Nestled in the heart of the Velserine valley, you will find the pretty resort village of Lélex. Inhabited since the Gallo-Roman period, the village has a history of cheese production and gem mining, but it was the opening of the first chairlift in the village shortly before the second world war that put Lélex on the map as a tourist destination.
As part of the Lélex-Crozet ski area, the flagship site of the Monts Jura ski resort, the village is at its busiest in winter as skiers and snowboarders flock to the area to enjoy access to the resort’s 29km of downhill skiing. In summer, Lélex takes on a quieter, more relaxed pace, but is still popular with tourists, who visit to enjoy the local flora and fauna in one of the largest nature reserves in France.
If you are considering buying a property in Lélex, you will find a selection of accommodation types available including modern apartments, traditional chalets and quaint cottages. Read on for our property investment guide for the Lélex area.
Living in Lélex
With around 250 permanent residents, Lélex benefits from being home to a small year-round community who are joined by a steady stream of tourists throughout the whole year. The village, although compact, is home to a number of hotels and guest houses, a holiday park, a church and a school. Lovers of good food will find that Lélex offers a number of restaurants with choices for all tastes and budgets including classic French fare at Hotel Du Centre, local delicacies at Le Dahu, and quality pub meals at L’Etabi.
For shopping trips, residents do not have to travel far to stock up on essentials or visit boutiques and chain stores as the Centre Commercial Val Thoiry mall is located just under six miles away. While for gourmet treats, crafts, homewares, and more, a popular street market is held every Saturday morning at Ferney-Voltaire, around 8.5 miles away. The market hosts a range of stalls including seafood, regional specialities, and international cuisine.
Things To Do in Lélex
Lélex is the ideal choice of destination for those who are seeking an active lifestyle. The winter season runs from late December to early April, and during this time activities in Lélex revolve around snow sports and mountain life. Whether you ski or snowboard, you will find plenty to keep you occupied with 26 slopes accessible from 17 lifts, including two gondolas. During this time an ice rink is also available in the village.
As the weather becomes warmer outdoor pursuits remain popular, and hiking, fishing, tennis, and mountain biking all become the activities of choice during the summer. Electric bikes are available to hire for those who prefer a less strenuous method of exploring the local area, and the resort’s Gondolas and lifts also run on selected days, providing visitors with a scenic and effortless trip to the top of Monts Jura.
A number of cultural and sporting events take place in Lélex throughout the year, including a cross country skiing and snowshoeing race in March, Bastille Day celebrations in July, and the Feast of Dahu celebrations in August. Lélex is also perfectly positioned to visit world-class events in the surrounding area such as the Musilac pop and rock festival in Aix-les-Bains, the Cremieu Medieval Festival in Cremieu, and the International Animated Film Festival in Annecy.
Snow and Weather Report for Lélex
In winter, Lélex enjoys reliable snowfall with the highest average snowfall of 32cm typically occurring on the first week of February. To ensure that there is a high quality of snow upon the slopes, the resort also has 143 snow guns. For up to the minute news on slope conditions, including the latest snow report for Lélex, check out our Lélex resort guide here.
Summers in Lélex are pleasantly warm, with an average high of 25.8 degrees Celsius in July, providing excellent conditions for exploring the area by foot or by bicycle, and making the resort an ideal choice at any time of the year.
Transport to Lélex
Conveniently located with no less than 11 airports within a three-hour drive, getting to Lelex is easy. The closest airport is Geneva, which is under one hour drive away in good weather. Depending on the time of year, there is a selection of transfer options available from the airport including taxis, car hire, buses, and both shared and private transfers.
With its unique combination of off the beaten track charm and easy accessibility from a number of airports, Lélex offers buyers the best of both worlds. As the Jura mountains are seeing a rise in popularity, increased investment is making buying property in the area more and more attractive both for investors and those seeking a home or holiday property in the area.
Jan 02, 2024
