French Visit Sheet

Visiting France to view ski property
Planning Your Trip to France
Getting there
We are delighted that you will be visiting France to
view ski properties. We want to make sure your stay
is as enjoyable as possible, so here are some tips and
suggestions to help you plan your trip, getting the
maximum benefit from your stay. We hope you have
a great time and look forward to hearing from you on
your return!
Flights to France are both cheap and convenient with
all the major airlines serving Geneva including good
long haul access from the Far East. There are also
frequent services to Chambery and Grenoble in the
winter and an excellent high speed train service to the
French Alps too.
The Geneva, Chambery
and Grenoble airports are
all within easy reach of our
resorts
How to get
there...
Getting
There
Directions to Your Destination
Hotels
We will organise a tailor made itinerary to ensure that
you get the most from your trip and can visit all the
properties you want to see without feeling rushed.
Once we have organised your appointments with our
representatives we will send you a link to Google Maps
so you can see your journey.
Many of the hotels in ski resorts are closed in between
seasons (particularly in May and November) so it may
be better to visit in summer or autumn so you get a
better feel for the resort and a wider choice of hotels.
We can also recommend using www.booking.com as
they often give a better rate than booking direct and
the search facility will also suggest other hotels within
easy reach of your chosen destination.
Car Hire and Driving
If you rent a car at Geneva Airport always rent from
the Swiss side (not the French side). Cars are collected
from car park P51 which is served by a shuttle bus
from the terminal but it is only a 5 minute walk and is
clearly signed so it may be quicker to walk than to wait
for the bus. It is compulsory for car hire companies to
provide snow tyres in the winter and with these on a
front wheel drive car it is highly unlikely that you will
need chains. Specialist companies such as www.autoeurope.com claim to get the best deal from the major
car hire companies and may save you money. Don’t
forget your credit card and driving licence
There is a huge choice of hotels to suit all budgets. We
have listed below some of our personal favourites.
Please call us for advice or more recommendations
as we know all these resorts very well.
Restaurants
We visit these resorts frequently, sometimes with
clients, often to meet developers and monitor progress
and sometimes just for fun to go hiking or skiing.
We love traditional mountain ski huts; superb sunny
terraces with stunning views. We live and breathe the
Alps so we have listed some of our favourites below,
but if you need any further information, just ask
Annecy
Imperial Palace Hotel
Hotel des Alpes
Built in 1913, the Imperial Palace Hotel has been a
staple in Annecy for over 100 years. It has a stunning
position beside the lake, and blends modern chic with
a timeless glamour befitting its rich history.
A low budget option is the Hotel des Alpes, a cosy
hotel close to the centre of Annecy, with stylish
contemporary furnishing and a warm, welcoming
atmosphere throughout. All rooms are individually
decorated, giving the hotel plenty of personality, while
the location means you are only a short walk from the
bars and restaurants in the old town.
The hotel has a fantastic restaurant, a casino and
comfortable, good sized and well appointed bedrooms
throughout.
+33 4 5045 0456
+33450093000
www.hotel-imperial-palace.com
www.hotelannecy.com/
Chamonix - Hotels
Hotel Mont-Blanc
Le Hameau Albert 1er
The entirely renewed Hotel Mont-Blanc welcomes
you in an elegant and cosy setting in the heart of
Chamonix. This over a 100-year-old establishment
situated in a calm street in the city centre, has been
completely designed by renowned French interior
architect Sybille de Margerie. The beautiful typical
architectural style of the Chamonix valley meets
contemporary touches and a refined high-mountain
atmosphere in this mythical hotel.
This original building, constructed in 1903 by
Joseph and Lydie Carrier, was a simple, family-run
guesthouse, open only in the summer months.
Nowadays, the chimney and solid granite window
frames remain, bearing witness to various changes
and modernisations carried out over generations.
Today, we have 21 rooms with contemporary style
and a sense of local ‘mountain’ heritage, expressed
through antique furniture and carefully chosen
artwork; and others that are classic and comfortable.
