Property in Chatel
The property market in Chatel is split into three distinct areas: Chatel Centre, Petit Chatel and Chatel Linga. If you are thinking of buying a chalet or apartment in this popular French ski resort then we will consider the benefits of each of these areas individually.
Chatel Centre is the most sought after and ‘prime’ location in Chatel. Here you have all the shops, bars and restaurants within walking distance as well as the ’Super Chatel’ gondola. From this central location you have direct access to the whole of the Portes du Soleil ski region and will never have to take your skis off.
From the top of the ski lifts here you can ski directly down into Morgins and also ski the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil.
About 1km from the centre of Chatel you reach ‘Petit Chatel’. This is an area popular with families where you have a more traditional and quieter environment and some of the very best views in this part of the French Alps.
The valley opens up towards Petit Chatel with predominately west-facing views of the valley as well as some terrific south-facing views towards Lac du Vonnes - the popular summer swimming lake. This is the ideal location to buy a property if you are looking for a quieter location with the popular swimming lake right on your door step.
One other location to consider is the ‘Linga’ area of Chatel. Here you will find a good selection of chalets and apartments for sale including the popular new-build residence - Les Etoiles du Linga. Here you get great south-facing views as well as direct access to Pre-la-Joux in the summer - Europe’s largest mountain biking park.
Chatel has a good mix of both chalets and apartment for sale across the whole village and there is no one area where one particularly type of property dominates. Older new-build chalets can be find for sale from approximately EUR 1.2m although these might often required extensive renovations. With construction costs now so high (2023) most buyers opt for the ease of a new built property. New build chalets can be found from EUR 1.7m and apartments from about EUR 350,000.
If you are happy to rent out your new ski property you are also able to reclaim 20% VAT that is levied on new-build property.
While there is currently a good selection of property for sale in Chatel this is likely to reduced over the next few years as the local planning regulations (PLU) have now restricted any new development of the edge of the existing residential area of Chatel. This will ensure that there is no further spread of the village beyond it’s existing boundaries. Any new development going forward is likely to have to be a replacement of an existing chalet or apartment building.
Since re-opening after the Covid-19 pandemic summer tourism in the Portes du Soleil (and Chatel in particular!) has boomed with the resort now achieving 90% occupancy in the peak August school holidays. A glorification of mountain biking, road cycling and cultural events have really put this corner of the French Alps on the map as a key summer tourism destination.
All this will be good news for property owners in the area that are set to greatly increase their occupancy levels during the summer months. Indeed, the ski lifts in Chatel are now operational from the end of May right through till the middle of September
Winter in Chatel
Chatel is a charming and largely unspoilt ski resort that is still home to many working farming communities.
More affordable than nearby Morzine and Les Gets it maintains an authentic French Savoie feeling and you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever you go.
Chatel is one of the 12 resorts that makes up the vast Portes du Soleil ski region that includes the likes of Avoriaz, Champery, Morzine and more. The ski areas span across some 650kms of pistes that includes resorts in both Switzerland and France.
The local Chatel ski region includes the areas of Super Chatel, Linga as well as the Swiss resorts of Torgon and Morgins. It is possible to buy a cheaper lift just for this area which totals about 130kms of piste if you don’t think you’ll ski the whole of the Portes du Soleil!
On the mountain and after you days skiing you will find plenty of welcoming restaurants and après ski bars including the popular Crazy Lion.
Non-skiers and kids are well catered for with winter slides, sledging, guided snow-shoeing and even an indoor swimming complex.
Summer in Chatel
As an established French farming village, you will find plenty of life in Chatel throughout the year. In the summer, the mountains are re-claimed from the snow by eager cattle who will watch with interest and you navigate the well-marked hiking and biking trails.
Many of the farmhouses and lifts remain open during the summer months for some fine Savoie food and a short cut up the mountain!
The area is a popular mountain biking destination and many of the lifts are adapted to allow you to take a bike up the hill with you.
The popular activity ‘Multi Pass’ gives you unlimited access to more than 30 great summer activities including access to all the swimming lakes, tennis, trains, ski lifts and much more.
