Switzerland

Villars

The charming resort of Villars sits upon a sunny, south-facing plateau above the Rhone Valley. Just a 90-minute drive from Geneva makes Villars easy to visit all year round by car, train, or bus. Originally a farming town, Villars now offers a good selection of shops, restaurants, and activities to suit all ages. In the winter, Villars boasts 125km of pistes suitable for any level of skiing or snowboarding.

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More About Villars

The tasteful town of Villars has an excellent choice of shops and sophisticated restaurants thanks to recent years of development. However, the quaint mountain railway and the picturesque main street have allowed it to retain much of its original charm.

Villars is the home of 125km of pistes connecting to Glacier 3000 above the neighbouring resort of Les Diablerets. The lift system was upgraded so there are no queues and further investment in a new system of snow cannons ensures that you can ski back to the centre of the resort right up until the end of the season. The area is mostly suited to intermediate skiers with everything from cruising blues to more challenging reds, and for experts, there is some great off-piste skiing.

In the summer months, visitors can hop on the cog railway up to Lac Bretaye at 1800m, popular for its hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding trails. For those looking for a more leisurely activity, Villars also has a fabulous golf course with stunning views of the Aguille du Midi and Mont Blanc. You can also catch a number of events throughout the summer, including music concerts, Swiss National Day Celebrations, and the IFCS World Cup Climbing Championships, concluding that Villars has something for everyone.

Getting to Villars, Switzerland

Set on a south-facing terrace in the Vaud Alps, Villars is a serene yet accessible alpine resort offering year-round charm and straightforward access by air, road, and rail.

By Air
Geneva International Airport is the most convenient option for international visitors, located approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away by car. Zurich Airport is another alternative, with a transfer time of around 2 hours 45 minutes. Both airports offer a wide range of international connections and private transfer options.

By Road
Villars is easily reached via the A9 motorway, followed by a well-maintained mountain road leading up from the valley town of Bex.

  • Geneva – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Lausanne – approx. 1 hour
  • Zurich – approx. 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Montreux – approx. 45 minutes

By Train
Villars is served by its own mountain railway, with connections via Bex and Aigle. Travellers can take a mainline train to Bex, then connect to the cogwheel train that ascends directly to Villars, offering a scenic and comfortable journey.

Villars FAQs

Villars offers a rare blend of refined alpine charm and strong year-round appeal for those looking for a second home or an investment property. Located on a sunny plateau in the Swiss Vaud Alps, the resort boasts stunning panoramic views across the Rhône Valley to Mont Blanc, a prestigious international school, and access to extensive ski terrain. Its property market remains stable and sought-after, making it a smart long-term investment for discerning buyers seeking both lifestyle and value.

Yes, Villars is ideal for a second home or alpine escape. With a welcoming atmosphere, excellent ski infrastructure, and a range of cultural and wellness activities, it appeals to families, couples, and retirees alike. The resort also enjoys good accessibility from Geneva, making weekend getaways or longer seasonal stays highly convenient.

Yes, foreign nationals can purchase property in Villars, although certain limitations apply. Non-residents can typically buy a holiday home in designated tourist zones like Villars, provided the property meets the criteria under Swiss federal law. It is important to note that permanent residency is not automatically granted with property ownership.

Restrictions do exist for non-residents under the Swiss Lex Koller law, which governs foreign property ownership. We provide full support with all property purchases to ensure a smooth and efficient purchase process. Speak to us to find out more.

The process begins with a reservation agreement, followed by the drafting of a sales contract by a notary – we offer full support for all purchases. The notary submits the sale to the local land registry, and upon completion, the deed is transferred and the balance of the purchase price is due. The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 months.

Yes, all property transactions in Switzerland must be carried out through a notary. The notary acts as an impartial legal representative of the state, ensuring that the transaction is valid, transparent, and compliant with Swiss law. This is something we will be able to offer full support with to ensure a smooth and enjoyable purchase process.

Yes, property owners in Villars are subject to several annual costs, including local property taxes, cantonal wealth tax, and communal charges such as refuse collection or snow clearing. Additionally, apartment owners may have to contribute to building maintenance or service charges. We can assist you in estimating these based on your chosen property.

Yes, Switzerland levies a wealth tax on worldwide assets, including property. It is assessed at the cantonal level, with rates varying between regions. In the canton of Vaud (where Villars is located), both residents and non-residents may be subject to this tax on their Swiss property. Speak to us to find out more about bespoke tax planning.

Yes, capital gains tax is levied on the profit realised upon the sale of property. The amount depends on how long you have owned the property and the gain achieved. In Vaud, a higher tax rate applies if the property is sold within the first five years, which reduces the longer it is held.

Yes, many property owners choose to rent their chalet or apartment when not in residence. Short-term and seasonal rentals are popular due to the resort’s year-round appeal. Our sister company, Mrs Miggins, offers complete property management and luxury rental services to maximise your returns and handle guest logistics seamlessly.

Villars is very much a year-round destination. While it is famed for winter sports, it also offers a vibrant summer season with hiking, golf, mountain biking, and wellness retreats. The presence of year-round residents, international schools, and amenities makes it perfectly suited for both permanent living and seasonal escapes.

Villars offers an elegant yet relaxed alpine lifestyle. Residents enjoy top-tier ski facilities, spa and wellness centres, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping. Cultural events, traditional festivals, and scenic tranquillity attract a discerning international community who value understated luxury and natural beauty.

Luxury properties in Villars are typically close to ski lifts, gourmet restaurants, spa facilities, boutique shops, and fitness centres. The resort is also home to the renowned Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, one of the world’s most prestigious private schools. Wellness centres, golf courses, and scenic hiking trails round out the offering.

Yes, Villars is home to the prestigious international boarding school, Collège Alpin Beau Soleil, which attracts families from across the globe. English-speaking doctors, legal advisors, and property specialists are also available, providing comfort and convenience for expatriates and foreign investors.

Villars is conveniently located just under two hours by car from Geneva International Airport. It is also accessible via train, with connections from Geneva to Bex, and then a scenic mountain train to Villars. The resort’s accessibility makes it ideal for weekend escapes or regular commuting.

Villars sits at an altitude of approximately 1,250 metres, offering excellent snow conditions in winter and mild, sunny summers. The climate is alpine with distinct seasons, making it ideal for skiing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

Villars offers a unique balance of luxury, accessibility, and discretion. Unlike some of the more commercialised resorts, Villars maintains an authentic alpine character while still providing first-class amenities. Its international school, stable property market, and dual-season appeal make it especially attractive to investors looking for a long-term alpine base.

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