Set against the iconic backdrop of the stunning Isere River and valley, Le Pleynet is part of the Seven Lords (7 Laux) ski area along with Pipay and Prapoutel, situated in the Belledonne mountain range of the Dauphine Alps surrounding Grenoble. With a programme of events that includes competitions, modest nightlife and a hospitable atmosphere, Le Pleynet is full of Eastern (French) promise!
A barely inhabited village, there is just a handful of people living in Le Pleynet, although this fluctuates throughout the ski season.
Like many French Alpine locales, the village of Le Pleynet within Iseres exudes a warmth that is commonly identified by the Danish as Hygge. There is not a French equivalent word, but the translation evokes a feeling: think picturesque idyllic, authentic chalets riven with snow scenes, and tranquil forests with trees laden with snow and you are somewhere near to Le Pleynet. Its warm hospitality makes it a perfect destination for families with children and skiers wishing to relax after a hard day on the slopes.
Living in Le Pleynet and Things To Do
Aside from the obvious skiing within the area, Isere is a stunning location that boasts an array of trails and hiking paths, some of which are well-hidden gems. Relax and take in the refreshing scenery, go walking in the woods or visit nearby Isere River in the north of the Rhone region. There is a handful of cafes and bars here, but it is a tranquil area that offers a relaxed après ski.
There are some pretty high elevations of 1,350 and 2,400, and the main pastime is the winter sports. Le Pleynet overlooks the Breda valley and offers geometric joy with its surroundings of chiselled peaks of the Belle Etoile and the Cabottes soaring into view. Roughly an hour to the west is Prapoutel, which offers everything from cinema to disco and has a youthful vibe. The highest skiing slopes can be found at nearby Pipay, which is close to nature with its well-preserved village featuring beautiful views over the Grésivaudan Valley below.
The stunning area of 7 Laux offers something different, which appeals to young skiers: a snow park! This is ever evolving to keep up with the indomitable rise of the skiing and snowboarding industry and explains the emergence of a hip, young scene. Offering three different areas for you to try out, there's something for everyone. Pick from Ice-racing: try racing your friends on a purpose-built race course emulating cross track ski slopes; The Wolves Run: attempt some stunts at this rail park which features a mix of rails; or The Pro Park: this one is not for the fainthearted and is popular with pro riders wishing to get some practice in. Pleynet itself boasts the majority of the cross country skiing within the area with 8km dedicated to just that.
As well as a fabulous wellness centre with spa, the summer activities on offer in Le Pleynet include paragliding, archery and biking, meaning it is a calm and quiet place to spend the summer and transforms into a busy, fun-filled resort during the winter months.
Investment Opportunities in Le Pleynet
Le Pleynet is one of the most up and coming areas to invest in France. However, it's still very affordable, making investment property in Le Pleynet a good choice for the discerning skier. For its 120km of slopes, there are 22 lifts operating and one gondola, with frequent regeneration and investment to the area. It's comparably cheap and it is constantly being regenerated to appeal to the young and dynamic demographic in Grenoble.
Over recent years approximately 90% of the 7 Laux ski lifts have been modernised and a project has undertaken to remap the ski runs. Les 7 Laux offers a variety of childcare options throughout the winter, giving parents the opportunity to relax and focus on skiing.
Ever striving to stay up to date with the latest trends, Le Pleynet is one to watch, as the ski park brings high volumes of pro skiers wishing to train throughout the whole ski season, which runs for about 100-110 days per year. With elevations between 1,350 and 2,400m, Le Pleynet also benefits from excellent snow in the winter season, and milder weather in the summer. If you would like up-to-date snow and weather reports for Le Pleynet, take a look at our resort guide here.
Transport to Le Pleynet
Situated around an hour away from Grenoble, Le Pleynet is mostly accessed by car, since carrying heavy equipment via public transport can be arduous. However, the nearest train station is Grenoble about 30km away, while Prapoutel, famous for its nightlife, is around an hour's drive.
Jan 02, 2024
