Albertville property - no renovation required
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Vine Chalet Savoie
EUR €195,000
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For buying and selling property in Albertville
The town of Albertville, which is located in the Savoie department of eastern France, is not a ski station, but a town which has access to some of the best skiing in Europe. As the venue for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games, Albertville has sports facilities that are second to none. This, coupled with its stunning setting in a beautiful Alpine valley, makes it popular with tourists and residents alike.
Albertville was given the official status of a Town of Art and History in the spring of 2003. The town was founded by King Charles Albert (hence the name) in 1836, and although some of the town's great buildings are relatively modern (witness the Dome Theatre and Cinema), it is proud too of its history. The mediaeval city, or La Cité, is typically charming with its narrow ancient streets and row upon row of fascinating artisan shops selling their wares. If you want to take in some atmosphere, then this is the place to be.
Albertville has some great traditional style markets, and not just once a week either! There are clothing markets held everyday on the Quai des Allobroges, and a food market held on Thursday and Saturday mornings. On top of this, there is almost every modern convenience you can think of, with doctors, pharmacies, schools, sports centres and all manner of shops. For culture, Albertville lacks for nothing, and its theatre and cinema are among the most stunning in the region.
Dining in style takes on a whole new meaning when you are in a true Savoyard town such as Albertville. The gastronomy of the mountains is taken seriously here, and although there are pizzerias and burger joints, you would be well advised to dine at least once in a traditional Savoyard restaurant (and Albertville has plenty) to taste this delicious cuisine for yourself.
Albertville is at pains to point out that it is not a ski station, but it does have access to some of the best skiing and all within an hour's travel too. Transport is laid on in the season to take skiers and boarders to the slopes, and to return them to Albertville at the end of the day. The town is then ready to provide them with some serious entertainment and culture, rather than the ubiquitous "aprés ski" on offer at higher levels.
You needn't confine yourself to the ski slopes when taking day trips from Albertville. Relive a little history with trip to the mediaeval castle of Miolans, or discover a geological wonder in the cave and waterfall of Seythnex. Or for something really unusual, visit the Crocs Blancs or White Fangs, where you can discover the mysteries of training the great Alaskan sled dogs, look into a real wigwam and... well, go along and see for yourself!
To fly to the region you can choose between the airports of Lyon St Exupéry, Geneva and Chambéry with Chambéry being the closest. Lyon St Exupéry is served by British Airways, Air France, easyJet, bmibaby and bmi; Chambery by flybe and Jet2; and Geneva by British Airways, easyJet, flybe, Jet2 and Aer Lingus. Those who prefer to travel by rail can take a TGV fast train straight from the Eurostar link in Paris or Lille. By road you can travel from Paris on the A6, then follow the A43 from Lyon to Chambéry, and finally the A430 which will take you to Albertville.
Alpine property rarely comes cheap. The joys of Alpine living have long been recognised, and property prices have risen in accordance with the popularity of the area. It is, however, more likely that you will find a bargain priced property in or close to Albertville than higher up near or in the popular resorts.
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Albertville lies in a valley at the foot of the Alps, in eastern France. The town is situated in the north of the Savoie department, close to the border with the Haute-Savoie department.
Population: 18,190
Access: By air: Fly to Lyon St Exupéry, Chambéry or Geneva. By rail: Take the TGV to Chambéry straight from Paris or Lille. By road: From Paris follow the A6 auto route, then take the A43 for Chambéry and the A430 to Albertville.
Economy: The economy is principally tourism, although agriculture and industry are also significant.
Interesting fact: The Winter Olympic Games of 1992 were held in Albertville.
