Jonathan DUNCAN's selection of French property for sale

About my area

Lac du Bourget and Lac d’Aiguebelette are little known gems at the foot of the French Alps. Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, is known for its historic, cosmopolitan and genteel, spa town of Aix-Les-Bains, made famous by the visits of Queen Victoria in the 1800s. Today, bustling Aix-Les-Bains, at the foot of ‘the Bauges’ mountain range (Natural Regional Park), has all the expected facilities for a town of 30,000 people and 200,000 annual visitors. A little further south (15km) is the historic town of Chambery (population 75,000), the ancient capital of Savoie, the administrative centre of the Department, with its pretty historic centre with a multitude of shops and boutiques. Chambery and Aix Les Bains have some of the best services and facilities - good international schools (private or state run), all the expected urban amenities. The area is nationally renowned for its sports facilities (from alpine and cross-country skiing, to sailing and rowing to hiking, cycling, paragliding to football, rugby, tennis, athletics and horse riding). Just over the narrow Epine mountain chain from Aix and Chambery, is France’s third largest natural lake, Lac d’Aiguebelette - the warmest (up to 28°C) and cleanest (no motor boats) natural lake in France. The emerald-turquoise waters of ‘Aiguebelette’ are staunchly protected and have a ‘Natural Reserve’ status, limiting development around the lake, as well as a European Union ‘Eco-Tourism’ destination designation. The lake is big draw for those wanting to swim, row, canoe or just relax in tranquility on the lake’s many beaches. Returning visitors are drawn by a tranquil and beautiful, yet dynamic region and many decide to stay and make a life here.

About me

Brought up in south-east London (Beckenham), but met my English wife, Anita, in Chamonix in the mid-1990s whilst working together for the same ski holiday company. Having spent the following summer traveling, we completed a further ski season in Meribel before returning to the UK. We lived and worked in Oxford, Chester and London for just over 6 years before acknowledging we really wanted to be back near the French Alps. After 5 years working as a commercial property consultant in Paris (and learning some French), we moved to the Savoie with our three British-born children. We wanted to live near the mountains, but not in the mountains, considering (with no subsequent regrets what-so-ever) that living near urban centres such as Aix-Les-Bains and Chambery would be better for our children’s education and upbringing, provide a diversified way of life, as well as ensuring great work and diverse outdoor activity opportunities. In 2007, we found an old farm house at Lac d’Aiguebelette, from where we now rent out holiday apartments. I am also a co-owner of an English language school, but most of all I have returned to my roots as a property consultant – an agent for residential property at Leggett Immobilier.