David Lucas's Selection of French property for Sale

About my area

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is located just 50 minutes from Geneva Airport in the Haute Savoie region of France. Located on the border of France, Italy and Switzerland, it is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan year-round alpine towns, with a permanent population of over 10,000 people, and sits in arguably the most dramatic mountain valley in Europe. Just 1km wide at the bottom, the valley is surrounded by semi-vertical peaks soaring skywards to an altitude of 4800 metres, with Western Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, at the very centre of the range. The altitude, the eco-system and the sheer majesty of the mountains forming a corolla around the valley, has led to Chamonix (and its’ neighbouring towns of Argentiere and Les Houches), establishing itself over the past 150 years as the Mecca for those seeking their thrills in the mountains. From skiing Europe’s longest high-altitude off-piste run, The Valley Blanche, to climbing Mont Blanc; from mountain biking the Balcon Nord, to Parapenting from the Brevent, its’ all here for the adventure sport enthusiast. However, with only the month of November being quiet, (the chance for the locals to finally have a holiday!), there remain many year-round activities for those seeking a quieter pace of life. While away the hours on the many hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks, take in the fresh air, and admire the views, or simply stroll around the centre of town, taking in the scents of cheese and cured meats from the local delicatessens and view the endless artisanal boutiques, or simply sit back and enjoy one of the many summer festivals organised by the town. And without question, being at the heart of the Alps, you are guaranteed fresh air, amazing wild-life, truly breath-taking scenery through four incredible seasons, and you will be located just a short drive away from some of Europe’s most wonderful towns such as Lyon, Geneva and Milan. So, whether you are the outdoor enthusiast who wants to ski the steepest slope, or launch your para-glider from the highest peak, or you are simply about relaxation and want to pass the time on the terrace of a fabulous mountain-side restaurant and admire the feats of daring-do attempted by others, Chamonix has it on offer for you. And what’s-more, for 365 days of the year. So, why don’t you choose Chamonix as your mountain playground. Being a proper ‘year-round’ town, Chamonix and The Chamonix Valley has property to suit all needs. If you are simply looking for a bolt-hole, for weekend breaks skiing in the winter season, or you are looking for a family sized luxury chalet, you will find it available in the valley. Furthermore, with up to 110,000 visitors per day in summer and 75,000 per day in winter, there is always a demand for bed-spaces and any property owner could reasonably expect their property to make money for them not just as a long-term investment, but year-in, year-out. Finally, if you really are looking to follow your dream and move to the Alps on a permanent basis, Chamonix has many property options available to you whether simply as your home, to run as a chalet-holiday, or a multitude of business opportunities from bars to restaurants, or from Chambres d’Hotes (B & B) to luxury hotels. Whatever you might be looking for, the valley will have something to your taste, and if what you desire is not in my portfolio, please do not hesitate to contact me, give me your requirements and I will endeavour to find it for you.

About me

After long and established careers in Banking, Property and The Forces, my partner Kimberly and I moved from London to Chamonix in 2007 to follow our dream of leading a less rushed, more active lifestyle, and to-date we have loved every minute of it. Days spent skiing or walking are now the norm, giving us the chance to enjoy the mountain air, the views, the food and the wonderfully chilled pace of life. More specifically, since 2005 I have been involved in many aspects of property, (from sales and development in London to managing a property portfolio in France), and feel I have a good understanding of how best to find the most suitable property for any client. What's more, with our recent purchase of a dis-used barn, we will soon be experienced in property renovation in France, and with that knwoledge I hope I can give you all the advice you could wish for, should you wish to put your very own mark on your recently acquired property, but also beyond during its' ownership. The Chamonix Valley, and surrounding valleys of St Gervais and Megeve, are simply fantastic places to live and owning a property makes the experience so much more worthwhile. As such, Kimberly and I very much hope we will be welcoming you to the Haute Savoie soon.