Châtel: how tourism shapes the property market
In Châtel, it’s something we instinctively know: property and tourism go hand in hand. The latest issue of Espaces magazine (No. 390, May–June 2026), dedicated to mountain tourism in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, puts figures to this intuition and offers a clear-eyed look at what lies ahead.
CHÂTEL: A BALANCED APPROACH
CHÂTEL: A BALANCED APPROACH
The authors from Crédit Agricole des Savoie and MMV cite Châtel and the Abondance Valley as destinations that are already achieving a more balanced spread of visitor numbers throughout the year. They highlight free public transport, energy efficiency and plans for year-round business tourism, all developed “without losing the village’s soul”. The result: a 30% increase in summer visitor numbers in 2025.
=> For property owners, this is a strong signal. A property that attracts guests in both summer and winter is easier to rent out, better maintained and more likely to retain its value.
A RESORT AT 1,200 METRES MUST EMBRACE FOUR-SEASON TOURISM
The Tourism and Desirable Futures Observatory (G2A Consulting) notes that holidaymakers are increasingly turning to resorts located above 1,500 metres. To put this into perspective, these resorts recorded a 7% increase in overnight stays between 2022 and 2023.
At the same time, summer tourism is gaining momentum: 14% of French people are now considering a mountain holiday in summer, up from 9% previously.
=> The mountains are becoming a “continent of experiences”. In Châtel, diversifying our tourism offering is our greatest asset.
THE 2034 DEADLINE: THE KEY ISSUE FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
This is the most important issue facing our property market. According to Sylvain Charlot, Mountain Tourism Delegate at Atout France, furnished rental properties in co-owned buildings account for more than 85% of resort accommodation. Three-quarters are energy-inefficient properties (EPC ratings E, F or G), which will no longer be eligible for rental from 1 January 2034 under the Le Meur law.
He estimates the potential impact at a 29% drop in overnight stays in winter and a 15% drop in summer. His warning is clear: “Inaction leads to economic collapse, well before the impacts of climate change.”
In other words, an unrenovated apartment will lose more than just comfort. It could lose its eligibility for rental, and therefore part of its value.
SMART RENOVATION DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN MAJOR WORKS
A BALANCE WORTH PRESERVING
Across Savoie and Haute-Savoie, only 42% of homes are main residences. Providing housing for local residents and seasonal workers is becoming a major challenge.
One encouraging finding is that 68% of second-home owners want their properties to remain available to local residents outside the main tourist season. In Châtel, this coexistence is part of our identity.
=> Our belief at BO Immobilier is that buying, selling or investing in Châtel today means looking ahead to 2034. It is essential to consider the EPC rating, renovation potential and the property’s ability to be used all year round.
---"Are you a property owner wondering how much your property is worth or which improvements you should plan for? Let’s talk."
By Marine Borasci – Marketing Director, BO Immobilier
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Sources: Espaces magazine, No. 390, “Mountain Tourism”, May–June 2026
- L. Gruffat, J. Salvi, R. Fonteneau, “The success of Savoie tourism in the face of multiple challenges”, pp. 48–51
- D. Maurer et al. (G2A Consulting), “The major challenges facing mountain tourism”, pp. 8–14
- S. Charlot (Atout France), “Resort renovation: property is the priority”, pp. 32–38
- S. Ronin (Scaro Consulting), “Renovating the property stock”, pp. 40–45