Heather Sealy's selection of French property for sale

About my area

The picture-perfect villages of Samoëns, Morillon, Verchaix, Taninges, Châtillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval sit in the stunning Vallée du Giffre, between the Morzine and Chamonix valleys. The Grand Massif ski area – and its 265 km of pistes – also includes Flaine and Les Carroz and is the fourth largest ski domain in France. The valley is just a 50 minute drive from Geneva, making it one of the most accessible snow-sure resorts in the French Alps. In summer, the Vallée du Giffre is just as popular with families and adventure seekers alike. They are drawn to the fabulous hiking opportunities and mountain biking – using the chair lifts for access. There’s an outdoor pool in Samoëns, a swimming lake in Morillon, whitewater rafting on the Giffre, the summer luge in Les Carroz, plus tennis, pony trekking, adventure parks, weekly markets and numerous summer festivals. At the top of the valley is the quintessential mountain village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. Surrounded by towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, and, crucially, no through road, it offers a peace and tranquillity unrivalled France. Samoëns itself is a ‘monument historique’ famed for its stonemasons and traditional Savoyard ambience and architecture. While the locals do well to preserve their history, it would be unfair to say they aren’t looking to the future. In the last few years, several ski-lifts have either been upgraded or added in the Grand Massif. This is a resort on the up with year-round appeal and endless charm.

About me

We discovered this area over 15 years ago whilst living in Geneva and have, since 2014, been very happily settled in Morillon Village.    Being born and raised in Canada instilled in me a love of the outdoors in all seasons. My professional journey took me from a law degree through investment banking in London and Switzerland prior to finally settling in the French Alps. For many years I journeyed back and forth to this region for holidays at increasing intervals.   My love for the area continually grew and  I found myself counting the days to my next  back-country ski, x-country ski, cycle ride or trail run.     The opportunity came to permanently settle in the Grand-Massif when we bought an old village house in need of thorough renovation.  We embarked on a project of love that allowed us to build strong relationships with local artisans, architects, contractors and neighbours who shared our passion to restore an important house in the community.    We had become part of the community and I was welcomed into various local associations promoting community interests, charity and outdoor sport.  Today I remain active in local associations and coordinate activities and events that allow newcomers to get involved and share all this community has to offer.  I continue to compete in outdoor sporting events and sometimes simply enjoy beautiful scenery  I feel so fortunate to have lived in beautiful places in my life and none more so than this part of the Grand-Massif.   We have been fortunate enough to be able to make this valley our home and we are confident that we can help you to similarly realise your own alpine dream.