Le Bourget, an undeniable pole of attraction

Around the lake 19,000 years old, one finds an outstanding setting in which Nature has the starring role. The lake is 18 km long, with a width ranging from 1.6 to 3.5 km. Under its spell, holiday residents share the area with locals working in Aix, Chambéry, Annecy or Geneva.

Holiday-makers practice mountain or water sports, while forward-looking pools of employment are within easy reach of the lake, surveyed by the mountain chain of L’Epine, the Massif des Bauges and the mountains of Cessens, La Chambotte, Corsuet and the hill of Tresserve. Aix-les-Bains lies on the east bank while parts of the west bank are still untamed. Leisure and competitive sailing have their fans. In fact, Aix, Bourdeau, Le Bourget-du-Lac, Brison-Saint-Innocent, Châtillon, Conjux, Tresserve and Viviers-du-Lac all offer harbours. The appeal of the area for tourists is clear to see each summer. Many come to frolic in water at temp­eratures ranging from 20 and 25°. The Musilac rock festival and Le Navig’Aix draw lots of spectators.

“Chindrieux, an enclave surrounded by vines to the north of the lake, 15 minutes from Aix-les-Bains and 45 minutes from Geneva and Annecy, blends a really pleasant lifestyle with prices that are still affordable,” says Sylvain Ojeda of Concept Immo. By opting for La Chautagne, people working in Aix, or even Annecy or Geneva, are looking for detached houses at less expensive prices than in their workplaces. Living space of 110 m2 with a garden of 1,000 m2 will here cost 300,000 €. A farmhouse to renovate starts from 200,000 €, a village house with a garden of about 70-80 m2 from 150,000 €. As for serviced building plots, they can be found from 90 to 120 € per sq. metre, the upper level corresponding to lots enjoying a view of the lake. These availabilities partly compensate for the scarcity of of building land in Aix itself. Holiday home-owners, mostly from Lyon, fall for the charm and peacefulness of the lake and its authentic stone houses. A view of Le Bourget and a location right at the water’s edge are rare commodities and cons­equently highly priced. The most modest property enjoying direct access to the lake will be pegged at 1 M €. And even if mortgage rates are historically low, only properties reflecting market value will sell.

Jean-Marie Salomon of L’Immobilière de Savoie manages two agencees, in Chindrieux and Aix-les-Bains. “The first is a healthy, stable and well-blanced market. In fact, a fairly estimated property will find a taker in less than one month.” Buyers in La Chautagne giving priority to an outdoor area set their sights on houses rather than apartments. Over towards Aix, the area near the lake is undergoing considerable development. Apartments of 80 m2 or more cost close on 4,000 € per sq. metre, though small surface areas can attain 5,000 €. The number of dwellings has virtually doubled over the past five years and this new neighbourhood is in the process of just getting into its stride. At these price levels, buyers are highly demanding. Here again, a pleasant setting is accompanied by a lively job pool.

“On the far side of the Epine mountain chain and 10 minutes from Le Bourget, Aiguebelette, a wild natural lake covering 1,321 acres with 166 million cubic metres of drinking water, offers a more affordable alternative,” comments Catherine Bernardy of Actions Services Immobiliers. In a highly rural area, the commune of Novalaise offers a full range of amen­ities, including crèches and schools up to intermediate level, required by young families who are moving in in increasing numbers. The parents work in Chambéry, 15 min­utes away, Aix, 20 minutes, Grenoble or Annecy, 50 minutes, or even Lyon, 1 hour away. Representing about two-thirds of the clientele, the share of buyers of year-round homes has seen clear progression over the past five years. They pay on average 2,124 €/m2 and mostly invest 225,000 to 250,000 € in a home. In this context, first-time buyers are the worst hit. Building land is hard to find and a serviced plot of 1,000 m2 starts at 110,000 €. Unlike areas boosted by tax benefits, this enclave presents a steady market. Even so, our estate-agent thinks that measures supporting enhancement of accommodation is required. One third of the buyers, usually from Lyon or Grenoble, are looking for barns to rehabilitate at around 130,000 €, with a budget set aside for the work. Generally speaking, the length of time that a property is kept by its owner is tending to rise.