Chamonix Mont Blanc, an enviable life-style

With its reputation as the world capital of skiing and mountaineering, Chamonix offers a vast array of possibilities for sport and leisure activities. A high-altitude resort at the heart of the Savoy-Mont Blanc region, Chamonix is comprised of 16 little villages from north to south, just 15 km from Switzerland.

Chamonix entered the history books in 1901 when Count Aymon of Geneva donated the valley to the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Michel de la Cluste, in Piedmont. Its monks settled on the right bank of the River Arve, building the priory of Chamonix. Sandwiched between the mountain ranges of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges, Chamonix shares the record for the commune with the highest altitude in western Europe with Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Very cosmopolitan, welcoming visitors from all over the world, the historic centre with its splendid hotels, renowned restaurants and luxury boutiques has hung onto a rich and varied architectural heritage. Modern and traditional styles co-exist in harmony, endowing the town with its unique charm.

Highly-prized by both French and international buyers, the “Golden Triangle”, comprising Rue Paccard and Rue Vallot, from the Casino to the church with the Savoy area, proposes very limited offerings of available properties. “The town centre in general is highly sought-after, which is causing inflated prices,” says Philippe Chevallier, manager of Century 21 Chevallier Immobilier. “1- and 2-bedroomed apartments have risen to 8,000 € per sq. metre, and more for the most exceptional. The best locations sell in just a few weeks, even if they are in rather older residences.” Very few new properties are available in the centre, explaining the enthusiasm generated by very appealing developments nearby. “We are currently marketing several lots in the residence La Cordée, a high-end development offering refined appointments and services hitherto unseen in Chamonix. In the midst of the Plaine des Praz, between the centre of Chamonix and the golf-course, this tourist residence is being transformed into a luxury address with about 80 apartments to be delivered in two phases. Ranging from 1-bedroomed apartments to a split-level penthouse of 160 m2 with 6 main rooms, they are on offer from 8,000 to 10,000 € per sq.m, depending on the angle of their views,” explains Philippe Chevallier, whose clientele for this residence includes numerous residents of Geneva, French and English buyers.

Founded in 1973 in Argentière and taken over by André Berriot in 1994, the family agency Schuss Immobilier covers the entire valley of Chamonix from Servoz to Vallorcine. “Our market is doing well,” confirms Sylvain Berriot. “French and international clients, especially Swiss, are actively seeking properties. Chalets priced from 1 to 2 M €, offering pretty views and in quiet areas within walking distance of amenities, are beginning to run short, with supply unable to keep up with very steady demand. About 70% of our property portfolio is currently comprised of apartments, 30% of chalets and houses. Overall, prices are pretty much stable. In our area, the most sought-after properties post slight gains of around 4 to 5 %.” As an example of properties representing current market prices, Sylvain Berriot mentions a chalet built in the late 1950’s in Argentière. Offering living space of 160 m2, it benefits from the rare advantage of standing in 2,880 m2 of grounds, a significant land reserve. This property is up for sale at around 2.3 million euros.