Seasonnaires “park up“ for the winter
Seasonal accommodation is a subject that poses problems in every resort throughout the Alps, whether it be high rental prices or lack of availability, many seasonnaires are now forced to look for an alternative to the traditional 20m2 apartment shared with 5 mates!
One option that is becoming more and more popular is spending the season in a camper van or caravan. “As long as you have an electric point and access to toilets – all's good!” said one such seasonnaire who has chosen to live in his van for the second winter in Chamonix. “It's sometimes hard when it is very cold……but it's a good way to save money that would normally be spent on rent”.
This year in Chamonix, the Mairie has restricted all seasonnaires choosing to live in vans to a designated area in the Grépon car park, near the base of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Marie-Jo Couttet, Head of Social Affaires in the town, explained that this way “it is easier to keep an eye on them” as the social services are no longer required to check on living conditions. Instead the head of the parking does regular visits to see that everyone is OK and the police also pass through from time to time.
The difficulty in finding sufficient, reasonably priced accommodation has been addressed somewhat this year, with the opening of a new housing complex in Chamonix Les Praz specifically targeted at seasonal workers. The complex comprises 37 equipped studio apartments, 21 rooms and a communal kitchen spread between two adjacent buildings and they are available to rent for €290 - €384 per month. Sounds like a great option if you're here for the season on a budget…..and haven't got a van!
For further seasonal rental options try Planet Subzero
