Just minutes from the Swiss border and surrounded by open pastures and dense woodland, Châtel is often described as the French village with a Swiss feel. It is arguably the most attractive of the Haute Savoie villages with traditional wooden ski chalets rubbing shoulders with working farms.

The resort has a good variety of shops, activities and restaurants to keep all ages and tastes catered for. Within a short stroll of the apartment there is Le Renard Restaurant, Vertical Horizons sports hire shop, and all-important bakery.

In the centre of the village itself there are a good choice of supermarkets, banks and shops selling local produce and sports equipment. In addition there are over 15 restaurants; the choice ranging from the traditional Haute Savoie fare at the Vieux Four (highly recommended) to La Galettiere crepery. 

The bar scene is lively with a variety of French, Dutch and English bars. The British owned pub ‘Le Tunnel’ is well worth visiting for live music nights and a cracking atmosphere.

For the younger - or more energetic - there is an ice rink, 10 pin bowling, 2 cinemas, bungee trampolining, under ice diving and night skiing.