+33 4 50 53 05 64
www.hotelmontblancchamonix.com
+33 4 50 53 05 09 www.hameaualbert.fr/en
Chamonix - Restaurants
Le Bistrot
Le Cap-Horn
At Le Bistrot, the ingredients are sourced from their
area of origin and they only use vegetables that are
in season. What you eat in the restaurant is either
produced locally which the chef tracks down himself.
It’s all comes down to the attention to detail that
makes the dishes different, delicious and surprising
and, as a result, has created the excellent reputation
of Le Bistrot in and around Chamonix.
The main restaurant, Le Cap-Horn, offers contemporary
cuisine. Seafood takes the starring role on the menu
and the décor takes its inspiration from both the sea
and, unsurprisingly, the mountains. French windows
open onto a large, perfectly exposed terrace. A
mezzanine above the main room provides a more
intimate setting.
+33 4 50 21 80 80
+33 4 50 53 57 64
www.lebistrotchamonix.com
www.caphorn-chamonix.com
Megève - Hotels
Flocons de Sel
Les Fermes de Marie
Set in a majestic mountain landscape this 5 Star hotel
offers comfortable rooms with a simple and modern
decoration. Their staff are dedicated to providing a luxury
service in a tranquil location for a unique experience.
The benchmark 5 star hotel in Megève in which
generosity and service reign supreme. This beautiful
hotel steeped in history was built from old mountain
farms and everything from the rooms to the service is
of the highest quality.
Flocons de Sel also has an outstanding gourmet restaurant
led by Chef Emmanuel Renaut who has been awarded 3
Michelin stars for providing diners with a true taste of
luxury. There is also a suburb spa to relax and unwind
with views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
+33 4 50 21 49 99
www.floconsdesel.com
Les Fermes de Marie has a number of restaurants
serving luxury and traditional alpine food in all forms.
It also has a relaxing spa complete with a number of
treatments as well as a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym.
+33 4 57 74 74 74 www.fermesdemarie.com
Megève - Restaurants
L’Alpette
Chalet Le Forestier
This is Largest mountain restaurant in mMgève
overlooking the valley and stunning peaks. It has
two quality restaurants, one specialises in meats and
charcuterie while the other in cheese and fondue
with delicious desserts to finish. L’Alpette is not to
be missed by those seeking traditional alpine food in
such a stunning location.
This former mountain farm built in 1897 is located on
the slopes and accessible by pedestrian and skier alike
from the Chamois cable car. Chalet Le Forestier serves
traditional rustic alpine food, simple yet delicious.
They have all local meats, cheeses, vegetables and
wines for you to choose from with daily specials and
long standing classics. A true taste of alpine cuisine
nestled in a sunny spot on the slopes
+33 4 50 90 63 20
www.alpette-megeve.com
+33 4 50 21 12 95
chaletleforestier.chez.com
Portes du Soleil, Châtel - Hotels
Hotel Macchi
Hotel Belalp
Hotel Macchi is a warm and friendly 4 star hotel
designed in a traditional Austrian and Savoyard spirit.
No matter your will enjoy the tranquillity and friendly
atmosphere in an authentic Abondance valley setting.
Nestled at the foot of the mountains in an authentic
Savoyard village, the Belalp hotel has cultivated and
carried on the tradition of hospitality since 1957. At
your disposal are 25 charmingly decorated rooms
with free WIFI and a flat screen TV.
The restaurant hotel’s restaurant “Le Cerf” is now
recognized as one of the best restaurants in the
Abondance valley, where Chef Eric Macchi creates
semi-gourmet food with an exceptional wine list.
There is also an outstanding spa where you can
receive massage treatments as well as relax in the
pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.
There is also a brand new Spa available with the
mountains for backdrop and a sauna, steam room
and jacuzzi for your relaxation. Chef Jacky Trincaz will
also provide you with refined traditional cuisine in a
fully refurbished dining room.
