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Sallanches - perfect base town
If you are seeking a perfect base for an Alpine life, then consider the lovely old market town of Sallanches, situated in the Haute-Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes, near the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches affords unrivalled access to many of the best ski areas and dramatic sights of the Alps, yet remains in touch with modern, everyday life and offers superb facilities as well as character and charm.
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Sallanches and its fabulous waterfall
Sallanches may have its industrial and commercial life, but it also has plenty of charm and natural wonders. Take a trip to the popular picnic spot at the foot of a dramatic waterfall, just on the outskirts of the town, or hop onto the cog railway to journey up Mont Blanc to some of the most jaw dropping views in Europe. The landscapes all around the town offer typically Alpine scenes of mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys, dotted with peacefully grazing cows and goats that provide the milk for the marvellous cheeses produced locally. Visit the "cheese cave" in Sallanches to taste these... you will be hooked for life!
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Shop 'til you drop... the old way and the new!
Sallanches has superb shopping facilities, so you really can shop until you drop... and when you are bored with shopping the modern way, visit the town's market to experience a French way of shopping, seemingly as old as France itself! The Saturday morning market is a really traditional affair, and sells everything and anything. Treat yourself to goodies as diverse as a woollen hat to wear for braving the slopes, to a bowlful of delicious olives, to locally produced cheeses and even a live goat or hen perhaps, to start your own mini Alpine farm!
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Things to do around Sallanches
There is a helpful tourist office in the town, but if you want to follow your own independent trail you could begin with a leisurely walk through the town to appreciate the attractive 19th century architecture of the centre, and pause for an aromatic coffee in one of the many atmospheric cafés that dot the old streets. Gazing at the awe inspiring Mont Blanc as you sip your coffee ranks as one of the wonders of the world... well, nearly! After this, you may enjoy a trip to the Mountain Nature Centre, which is situated in an old castle. Children will find this especially interesting and informative, though you don't have to be under twelve to enjoy learning about the amazing life and character of the Alps!
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Sports and leisure
It goes without saying that the dominant sporting activity here is skiing, with all other snow or mountain sports (such as climbing, white water rafting etc.) following hot on its heels. The town does offer other possibilities, however, with swimming, fishing, petanque, tennis and cycling all easily accessible. The nearby town of Megève also has a great sports centre, where many other possibilities open up to you.
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How to get there
To reach Sallanches by air you can fly to Geneva (British Airways, Air France, Aer Lingus, easyJet, flybe, Jet2), or to Lyon (Air France, British Airways, easyJet, bmi).
If you prefer rail travel take the Eurostar ski special train all the way from England to Bourg St. Maurice or Moûtiers. Drivers should follow the A6 auto route to Lyon.
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Property prices and availability in and around Sallanches
It's the Alps so it isn't cheap. That's the blunt answer, but it's best to be prepared. There are, however bargains to be found, and prices in Sallanches and Megève are a little less sky high than those at higher altitude. Rental incomes are usually substantial, as the town is much visited by tourists and is a popular base for mountain tourism. At the time of writing it is possible to purchase a very attractive three-bedroomed chalet style apartment for around 450,000 Euros, or even a traditional farm for around 650,000 Euros... not the cheapest in France, but pretty good value when you consider the natural advantages of the area.
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AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
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