Escape with us and discover one of the most incredible areas in the French Alps. Samoens with all it's tradition and culture, is located in the Vallée du Giffre, only 1 hours drive from Geneva International Airport. Samoens is a French Alps resort with a difference, soaked in tradition and beautiful stone buildings as its architecture, this village is a dream. The Daily Telegraph describes it perfectly in the
article on SamoensGetting here
is simple, whether you are driving, flying or taking trains. There are many low cost flights from all over Europe, making this a very attractive destination for your summer or ski holidays. Once you get here you begin to relax and ease into the wonderful pace of life, breathing the fresh mountain air and appreciating the charm of the village and its people.
The village carries the designation of a "ville fleurie" distinguishing it as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is also the only winter sports resort to be classified by the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques, as it dates from the middle ages.
Where exactly is Samoens?
The village of Samoëns is located in the Vallée du Giffre in the Rhone Alps region, part of the Haute Savoie department. The village itself is at 700m, although its gondola takes you to 1600m to the ski slopes.
At the heart of the village
The heart of the village remains the lively meeting place of local life and is known by the locals as the Gros Tilleul, deriving its name from the "Large Lime Tree" which symbolises the town of Samoens. This tree was planted in 1438 to celebrate a ruling handed down by Duke Amadeus VIII of Savoy, stating that the inhabitants of Samoens owned the Frétérolle, Chardonnière, Vigny and Cuidex alpine meadows in the neighbouring Manche valley. The "Gros Tilleul" is quite remarkable for its age and its size. This famous landmark has been immortalised by numerous local authors, poets and musicians through the ages.
The Botanical gardens
Well worth a visit is The Botanical Garden and house, The Cognacq-Jay Foundation. The garden was created in 1906, sculpted into an area of 3.5 hectares overlooking the village. There you will find the Ruins of the Tornalta castle (12th century), the chapel (18th century) together with 8,000 plants from the mountains of the world - all amongst rocky outcrops and waterfalls.
Enjoy a traditional French Market
Wednesdays are market days in Samoens, where the entire area opposite the Tourist Office turns into a wonderful array of fresh produce to ceramics. A great place to spend a few hours with locals, shopping for French cheeses, local sausage and fresh vegetables and fruit.
The Giffre River
The Giffre is a typical mountain river that flows through Samoens and is ideal for all types of water sports and activities. For white water rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed, there's no better spot. But the Giffre does not stop there; it feeds into the two lakes in the leisure park, a vast, tranquil place where you can fish for trout, try out the golf pratice tee over water or discover the challenging aerial assault course.
The Cascade du Rouget
Also known as the "Queen of the Alps", the Cascade du Rouget is the most impressive of the waterfalls around Sixt. The two sections form a total height of over eighty metres. It can be reached very easily by car, as it is just 6 kms from the village, beyond the Salvagny hamlet (season: spring, summer, autumn). In winter, the road is closed beyond Salvagny, so access is only possible on foot or on snowshoes. Footpath, 1 hour for the round trip. Altitude: 1,000 m.
Taste and discover the wines and liquors of the Savoy region...
Every week, Jean-Claude Bellbarbe invites you to taste the "Pères Chartreux" liquors, including the famous green chartreuse and his extensive range of fruit and Genepy liquors. You will also have an opportunity to discuss local wine-growing, the methods used and the selection of vine varieties. The ideal opportunity to talk about wine with someone who really cares.
Chapels galore
There are no less than nine chapels in and around Samoëns, not counting the many shrines and other cultural buildings visible in a landscape dotted with hamlets. Most of them were built in the 17th century. In Mathonex, the chapel looks down over the village like a lighthouse warning sailors of the dangers of the coastline but the original building was much closer to the centre of the village. Its "relocation" became a necessity after a landslide. Visit the chapels with a guided tour, information from the tourist office.
Understanding the people and culture
Samoens is part of the Haute-Savoie region, and many residents of the Haute-Savoie take pride in the culture and lifestyle that can be described as "typiquement Savoyard" (typical Savoyard, a variation of the word Savoie). Not only do many people believe it is one of the most beautiful parts of France, but there is also the cheese and other special dishes to dote on.
Taking a chance to talk to the local people about the ways this area is different than the rest of France is sure to be enlightening and would greatly enrich the travel experience.
Photos taken 12 December 2008 of snow in Samoens village
Samoens is part of the Grand Massif ski area
Samoens
forms part of the larger five village area called the Grand Massif which includes Flaine, Les Carroz, Sixt and Morillon.It is a popular summer destination, as well as the site of a great ski resort which is linked to the expansive Grand Massif ski domain. The
Grand Massif
has 265km of piste, for all abilities of skiing and snowboarding alike. There are so many slopes to choose from that you never have to ski the same piste in one day!
Snowboarders
love the JamParks, where they can practice their snowboarding tricks and perfect their snowboarding moves. If you enjoy a picnic in the snow, overlooking the incredible Mont Blanc, then the top of Flaine is the place for you. Your ski holiday will be one to remember with many wonderful and special memories.
Samoens is a Child Friendly Resort
Labelled as a ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ resort it is also an ideal family destination in summer and winter. The village is a great family ski resort, offering many activities for families and children in both summer and winter, the way of life is very relaxed and takes you back to the carefree days of your childhood. There are good child care facilities and an excellent
Creche
in the village and a ski garden at the top of the ski lift for children to learn to ski with the local ski school. There are many ski schools and also very good private ski instructors to help your children, or yourselves, to perfect those moves on the slopes.
Summer Holidays in Samoens
In summer
you can enjoy incredible hikes, walking, swimming, paragliding, mountain biking, road biking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, via ferata...to name just a few. Take the time to explore and discover, or simply to breathe the wonderful mountain air whilst lazing in the warm sunshine.
Children can go horse riding or pony trekking through the mountains to some of the local mountain refuges or spend a day at the
Indianaventures
park pretending to be Tarzan.
Day Trips
Day trips include heading to Chamonix and the incredible trip up the Aguille du Midi to view Mont Blanc at it's best or drive to the nearby French town of Annecy to experience a wonderful Sunday market or water skiing on Lake Annecy.
"Delight in the beauty that surrounds you" unknown