+33 4 50 73 24 39
+33 (0) 4 50 73 24 12
www.hotelmacchi.com
www.hotelbelalp.com
Portes du Soliel, Châtel - Restaurants
La Table D’Antoine
La Poya
La Table D’Antoine attaches great importance to every
table. They seek each year to perfect their recipes
and presentations and are always looking for new
experiences and tastes. Chef Sebastien specialises in
Savoyarde cuisine creating traditional dishes such as
fondue and tartiflette and was recently rewarded with
the Maitre-Restaurateur award.
La Poya is a highly rated fine dining location who have
chosen to work with all local farmers and produce to
create a delicious menu comprising of a fresh meat,
fish and cheese to satisfy any palate. This authentic
and warm restaurant with fine cuisine changes with
the seasons providing different dishes year round.
+33 4 50 81 19 34
+33 4 50 73 29 53
www.table-antoine.com
www.lapoya.fr
Portes du Soleil, Morzine and Les Gets - Hotels
Chalet Philibert (Morzine)
Hotel Marmotte (Les Gets)
Traditional, rustic, cosy… Just a few words to describe
this large charming chalet completely renovated
respecting the purest French Alps spirit. It is an
harmonious medley of old wood, stone, slate and open
fires, all assembled following local traditions that built
through centuries on this welcoming touristic village,
Morzine.
Located at the foot of the ski slopes in winter, on the
very edge of the hiking trails in summer, the ChaletHôtel La Marmotte and Spa offers everything that
its name promises: a comfortable, friendly and warm
welcome.
There is also a true gastronomic restaurant for a
real gourmet experience and a wellness centre for
relaxation after a hard days skiing.
Elegant ancient furniture and a welcoming service
will make you feel at home. In a natural wood
environment, comfortably seated near the fireplace
in a large living room with vast bay windows, you will
enjoy an unrivalled view over the mountain.
+33 4 50 79 25 18
+33 4 50 75 80 33
www.chalet-philibert.com
www.hotel-marmotte.com
Portes du Soleil, Morzine and Les Gets - Restaurants
Hôtel Le Samoyède (Morzine)
L’Abricotine (Les Gets)
Elegance and refinement in the heart of Morzine.
Head chef, Alexandre Baud-Pachon, originally from
Morzine, has been taught by the greats and since
his return home in 2001, he has offered fine dining
geared towards nature, the region and flavour.
If you like mountains, a quiet snack on a terrace
and missing the crowds, sharing a meal with friends
without thinking about the return trip, sledding in the
moonlight, two whole days without skiing down ... this
place is for you.
The wine cellar, diverse and specialised, comprises
200 labels and over 10,000 bottles. There you can
find a wonderful representation of French vineyards.
The summer garden offers a pleasant setting for
lunch or dinner at the back of the hotel with a
lovely view of the surrounding alpine mountains.
+33 4 50 79 00 7
www.hotel-lesamoyede.com
For a real rustic experience head to Abricotines, a
mountain refuge above Les Gets serving a traditional
Tartiflette dinner. You can also stay overnight and
have breakfast then hit the empty pistes before the
lifts open.
+33 4 50 74 17 43
www.refuge-abricotine.com
Samoëns - Hotels
Hotel Neige et Roc
Hotel Le Gai Soleil
At the foot of the mountains of Samoëns is the
charming chalet hotel Neige et Roc, with its exposed
timber and stone, two swimming pools, and cosy
rooms decorated in typical Savoie style.
A charming hotel in the heart of Samoens with 22
comfortable rooms, well decorated in a traditional
style and warm atmosphere.
There is also the jacuzzi, hammam, sauna, fitness
room, tennis court and restaurant with a traditional
gourmet menu created with local products.
There is also a wellness area with 2 jacuzzis, hammam,
fitness room, sauna and outdoor pool. The restaurant
will make you discover a traditional gastronomic
cooking.
