London to Chambery to boost French Alps property
New flights from London City airport to the Chambery in France could lead to more interest in property in the French Alps as the ski-ing season gets underway, it is claimed.
British Airways has announced the launch of a new route for the 2010/11 winter season starting on 18th December 2010. The BACityFlyer service will operate flights four times a week until March 2011 enabling Britons to visit the popular French ski destination for long weekends as well as traditional week-long stays.
Ed Scott, French ski property expert at Experience International, said that the frequency of flights into Chambery gives more access to the world class skiing of the French Alps with resorts such as Val d’Isere, Tignes and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville nearby.
Nearly half a million British people own property in France with the Alps one of the most popular destinations and this increased accessibility from the UK is also set to benefit those who own ski chalets in the region as well as holiday makers, he believes.
Just an hour from Chambery airport, the traditional Savoyard village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has seen tourism numbers steadily increasing over the last few years and now with the new BA flights the area, part of the famous Three Valleys domain, is set for a bumper season this winter.
Accommodation in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, at an altitude of 1,450 meters, is in high demand year round with only 2,600 tourist beds available. There is an established second home market with approximately 1,460 holiday homes and a booming buy-to-let market.
Leaseback developments such as the Chalet du Gypse, located at the foot of the slopes at the entrance of the Belleville Valley, are proving particular popular due to their affordability, guaranteed returns as well as personal usage.
One and two bedroom fully furnished ski in and ski out apartments are available from €318,659 with onsite facilities including indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, spa and gym area.