Property in St Martin de Belleville
St Martin de Belleville is a ski resort that offers an alpine lifestyle and above-average rental returns for buyers of chalets and apartments. The summer season is well-established here, meaning a much longer rental season than in some of the other purpose-built French ski resorts.
The real estate market in St Martin de Belleville is divided into three unique zones: Saint Martin Centre, Villarabout, and Les Grangeraies.
Saint Martin Centre is the most desirable and central location in St Martin de Belleville. This area is situated in the heart of the village and provides easy access to all amenities, including shops, restaurants, and bars, on foot. The Saint Martin 1 gondola is also located here, giving skiers quick and easy access to the extensive 3 Valleys ski area.
Villarabout, located approximately 1km from the village centre, is particularly popular with families seeking a peaceful and traditional setting. This area boasts some of the most stunning views in the region, with a focus on north-facing views that capture the very best of the French Alps.
Another notable area is Les Grangeraies. This zone is known for its good selection of chalets and apartments for sale, including sought-after new-build residences. Properties here benefit from excellent south-facing views and are conveniently situated close to the lift system, providing easy access to the extensive skiing terrain of the 3 Valleys in winter and direct access to the many hiking trails in summer.
There are tax incentives on offer to buyers of new-build property that allow you to reclaim up to 20% of the VAT on the purchase price. St Martin de Belleville offers a wide variety of properties for sale, including apartments starting from around EUR 300,000 to large, luxury detached new-build chalets that can cost EUR 2m+ depending on the size and location.
However, development in St Martin is carefully controlled, and any new-build property must comply with strict local planning rules designed to protect the historic look and charm of the village. The most coveted properties tend to be new-build chalets situated beside the piste and just above the historic centre of the village. More adventurous buyers have been known to buy old barns and chalets in the centre, but renovation costs can be high!
Winter in St Martin de Belleville
Le Trois Vallees is widely recognized as the world’s largest ski region with over 600kms of piste all now fully connected via a fast and modern lift system.
The area offers something for every skier, regardless of skill level or terrain preference. You won't have to travel far from the village centre to find the perfect skiing experience, whether your heart is set on steep couloirs, untracked off-piste, tree-lined blue runs, or even tobogganing.
The resort has recently invested in new lift infrastructure, including the Saint-Martin 1, which has increased lift capacity by 30%. The local slopes in St Martin de Belleville are mostly wide and long, with many tree-lined blue and red runs, making it a great destination for family-friendly skiing. As you venture further into the 3 Valleys, the skiing becomes more extreme, and advanced skiers come from all over the French Alps to tackle the steep couloirs and off-piste above the world-famous resorts of Meribel and Courchevel.
Away from the slopes, St Martin de Belleville offers an array of winter activities, including guided snowshoe walks, cross-country skiing, and sledging. The village also boasts wellness facilities and a cultural centre, providing plenty of opportunities for relaxation and cultural enrichment.
Dining in St Martin de Belleville is a treat, with a selection of cosy mountain restaurants serving traditional Savoyard cuisine and international dishes. La Bouitte is a family-run establishment known for its gourmet offerings and welcoming atmosphere, while Le Montagnard is the perfect spot for those seeking a more rustic dining experience with stunning views.
The après-ski scene in St Martin de Belleville is equally inviting, though more subdued than in larger resorts. Le Corbeleys is a great place for a post-ski drink amidst the tranquillity of the mountains, while Piano Bar Le Billig offers live music and a warm, friendly atmosphere for evening entertainment.
Summer in St Martin de Belleville
St Martin de Belleville is a working French village and, as such, never really shuts down. The resort is home to a local population of around 3,000 residents which ensures you can always find a bakery or shop even in the ‘shoulder seasons’ of May or October.
The main summer season runs during the school holidays in July and August when you will find the resort busy with locals, tourists and second homeowners alike enjoying the spectacular hiking trails, mountain biking routes and warm alpine summers.
As with any good dual-season resort, there are 200km of walking paths and 120km of mountain bike trails crossing varying terrains, all while amongst beautiful scenery.
If you are looking for something to get the adrenaline going you will also find paintballing, canyoning, white water rafting and zip lines.
Families and seasoned explorers alike can set off on their own to discover the hidden gems of St Martin de Belleville and its environs. For those looking for a bit of excitement, the nearby rivers provide the perfect setting for paddleboarding and fishing, offering a cool respite on warm summer days. To get the adrenaline going you will also find paintballing, canyoning, white water rafting and zip lines.
Golfers will be pleased to find beautiful alpine golf courses in the vicinity, where the challenge of the game is matched only by the beauty of the surrounding mountainscapes.
Exploring beyond St Martin de Belleville, visitors can embark on day trips to explore the Belleville Valley, the thermal spa town of Brides-les-Bains, and the serene Lac de la Rosière. The local culinary scene invites guests to savour authentic Savoie fare, fresh produce, and excellent French wines in the village's cosy restaurants and cafes, all set against the charming backdrop of a traditional alpine village.
