THE ADDRESS Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 139

S ituated in the beautiful mountain region of the Haute-Savoie in the French Alps, the charming, traditional Alpine village of Megève has attracted the French beau monde since the 1920s. Today, it is still one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world, seamlessly blending its unspoilt French feel with a luxury lifestyle and first-class skiing. Megève is at the epicentre of France’s Savoyard charm. Picture its cobblestone streets, winding between the traditional homes and shops of the village. Picture taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride through those streets, past the old medieval church, to the trafficfree central square. The village sits at the heart of one of Europe’s largest ski areas, a place that offers all levels of skiing, along some of the most beautiful trails on the continent. Skiers may take a gentle run through magnificent stands of trees, or head off for a more exhilarating experience, cutting through steep trails beneath the shadow of the majestic Mont Blanc. As the skiing day winds down, Megève transwww.theaddressmagazine.com forms into the glittering après ski sophistication of exclusive boutiques, smart cafés, chic cocktail bars and gourmet restaurants. In the summer, the surrounding forests, rivers, lakes and gorges provide a beautiful backdrop for hiking, cycling, climbing and white water rafting. Keen golfers can play on the 18-hole golf course, which is situated at an average altitude of 1,320metres. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton in 1965, the Golf du Mont d’Arbois is one of the oldest mountain golf courses in existence. Megève continues to draw a sophisticated and discerning clientele, both as a holiday destination and as a popular and prestigious location to buy property. Buyers can be assured of the strong rental opportunities that exist for their property, summer and winter. Properties close to the village centre, or with easy access to the slopes, are particularly in demand. Also, Megève’s close proximity to Geneva airport makes it a favourite with French and international chalet property buyers. 139