Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is a little known resort in the Espace Diamant Ski Area, shared with 4 other village resorts: Crest-Voland/Cohennoz, Flumet, Praz-sur-Arly, and Les Saisies/Hauteluce. Let’s take a look at why you should seriously consider buying in or near this pretty village.

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe in the Summer.

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is considered to be one of the most picturesque ski village in France and the village is dominated by its’ centrepiece, the pretty Baroque church which is in a commanding position at the entrance to the main street. The village and the local inhabitants are also considered to be very warm and welcoming to visitors and they are proud of their well kept traditional heritage, architecture and Alpine charm that the village is keen to maintain. Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is the treasure of the Val d’Arly region and is near the Mont-Blanc area, nestled between the Aravis and Beaufortain mountain ranges.

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe allows one to experience the “best of both worlds” as it is honestly, a quiet and relatively small resort with chalets and chalet style apartments spread over the surrounding mountain sides but it is only 20 minutes to Megève by car, a larger resort with a more cosmopolitan feel to it, pretty cobbled pedestrianised streets and quality restaurants and shops. Lake Annecy if pretty much on the doorstep at just over an hour away by car for a change of scenery and a stroll around the lake.

From Notre-Dame-de-Belleville itself there is a gluttony of mountain hiking and walking for all abilities, often with beautiful views of Mont Blanc on a nice sunny day. Mountain biking is another popular sport here, especially as the 65km Espace Diamant XC Tour runs between Crest-Voland, Notre-Dame de Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly and Flumet villages and you can pick up the trail from anywhere using either the lift system of shuttle buses that are fitted with specialist equipment to travel with your bike. The region is also famous for its freeriding especially the popular 19km trail called la Dév’Albertville which  starts from the Bisanne summit in Les Saisies which is 2000m high and finishes in Albertville which is 300m above sea level.

The Tour de France passes nearby and there are more than 600km of routes marked out in the region. You can buy or rent a microchip from the Tourist Office and do timed trials on the main passes and routes that this popular sport follows. Golf is another popular sport in this region, there are 3 golf courses in the surrounding region including the Mont d’Arbois course in Megève which is only a short drive away. There is also a driving range with instructors nearby.

This is a classic resort that has so much to offer that the list is endless, including Via Ferrata, climbing, canyoning, rafting, quad biking, paragliding and a nearby Adventure Park involving a treetop network of ropes. If the weather is inclement then the leisure centre at nearby Les Saisies includes a swimming pool, a wellness centre with a sauna, hot tub and hydro jets, a climbing wall, squash courts and a fitness room. Also here there is a 10 pin bowling, a restaurant and a bar/lounge where there is a big screen for many sporting events.

For such a small village Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe has a lot to offer to all age groups and those with varying personal needs from thrill seekers to hikers. It is truly a village resort that has everything and should definitely be considered as a key resort to buy a property in if you are after a peaceful environment with much to offer directly on the doorstep.

Notre-Dame-de-Belleville in the Winter.

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe has much to offer in the winter months as well, especially as it is part of the Espace Diamant ski area which offers 185km of downhill skiing in the combined resorts of Praz sur Arly, Flumet, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Crest-Voland Cohennoz, Hauteluce and Les Saisies. Notre-Dame-de-Bellcombe itself, as a stand alone resort, has 30 pisted ski runs as well as a snow board park. The slopes here are largely intermediate with only 2 black runs within the resort, however the Espace Diamant ski area offers a wider breadth to suit all abilities. Also, with lifts as high as 2070m, the skiing is generally very reliable. There are also 8 kms of cross country ski trails.

An additional bonus of Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is that is also enjoys close proximity and easy access to the skiing in neighbouring Megève. The Megève ski area is one part of 3 ski areas that make up the Evasion Mont Blanc giving access to Mont d’Arbois, Rochebrune, St. Gervais, Les Contamines and finally, Combloux and Les Giettaz. In total there are 445 km of ski pistes and trails and 79 ski lifts. Combined with the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass which includes the Chamonix valley, Megève’s ski area is truly extensive and offers skiing below and above the tree line.

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is therefore a very attractive option to either buy or rent in, as the combined ski areas of Espace Diamant and Evasion Mont Blanc are very extensive and the property prices are greatly reduced compared to its’ sister resort Megève.

In terms of other winter activities in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, there are plenty of snow shoe walks to keep you entertained, as well as dog sledding for something a little bit different. There are also 2 dedicated sledging slopes, an activity enjoyed by all ages, in Le Planay and Les Biolles. The village is unique in that it also offer ski joëring, which is basically friendly ponies pulling children on sledges behind them. Finally, the village has its own outdoor skating rink which is surprisingly cheap!

New Ski Property For Sale in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.

As we have already mentioned above, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is an attractive option for a buyer, especially considering the popularity of Megève and lack of property available in this neighbouring resort. Property prices in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe are lower per square metre and the resort is much quieter and very traditional. If you are considering a property purchase in this area then we are pleased to introduce to you Les Chalets Kiora, which is due for completion in 2025.

Les Chalets Kiora in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is a stunning newbuild project, directly on the slopes, in a wonderful ski in/ski out location. There are 110, 1-4 bedroom apartments in 4 buildings, as well as 1, 5 bedroom chalet.

There are 33 apartments ranging from 1-4 bedrooms that are accessible in the “classic” residence and benefit from the VAT recovery regime. The other 77 accommodations are intended for tourist accommodation and will be managed by CGH Residences and Spas, specialists in the management of 4-star tourist residences in the French Alps. The development includes a spa area with an internal and external swimming pool, salt grotto, sauna, solarium and treatment rooms, which will be an extra charge for access to those not in the tourist accommodation. The apartments come with a ski locker, cellar, parking and either a balcony or a terrace. Some of the apartments also have additional bunk bedrooms, please enquire for individual floor plans and pricing. The project is built over 7 floors with the entrance on the 4th floor of the buildings. Les Chalets Kiora is due for completion in December 2025 and is subject to the VAT recovery programme. A number of the properties are also disabled friendly.