Homes in cycling heaven: key property hotspots on the Tour de France route

New properties are now available in MGM French Properties developments in the French Alps

The biggest cycling race in the world is returning to the French Alps this year, as the ever changing route will cross through the toughest climbs of the Haute-Savoie. Stages 10, 11 and 12 of the race will see competitors tackle steep ascents between Annecy, Le Grand-Bornand, La Rosiere and Alpe d’Huez, creating one of the most challenging parts of the race. In addition to unbeatable cycling turf, the region also offers one of France’s most diverse and desirable ranges of property, with leaseback and outright purchase homes available through MGM French Properties.

Stage 10 commences in Annecy, one of France’s most sought-after expat hotspots. Known by the French as ‘the Venice of the Alps’, the town is defined by its picturesque canals, cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses. Annecy is perfect for the energetic, with boundless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Canyoning and paragliding are popular in Annecy, while the beautiful lake is the ultimate backdrop for joggers, walkers and cyclists, in addition to offering great sailing and paddling opportunities. The town also boasts a cultural history which most French towns would struggle to match, with the Palais de l’Isle museum and Château d’Annecy topping the long list of must-sees in the area.

Villa Parsini, one of Annecy’s most exciting developments, has recently been launched in the town by MGM French Properties. The development is centrally located in the famous ‘Golden Triangle’, close to the amenities of the Galeries Lafayette shopping centre and the iconic lake. Owners of the unfurnished outright purchase properties will be on the doorstep of the local schools and restaurants, while those working in Geneva’s business district will benefit from the 45 minute drive to work. The apartments are south-facing with low energy consumption, and all have a private terrace. The homes start from €300,000 for one bedroom, ranging up to €710,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.

Stage 10 will end in Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, one of France’s most understated ski resorts. The picture-perfect town offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities, and a range of nurseries and child day-care options. Ski-school is available to children as young as three, and discounted family lift passes are available. The resort has been certified as ‘Famille Plus’ by the French government, and offers great opportunities for cycling and hiking through the summer months, in addition to first-class winter sports.

The 44 fully-furnished apartments which make up Le Roc des Tours development in Le Grand Bornand feature panoramic views of the slopes and cosy rustic interiors. They each include a private cellar and ski locker room. The development will also boast an on-site restaurant and state-of-the-art spa facility. Apartments at Le Roc des Tours start from at €195,833 for a one-bedroom apartment, ranging to €525,000 for a three-bedroom duplex property.

Stage 11 will begin in Albertville and steadily climb its way to La Rosière, known by ski aficionados as as a lower-key version of neighbouring resorts, Val d’Isère and Tignes. As part of Espace San Bernardo, La Rosière boasts links to a much wider set of pistes, including La Thuille, an Italian resort which can be accessed easily. The small resort has authentic Savoyard architecture, with fast links to the slopes and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. In summer, the ski offering is replaced with a sizeable list of summer sports, including golfing, white water sports and mountain biking.

MGM French Properties recently launched Alpen Lodge in La Rosière, a leaseback development of authentic style apartments built with wood, copper and stone. The development boasts an array of amenities including a sauna, gym and spa, and each apartment comes with a wine cellar and sun-drenched balcony with vistas of the Tarentaise valley. One bedroom homes start from €233,334 while four-bedroom duplex apartments are available from €675,000.

Richard Deans, Sales Manager at MGM French Properties, comments, “Each year the Tour de France showcases Frances exciting and diverse array of destinations. We are delighted that this year the cyclists will be taking on some of the best climbs the Alps have to offer and staying in some of their finest villages. Our apartments in Annecy have already seen a great deal of interest from expats looking for a permanent base before the Brexit deal is finalised, and being less than an hour from Geneva is a big draw.

“Equally, Le Grand-Bornand and La Rosière have seen an increased popularity in recent years, but neither has lost the authenticity and welcoming nature which made them successful in the first place. I am glad that the route will shine a spotlight on these excellent investment areas of the Alps.”

For further information on property in Annecy, Le Grand-Bornand and La Rosière, contact MGM French Properties on Tel: 0207 494 0706 or visit: www.mgmfrenchproperties.com