Hidden gems of the French Alps: the resorts that should be on investors' radars

"It is one of the last high-altitude resorts in France that hasn't yet seen values rise dramatically," says Aris. While much of the resort's development took place during the 1970s and 1980s, substantial new investment is reshaping its future. Among the most significant projects is the new Jandri 3S cable car, which more than halves journey times to the top of the mountain while doubling capacity. The scheme forms part of a broader resort revitalisation programme worth more than €350 million.

"Private and public investment continues to flow into the resort," Aris adds. "As visitor numbers grow, that demand is likely to be reflected in property values. For buyers seeking long-term capital growth, Les Deux Alpes should be firmly on the radar."

La Rosière

"For anyone who values impressive mountain views, this is the ideal resort," says Aris. "From your balcony, you're greeted by some of the most spectacular panoramas in the French Alps."

Those vistas are a result of La Rosière's elevated position at 1,850 metres on a sunny, south-facing plateau overlooking the Tarentaise Valley. The resort forms part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, offering a cross-border ski experience that links La Rosière in France with La Thuile in Italy.

Aris notes that the resort is particularly popular with British buyers, drawn by its blend of French Savoyard heritage and Italian influence, alongside its collection of attractive wood-and-stone chalets. "It's a small, family-friendly resort with a remarkably loyal following," he says.

Les Saisies and Hauteluce

"People often ask me where I would buy if money were no object, and Les Saisies would be high on my list," says Aris. "A client recently purchased there because he simply couldn't imagine being anywhere else in the mountains. Sitting on a plateau close to Megève, the resort enjoys breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks."

Situated at an altitude of 1,650 metres, this picturesque resort lies just a short distance from Hauteluce, a traditional Alpine village centred around the charming baroque church of Saint-Jacques d'Assyrie. Together with surrounding resorts, Les Saises and Hauteluce provide access to the expansive Espace Diamant ski area, which offers 192km of interconnected downhill ski slopes.

The region benefits from a unique microclimate that has historically delivered abundant and reliable snowfall from December to April. Beyond the winter season, it transforms into a hub for mountain biking, hiking and wildlife watching, reinforcing its appeal as a year-round destination. Meanwhile these destinations, along with nearby resorts such as Crest-Voland and Les Contamines, offer convenient access to Geneva Airport.

Serre Chevalier

The impact of major sporting events on property markets is well established. By placing lesser-known destinations on the global stage, the Olympics can accelerate both tourism and investment, as recently seen in Italy’s Cortina d'Ampezzo. With Serre Chevalier set to host events during the 2030 Winter Olympics, renewed attention is expected to focus on the resort.

"The Winter Olympics will be transformational in terms of raising the resort's profile," says Aris. "For buyers interested in medium-term capital growth, it may be worth considering before the Olympic rings arrive."

Located in the Hautes-Alpes between Briançon and the Col du Lautaret, Serre Chevalier offers 250km of pistes across elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 metres. Its position in the south of the French Alps means it also serves as an attractive gateway to travel down to the Mediterranean.

Champagny-en-Vanoise

This traditional Alpine village offers an appealing balance of authenticity and accessibility. While retaining its peaceful mountain character, it provides direct access to one of France's largest ski domains.

An eight-minute cable car transports skiers from the village to 2,000 metres, linking directly to the south-facing slopes of La Plagne and the wider Paradiski area, with its 425km of pistes. "It's a beautiful setting," says Aris. "The resort is divided between the village itself and a quieter area higher up the mountain, which enjoys views across to Courchevel and Méribel."

"It's on the opposite side of the mountain from the Three Valleys, meaning buyers can pay a fraction of the price compared with the headline resorts. Yet if you want to ski the Three Valleys, you're only around a 40-minute drive away," he adds. For those seeking a sunnier, more peaceful alternative to the French Alps' best-known destinations, Champagny-en-Vanoise presents a compelling opportunity.