+33 4 50 34 40 72
+33 450 34 40 74
www.neigeetroc.com
www.augaisoleil-hotel-restaurant.com
Samoëns - Restaurants
Le Table de Fifine
Le Monde à l’Envers
Le Table de Fifine is a warm and personalised restaurant
with a unique setting and welcoming feel to it. You can
choose from the menu or their outstanding specials,
either way the gourmet food is certainly worth getting
in the car for.
This popular restaurant is close to the centre of Samoëns
so be sure to book in advance to ensure you get a
chance to experience it. Le Monde à l’Envers provides
outstanding Savoyard food that is inventive and well
presented. If you want quality this is the place to go as it
is certainly one of the best restaurant in Samoëns.
+33 4 50 34 10 29
www.table-fifine.com
+33 4 50 34 19 36
Sainte Foy - Hotels
Hotel Le Monal
Chalet La Mercerie
With a rich 120 year history, this hotel is a Sainte Foy
landmark. Today it offers plenty of Alpine charm, with
comfortable rooms, lovely wood beams and distinctive
features that include a fireplace and black and white
flagged floors.
Sainte Foy is home to a number of excellent guest
houses, and la Mercerie is the best of the lot.
Converted from an old grocery and haberdashery, and
run by Evelyne and Michel, this is a rustic, beautifully
furnished place to spend a few nights.
While staying at the hotel Le Monal, you should try
the fantastic hotel restaurant, which serves excellent
food and offers a unique wine list.
With five well appointed bedrooms, including two
suites, this guest house can sleep up to fourteen,
while the cosy living areas include a feature fireplace
and plenty of space to relax.
+33 (0)4 7906 9007
www.le-monal.com
+33 4 7924 6833
http://chalet-tarentaise.com/
Sainte Foy - Restaurants
Chez Merie
Les Marquises
Having been serving fabulous food for over thirty years,
Chez Merie boasts wood beams, classic Alpine style
and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant
is child friendly, serves traditional French cuisine and
is still owned by the family of the original Merie.
This is the perfect place for a piste side pit stop, from
classic mountain food to a sunny terrace and friendly
staff. Les Marquises has stunning views across the
valley, and aged wood beams and local stone it’s a
charming mountain hut.
It is a little outside the main Sainte Foy village, in the
charming hamlet of Le Miroir, but it’s well worth the
trip during a stay in the area.
+33 (0)7 63 79 08 08
+33 (0)4 79 06 90 16
Trois Vallees, Courchevel - Hotels
Les Peupliers
L’Apogée
Located in Courcehval 1300 (Le Praz), Les Peupliers
allows you to experience the flow of a guest
establishment as generous and charming as a cheerful
friend. In every season, enjoy the tranquillity of cosy
lounges and the warm hospitality of the Gacon family
and their friendly staff.
L’Apogée Courchevel is located on the very top of the
former Olympic ski jump, presenting guests with a
clear view all the way down the valley.
There is also a great restaurant with fine wines from
around France an extensive wellness area to relax
after a hard days skiing.
+33 4 79 08 41 47
Designed with chic individualism, guests have a stylish
new home in one of the top ski resorts in France.
L’Apogée Courchevel’s diary is full of dazzling parties
to celebrate the festive season. The main bar has been
restyled, a sushi counter “Koori” makes an appearance
at Le Comptoir de L’Apogée and we opened a Cigar
Lounge.
www.lespeupliers.com
+33 4 79 04 01 04
www.lapogeecourchevel.com
Trois Vallees, Courchevel - Restaurants
Chalet de Pierres
Le Bistrot du Praz
Located on the slopes of Courchevel 1850 Le Chalet
de Pierres is a traditional restaurant decorated with
antique wood and stone paired for a friendly and
festive style. Eat in the relaxing dining room or the
terrace with fantastic views of the mountainside.
At the heart of the village of Le Praz in Courchevel,
Le Bistrot du Praz offers a rustic charm of Savoyard
chalets. Whether on the terrace or indoors, you can
enjoy a relaxing break and great views.
Enjoy simple and generous cuisine from delicious
pieces of meat from the grill, homemade
bread
and
an
incredible
dessert
buffet.
