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Revealed: The 'hidden gem' of the French Alps

Monday, March 15, 2010

Catherine Deshayes

With France unequivocally topping the charts in a recent survey of the top 10 winter ski resort destinations by budget airline easyJet, it seems that the British love affair with the French Alps remains as strong as ever.

As expected the top ranking resorts included Chamonix, Avoriaz, Meribel and Les Arcs but according to the French ski property experts at Experience International, Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise, the hidden gem of the French Alps, is one to watch in 2010.

Centrally located in the Tarentaise Valley, home to notable resorts including Val d'Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne and La Rosiere, Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise has long been the preserve of experienced guides bringing their clients over from Val d'Isere just 10 minutes away to enjoy the famous powder and off-piste skiing available. As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, comments:

"It is the ideal resort for experienced skiers and beginners alike. The traditional Savoyard architecture, stunning scenery and relaxed family atmosphere attract real mountain lovers. The popularity of Sainte Foy is only going to increase in 2010."

This hidden gem is proving not only a popular winter holiday destination but also the ideal second property location due to its ease of access from the UK (under 2 hours drive from Geneva which operates numerous direct budget flights to the UK), year round appeal and property prices up to half that of surrounding areas.

With current concerns over the strength of the British Pound buyers are being cautious about committing to euro property purchases but as Steven Worboys explains, this should not be a concern as long as you select the right development:

"In order to minimise exposure to the current weakness of the Pound buyers should look for leaseback properties which require low deposits. The La Chapelle ski-in ski-out apartments for example require only a 5% deposit to secure with 95% finance available."