New York (PRWEB) March 26, 2014
Tourism and property in the French Alps no longer focus solely around winter sports and the length of the ski season – due to end in most French resorts next month. In 2014, both tourists and second homeowners are visiting Alpine resorts to enjoy the activities and lifestyle available in the warmer months, as much as to experience the world-class skiing in winter. According to the Chamonix tourist office,
“Before the real boom of French resorts in the 1950s, when skiing began to become a popular form of holiday, the Alps were more summer destinations than winter,” said director at Skiingproperty.com Julian Walker: “Now French resorts are being re-discovered as summer destinations and rightly so, given the scenery, range of activities on offer and modern-day accessibility. Chamonix, which is benefiting from an ongoing multi-million-euro investment plan, is the hub of summer activities in the Alps and is setting a great example – it welcomes as many tourists in the summer months as it does in the winter. Another example is Les Arcs, where a new development next to the championship golf course offers ‘golf-in’ as well as ski-in!”
Here, Skiingproperty.com highlights five summer activities in the Alps, besides trekking, and where to buy a ski property to be able to enjoy each.
Cycling
That the world’s most famous cycle race, the Tour de France, passes through the French Alps each year is testament to the area’s appeal to cyclists, both those on road bikes and those that prefer mountain-biking. The Portes du Soleil area, which straddles France and Switzerland is famed for both types of cycling. There, the resort of Châtel boasts 15 chairlifts able to accommodate mountain bikes in the summer and offers 600 kilometres of tracks, 19 trails and a bike park. Skiingproperty.com has property for sale in Châtel, with prices starting from €190,000 for leaseback apartments.
Golf
The Savoie and Haute Savoie départements form one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations to play a round of golf. There are a surprising number of courses to choose from too, including Chamonix, Avoriaz, Megève, Tignes (the highest course in Europe), Les Arcs and Courchevel. The family oriented resort of Les Gets, in the Portes du Soleil area, has a scenic 18-hole course - Skiingproperty.com has a selection of apartments for sale in the resort.
Tennis
Many Alpine resorts have public tennis facilities but serious followers of the game will know that Courchevel, with its own club, is an international tennis hub, hosting professional tournaments. Flaine, part of the Grand Massif, is another popular resort with facilities a cut above the average, which are used for tennis camps during the summer. Skiingproperty.com has apartments for sale from €620 milion in Courchevel and for less than €200,000 in Flaine.
Paragliding
The Chamonix Valley, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, is a favourite destination of paragliders from around the world. It’s a good place for beginners as well as experienced flyers, thanks to the selection of flying schools and range of high and low altitude take-off and landing points. Bordering Chamonix Valley is the picturesque resort of Combloux, where Skiingproperty.com has smart new-build chalets for sale from €1.48million.
Rafting and canyoning
Canyoning – navigating rivers and gullies in a wetsuit - and rafting are two of the most exhilarating ways to experience the natural beauty of the French Alps. There are some fantastic rivers in the Haute Savoie suitable for both activities, including L’Isère, the source of which is near the similarly named Val d’Isère, and the Dranse, which is only 30 minutes from the Châtel ski resort.
ENDS
For further information or to enquire about:
Julian Walker
SkiingProperty.com
Tel: +44 20 8150 9502
Email: info(at)skiingproperty(dot)com
Website: http://www.skiingproperty.com
About Skiingproperty.com
Skiingproperty.com, which is owned and operated by international property specialist Spot Blue International Property, works with developers in the French and Swiss Alps to promote new and off-plan developments to the UK and wider international market. Since its foundation in 2003, Spot Blue International Property has established itself as a leading international property specialist and is a member of the AIPP and NAEA. The company’s high profile in the UK and worldwide means it is regularly quoted in the national press and invited to appear on panels at leading seminars and exhibitions.