+33 4 79 08 18 61
This traditional and warm restaurant welcomes you
for lunch and dinner every day. Le Bistrot du Praz
uses quality products to create unique dishes for you
to choose from. Make sure you try their famous Foie
Gras.
www.chaletdepierres.com
+33 4 79 08 41 33
www.bistrotdupraz.fr
Trois Vallees, Méribel - Hotels
Hotel Les Barmes
Le Monal Hotel
Located in the foot of the piste in Val d’Isère, Les
Barmes de l’ours is a charming hotel where calm and
space are your hosts. There are 76 cosy rooms for you
winter hibernation on four floors, each marked with
their own identity. There is also an extensive spa area
and three restaurants with a variety of exceptional
foods to suit any taste buds.
Le Monal is located in Sainte-Foy Tarentaise and
is a great choice if you are touring the area to see
properties. The hotel is excellent value providing good
quality rooms and a great restaurant with seasonal
a-la carte menus at the heart and soul of French
Cuisine.
+33 4 79 41 37 00
+33 479 069 007
www.hotellesbarmes.com
www.le-monal.com
Trois Vallees, Méribel - Restaurants
Le Grand Coeur
The Savoy
Le Grand Coeur is a luxury hotel with an outstanding
restaurant. It offers a warm and friendly ambiance.
Chef Marc Dach serves all manner of original, gourmet
dishes. At lunchtime, he serves a wide range of dishes
created from regional ingredients. The evening is just
the time to tantalise your taste buds. Our Chef’s cuisine
is both elegant and daring and he adds a gourmet
twist to traditional dishes. This is creative fine dining,
its colours and flavours appealing to all the senses – a
thrill for lovers of good food.
The custom dining-room offers large tables for
convivial meals or little intimate corners all bathed in
a soft and relaxing light. Chef Nicolas Falcoz has taken
over the reins of the Hotel Savoy Restaurant with
incredible talent, mixing authentic local cuisine with
creative and colorful dishes. New ideas will enchant
guests every week from the standing rib roast cooked
over the wood fire or the “Savoy night” with cheese
fondue and raclette.
+33 4 79 08 60 03
+33 4 79 555 550
www.legrandcoeur.com
www.hotel-savoy-meribel.com
Trois Vallees, St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires - Hotels
Hotel La Bouitte (St Martin)
Boasting plenty of classic Alpine charm and a position
just outside the centre of St Martin de Belleville, hotel
la Bouitte combines local stone and wood beams with
sleek contemporary chic. This is an exceedingly good
place to stay while viewing properties in the area.
You can also enjoy the fantastic hotel restaurant
during your stay, where they serve a selection of good
wine and great food.
+33 4 7908 9677
http://www.la-bouitte.com/
Chalet Hotel Kaya (Les
Menuires)
Chalet hotel Kaya enjoys the perfect blend of modern
convenience and traditional Alpine charm. With high
quality contemporary style furnishing, chalet hotel
Kaya has a cosy bar and a sunny terrace where you
can enjoy a drink before your evening meal. Also
featuring well appointed spa, this is a fantastic base
during property viewings.
+33 4 7941 4201
www.hotel-kaya.com/
Trois Vallees, St Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires Restaurants
Chalet du Sunny (St Martin)
A vibrant mountain restaurant with good food,
stunning views and a fantastic apres ski scene, Chalet
du Sunny is an excellent lunch spot at any time of
year. During the season there is a torchlit descent
every thursday evening. As a traditional mountain
hut, Chalet du Sunny has a good sized balcony and a
cosy interior.
Fromagiere des Belleville (Les
Menuires)
A hidden gem in the truest sense of the phrase, this
restaurant offers fantastic French food, raclette and a
warm, welcoming atmosphere. It sits in a mall and is
easily overlooked, and so isn’t a tourist hot spot like
many of the restaurants in the area.
The specialties are the raclette and the fondue, and
the restaurant serves a good seleciton of local dishes.
