in Les Trois Vallees, the rural atmosphere will leave you thinking you’re in the middle of nowhere, but in reality, you’re at the centre of 600km of world-class slopes. The best thing – the Michelin restaurants and family-run farms. If you do want a night out, Val Thorens is just moments away!
La Tania
At the heart of Les Trois Vallees, this resort has a more than perfect position to access the slopes of the largest ski area in Europe. Quieter than its neighbouring villages, La Tania is a purpose-built resort for skiing, and it does its job perfectly with stunning tree-lined runs and smaller crowds. Our favourite thing about La Tania is that you get the prime location at a fraction of the price of other resorts in Les Trois Vallees.
Paradiski
La Plagne
La Plagne is known for its huge variety of terrain; with glacier runs, forest descents and long, gentle cruises, there is a slope for every kind of skier. For Olympic fans, the 1992 bobsleigh run is still intact and can even be used for those wanting to test out this historic piece! What impresses us most about this large resort is its variety, both in terms of piste, sports, seasonal activity and social scenes.
Portes du Soleil
Chatel
Part of the iconic Portes du Soleil, Chatel is known for its access to 650km of varied terrain. The village itself is truly lived-in with working farms in the surrounding areas. For families with young children, we often recommend Chatel for its fantastic family-friendliness. Our favourite thing about Chatel is the atmosphere of the village – you can walk around like a local and you’ll forget you’re even a tourist.
Les Gets
Another family-friendly and historical village, Les Gets is the type of resort you remain loyal to. Most people who visit Les Gets have been doing so for generations. Filled with lively bars, family-run restaurants, many ski schools and ice rinks, Les Gets is beautiful, relaxed and full of life. We love Les Gets in the summer too, when the slopes turn to meadows and extreme sports continue.
Morzine
Bustling with life either on the slopes, in the bars, down the biking routes or along the village streets - come summer or winter, Morzine is always energetic. As part of Portes du Soleil, the slopes on offer are varied, challenging and always fun. If you enjoy biking, you will have heard of Morzine, no doubt!
Espace Killy
Val d'lsere
Where to begin when mentioning the best qualities of Val d’lsere? Think luxury, high altitude, challenging slopes mixed with alpine charm and Michelin meals – that’s Val d’lsere. Although prices may be on the higher side, the experience and value more than justify the cost. Our favourite thing about Val d’lsere would be après after an exhausting day exhilarating the 300km playground.
Tignes
Most well-known for its long ski season, tough slopes and powdered snow, ski fanatics have all skied the Espace Killy at least once in their lives! Even in the summer, the skiing continues with Tignes’s Grande Motte glacier providing excellent slopes all year round. What we like most about Tignes is its modern lift system – there’s no time wasting when award winning slopes are waiting for you.
Grand Massif
Les Carroz
With its fantastic proximity from Geneva airport, you can be in this sunny, secluded mountain village at 1200m in just under an hour. Les Carroz is excellent for families and for those wanting a calm and breathtaking retreat in nature. For our part, we love the accessibility to 265km of slopes and the beautiful, wooded Cascades blue run.
Samoens
Known for its history and medieval charm, this resort is great for families and history lovers. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, from the Jaÿsinia Botanical Garden to the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval glacier, the views are matchless. As part of the Grand Massif, 265km of slopes are available with the Gers Bowl providing top quality powder skiing.
Les Sybelles
La Toussuire
Fortunately for those who already know and love La Toussuire, it is relatively unknown to the masses, but with the new developments up and coming this gem is soon to be exposed. We love La Toussuire for its high altitude (1800m), snow surety, family feel and dual season allure.
Les Aravis
La Clusaz
Another non-tourist-built resort with genuine life and classic Savoyard character. La Clusaz has its own microclimate making the snow surety one of the best in the Alps and ensuring an immaculate ski down an intermediate or advanced slope. As the home of Reblochon cheese, La Clusaz is top on the radar for food enthusiasts!
Mont Blanc
Chamonix
Chamonix wins the dual-season title across the Alps. 365 days of the year, Chamonix has ample to offer as the European capital for extreme sports. Most famously known for the iconic Mont Blanc mountain range, Chamonix will have you hiking, skiing, biking, or simply just admiring the plentiful mountain paths. Our favourite part of Chamonix would have to be the breathtaking Aguille du Midi viewpoint.
Megeve
Imagine horse drawn carriages, designer shops, private chefs and medieval churches, and that’s exactly what Megeve offers. It’s affluent, elegant, sophisticated and full of culture and charm. Our favourite thing to do in Megeve is to enjoy an uncrowded, wide slope before indulging in wine and cheese in a great bar with live jazz music.
Les Deux Alpes
A true glacial resort, Les Deux Alpes is famous for having the highest skiable glacier in Europe at 3600m! The village itself is traditional, walkable and known as France’s second oldest ski resort. Les Deux Alpes can be enjoyed any day of year; we particularly love the summer months not only for the skiing but also the countless festivals, markets and competitions taking place.
If you would like to hear more about each of the resorts and explore our properties on the market, click here. We are always available to organise viewings, help you decide which resort is best for you and can also give general advice across the French, Austrian and Swiss Alps.