_Fabulous French homes for Tour de France fans

Morzine - Megève

The race to Morzine to Megève, at 148.1km, was a popular section of this year's tour. And while the long and gradual climb to the line was gruelling for some, it’s absolutely worth the effort.

Located in the south-east of France near the Swiss and Italian borders, Megève is a small town with old-fashioned charm. A popular ski destination for the rich and famous since the 1920s, the area boasts spectacular views of Mont Blanc from the slopes.

Head of Knight Frank’s Alpine network, Roddy Aris, says the area, including neighbouring Les Portes du Soleil, is “gaining momentum year after year as a year-round destination due to the Les Gets and Morzine bike parks as well as the huge ski area covering Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz. It’s under an hour’s drive from Geneva airport, so is a simple option for a long weekend and is great for all levels of road or mountain bikers as well as kids.

"This affects the rental market, which in turn has a positive impact on the investment market. Whether it be a newly built apartment for weekend use or a large chalet for family gatherings, there is demand out there for all.”

Ferme des Pistes, Les Gets, Rhône-Alpes

Price range: €425,000 - €2,060,000

Close to Morzine in the Haute-Savoie region, near both the pistes and summer mountain bike parks, is this new development comprising 29 apartments and two chalets. The properties range from 1 to 6 bedrooms, each designed with authentic and minimalist interiors reflective of the surroundings.

The penthouses on the top floor feel particularly spacious thanks to their double height ceilings, which maximise on views and light. Elsewhere, the development has several communal spaces, including a ski room.

Already a popular skiing destination, Aris explains that Les Gets also attracts a huge bike following. “Although mainly focused on mountain biking, they bring road biking enthusiasts keen to rise to the tough challenge of cycling up to the Avoriaz summit at 1800m."

Boule de Neige, Morzine

Asking price: €2,100,000

This 5-bedroom property perched on the mountainside in Morzine offers awe-inspiring views of the Roc d’Enfer. Built in 2011 with close attention to detail in its design, the property has vast living spaces with large windows to soak up those views.

The generous indoor space, including a wide open plan living and dining area, extends to outside, where you’ll find several terraced gardens and balcony areas. For the more après ski inclined, the chalet has an outdoor bar, games room, sauna, wine cellar and ski cave.

Mont Ventoux

The double ascent of the Mont Ventoux is a regular feature of the Tour de France. Nicknamed ‘The Giant of Provence’ for its breath-taking views, striking landscape and unforgiving slopes, Mont Ventoux is a place where visitors can connect with nature. The area is classified by UNESCO as a Biosphere reserve thanks to its abundance of flora and fauna.

As well as seasoned cyclists, the area attracts everyone from skiing fans and hikers to paragliders and wildlife photographers.  

“The Mont Ventoux area includes villages such as Malaucène, Bédoin, Crillon-le-Brave and is definitely a favourite for cyclists,” Nicola Christinger of Knight Frank’s International Sales Team, explains.

“Slightly further north in the Vaucluse area, prices are slightly cheaper than other areas such as the Luberon, and its villages are still relatively undiscovered. The Mont Ventoux countryside is varied and stunning, from the lavender fields in Sault, to the vineyards and Roman town of Vaison-la-Romaine.”

11-bedroom villa, l’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence

Asking price: €5,945,000

Close to this tourist hotspot in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is this beautiful 17th century former hunting lodge on 6.5 hectares of land. The property would make for an ideal event space, located in the heart of Provence and set within a beautiful landscaped garden with 100 olive and cypress trees.

Renovated in 2018, the main bastide has 8 bedrooms and generous living spaces. There are two guesthouses arranged around the swimming pool and garden, plus several outbuildings comprising garages, workplaces and sheds.

4-bedroom farmhouse, Saumane De Vaucluse

Asking price: €1,390,000

This quaint farmhouse is located in the neighbouring village of Saumane-de-Vaucluse. The property has recently been renovated for 21st century living but retains much of its original charm, with its beautiful stone façade fused into the interior.

The house is set within 1 hectare of land that includes a swimming pool, horseboxes, and landscaped gardens with several outdoor living areas. 

Gordes

Gordes is one of the most popular villages of Provence, famous for its white stone properties set in the sharp cliff of the mountain and its labyrinth of tight alleyways. At its summit, a 10th century château – now a popular museum - presides over the picturesque location.

Gordes’ Neolithic heritage, having survived the plague, earthquakes and numerous bombings, is felt throughout the village and surrounding areas. Sénanque Abbey, with its famed lavender field, is close by, as are several vineyards and historic abbeys.

“Gordes has been a longstanding favourite to buy in the Luberon for international buyers,” Christinger explains. “This hilltop-perched village offers some of the most spectacular views of the Luberon valley. As part of the ‘Golden Triangle’, it’s famous for its stone properties and is a deluxe destination.

7-bedroom house, Gordes

Asking price: €2,350,000

Close to the famous village is this beautiful stone property. Set on a manicured 0.62 acre plot, the house comprises two buildings linked by a stunning glass roof and internal courtyard.

The main house has several vast living spaces, including a large principal suite with bathroom, dressing room and study. The second building offers a further four bedrooms and a wellness and Jacuzzi area, leading to a large outdoor swimming pool and pool house. 

Paris

As the tour moves on through Marseille to approach its final destination at the Champs Elysèe in Paris, so does our focus on properties. Here in the world-famous capital properties in the prime sector average €20,000 per square metre, as listed in Knight Frank’s 2022 Prime France report.

4-bedroom apartment, Paris

Asking price: €2,075,000

This magnificent apartment is located in the elegant 9th arrondissement, known for its theatres and the Palais Garnier opera house. It comprises 4 bedrooms, a living room, adjoining semi-open kitchen and office, spread across a generous 138 sqm.

The property evokes old-world charm thanks in part to a fully functioning fireplace. A balcony connects the principal bedroom to the living room, and stunning views throughout overlooking greenery gives a feeling of privacy and tranquillity.

2-bedroom apartment, Paris

Asking price: €2,195,000

For those looking for splendour and opulence in the heart of Paris, this 2-bedroom apartment is located in the 7th arrondissement, right at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. With its high ceilings lined with intricate cornices, wall panelling and beautiful herringbone floor, it has all the hallmarks of a classic French pied-à-terre.

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