How to reach the tourist office?
From 15/06 to 15/10.
This village was once inhabited all year round. We can find on many farms stone lintels, testimonies of the presence of "Kegnes and Frahans" (masons and stonemasons). Its chapel (1684) is dedicated to Saint François de Sales.
Difficulty: fairly easy
Start: Place du Gros Tilleul in Samoëns
From the Place du Gros Tilleul (planted in 1438) pass between the church and the Town Hall, turn right behind the Ecuries du Chateau, then left. Continue along the path that once led to the Tornalta Castle (destroyed by the Valaisans in 1476, the ruins can still be seen at the top of the Jaÿsinia Botanical Garden) which runs along the outer wall of the Botanical Garden, then passes in front of the imposing Simon farm. (direction Chantemerle).
After crossing the road, take the magnificent shaded path, bordered by dry stone walls, which leads, passing above the hamlet of La Grangiat, to the village of Combes. (On leaving the village notice the oratory erected in 1754).
Continue along the wide stony path which is the old access road to Chantemerle.
Cross the village and follow the direction of La Rosière.
A path, then a narrow road lead to the hamlet of Chosalets. Shortly before it, turn right in the direction of “Samoëns via the Forêt des Suets” and follow the path which rises through the meadows.
At the edge of the forest, take a skidding path to the right which climbs up to the ruins of a chalet.
The path descends fairly quickly to the village of Chantemerle and crosses a path at a place called "La pierre du dînna" (in other words the stone of dinner). Follow this path to the left which runs through the very beautiful and game-rich forest of the Suets.
The path enters a reforestation area and offers splendid views of the Vallon plain, the Pointe de Sales and the Mont Blanc range. He will take you back to the hamlet of La Grangiat.
At the Croix des Pleignes, you can return to Samoëns via Levy (straight ahead) or else by the path taken on the outward journey (oblique to the left).
Itinerary for guidance only.
This magnificent village used to be lived in all year round. It had its own primary school downhill from the chapel.
In the heart of historical Samoens, the old market and the "Large Lime Tree" evoke days gone by, while still remaining a lively meeting place at the very centre of local life.
