Under the Microscope – Les Carroz and Nice

Why so many buyers are looking within an hour of an international Airport ?

As travel begins to open back up, many prospective buyers are tentatively looking to book their inspection trips to both the Alps and the Cote d’Azur – Erna Low Property have tried to reflect on what it is that our buyers are truly looking for.

Much of our interest over the past year has been for resorts and towns within 1hr-to-1hr 30mins of Geneva or Nice airport, with many seeking short transfer times and long weekend trips, allowing complete flexibility and the most effective time away to work and play.

Considering this ever changing and ever-growing market, we have placed one mountain village and one coastal town under the microscope to discover what makes these destinations the idyllic home away from home.

Les Carroz – Les Airelles – Grand Massif 265km of connected ski slopes

Les Carroz d’Arâches is the main town within this super-sized ski area – famed for its traditional architecture and family orientated resort, based in the Grand Massif, France.

The resort is an easy to reach destination, ideally located just 10 minutes from the motorway, which is only 50 minutes from Geneva airport.

In the winter months, the village unrolls its white carpet to reveal the abundance of ski runs for all ages and all abilities. The village of Les Carroz is one of five linked to the Grand Massif where there is 40,000 hectares of tree-lined pistes and 265 km of groomed slopes to enjoy, making the Grand Massif one of the largest ski-linked areas within France. It also offers many alternative activities such as dog sledding, electric fat bike, alpine roller-coaster and ice skating.

In summer, there is plenty of activities on offer for people of all ages. The 200 km of hiking trails, lakes and rivers, and valleys make it perfect for walking and mountain biking. Other activities to participate in include a mountain dropped golf course, paragliding over the snow dusted peaks and mountain carting for adrenaline junkies.

Managing Director of Erna Low Property Francois Marchand comments, “In the past two years, we’ve seen a serious switch from those looking at the often priced out Les Gets, to the newly popular Les Carroz; we expect this resort to go from strength to strength. With prices starting at just €574,000 for a 3 bedroom centrally located, ski in ski out apartment – it’s not surprising that the town is one of our most enquired about resorts.”

Erna Low Property’s top pick here is Les Airelles – central location at the foot of the slopes with stunning modern interiors – from 389,112 euros.

Nice – World renowned as the most enjoyed South of France destination

With all the glitz, rich history and gastronomy that is synonymous with the Cote d’Azur. Much loved by both the British and French markets for year-round sun, Erna Low Property loves what the historic town has to offer for couples and young families alike. Perfectly positioned with a central hub for air travel, it is a simple car journey or state of the art train system to the centre of Nice.

Nice’s combination of Mediterranean blue seas and sky to the South or rolling hills through to 2000m peaks to the north, makes the town ideal for summer and winter holidays. With nearby Monaco possible to enjoy on a special evening, or the glitz and glamour of Cannes film festival during the month of July, it is all on the doorstep.

Affordability within Nice is still a very real possibility. “We specifically love this new build development Le Domaine de Spagnol in the residential foothills of Nice”, Erna Low Property’s Sales Manager Andrew Scatchard quotes. He continues, “With spacious apartments and breath-taking scenery, all without the infamous central Nice price tag, we are expecting very quick sales on this development.”

Click here to have a closer look to this stunning property from 250,000 euros