+33 4 79 00 19 81
+33 4 79 08 27 47
Val d’Isere - Hotels
Le Blizzard
Les Barmes de l’Ours
Hotel Blizzard is perfectly situated in the heart of
Val d’Isere just 200 metres from the main lifts. All
the rooms are comfortably furnished in traditional
Savoyard style with great views of either the slopes
or the village. The hotel is richly decorated with
lots of wood panelling, beamed ceilings and natural
stone giving it a warm and cosy feel. It has a relaxed
atmosphere with a truly cosmopolitan clientele.
Ski in the heart of the French Alps and take the time
to indulge from a fresh perspective... Les Barmes de
l’Ours hotel is a charming den where calm and space
are your hosts for a timeless journey.
The bar is popular for pre-dinner drinks and the food
is excellent both in the main gastronomic restaurant
and in the speciality restaurant.
First opened in 2003, Hotel Les Barmes was built on
our passion for the mountains, designed with noble
and authentic materials, the hotel delights guests
with its privileged location at the foot of the legendary
Bellevarde run. Les Barmes invites you to discover its
three restaurants and treat yourseld to a delicious
fondue, tasty meat dish or gastronomic menu.
+33 4 79 06 02 07
+33 4 79 41 37 00
www.hotelblizzard.com/en
www.hotellesbarmes.com
Val d’Isere - Restaurants
La Fruitiere
La Grande Ourse
With its stylish décor La Fruitiere is a totally modern
restaurant with a welcome unlike any other. It’s a place
that has outstanding style and elegance and for head
chef Franck Mischler, it’s the distillery for his fine yet
rich cuisine.
This unique white chalet at the bottom of the slopes
of Solaise and Bellevarde hasn’t changed since it’s
making in 1936. For generations of skiers, La Grande
Ourse remains the very place in Val d’Isère where local
history merges with fine, french cuisine.
The menu itself is rich in locally produced goods,
inviting customers to explore the wealth of regional,
Savoyard delicacies. La Fruitiere transforms simple
fare into a wholesome, gourmet experience.
La Grande Ourse is a discreet meltingpot of High
society, Business, Government and Showbiz of grand
families, skiers and friends The setting is exceptionnal,
seducing and warming ; La Grande Ourse has
harmonious volumes with beautiful wood carvings
and a Fresco by the artist Fautrier.
www.lafoliedouce.com
+33 4 79 06 00 19
www.grande-ourse.com
Final Thoughts
Don’t Forget...
Advice
Sensible footwear and a change of shoes is useful. In
winter waterproof boots or shoes with good grip and
a rubber sole may save you from falling on the ice and
in summer flat shoes are going to be better for looking
at plots of land than stilettoes. Even in winter pack
sun cream and sunglasses as the sun is strong and
the reflection from the snow can be dazzling. Don’t
forget your swim things too as many hotels have good
spas.
We have an intimate knowledge of all our resorts
and whether you are travelling alone, with a partner,
or bringing the whole family we can suggest the
perfect place to stay. Simply let us know which dates
you have in mind and we will arrange for one of our
representatives to meet you and show you around.
All you need to do is to book your flight and organise
a hire car and we can help organise everything else
for you.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police - 17
Medical help - 15
Fire - 18
Contact
Simon Malster – Investors in Property
Tel: +44 (0)20 8905 5511
[email protected]
Company profile
Investors in Property specialise in the sale of ski
chalets and apartments in Switzerland, Austria, and
France. We have over 25 years experience and an
unrivalled knowledge of well established and up and
coming ski resorts. We will provide expert advice and
professional guidance through every step of your
purchase.
Disclaimer
Whilst we make every attempt to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in all brochures and the company website, the company, its
employees and agents will not be responsible for any loss, however arising, from the use of, or reliance on this information. The sales deed prepared by the local
Notary will contain all the terms of the sale and no warranty or representation made by an other person which is not specifically included in that deed of sale is
legally enforceable.© Investors in Property 2016