Blog > Découverte de Samoëns l’hiver > Between terroir and discovery, Samoëns welcomes the contemplative in search of escape
In the heart of Samoëns, the historic centre shares its heritage and its almost thousand-year-old reputation with you during the guided tours given by our heritage guides. Between the church square, the big lime tree and the market hall, the old town and the current town centre are one of the riches of Samoëns’ heritage to discover. They are the witnesses of a past rich in history and anecdotes, between the Frahans (name given to the stone cutters), from the region and its 8 old limestone quarries, who impregnated the village with their punch, and the old farms, witnesses of the peasant activity of past centuries. The guided heritage tours are an opportunity to discover the old village, a real open book.
Contact and booking Samoëns Tourist Office
+ 33 (0)4 50 34 40 28 – infos@samoens.com
Visits every Tuesday morning at 10am in season. On request out of season (minimum 5 people).
The farms of Septimont welcome you throughout the year to help you discover the heritage of the Giffre valley. The producers of cow or goat cheese open their doors to you and show you around their farms on guided tours. Lovers of local products will find all the authenticity of the valley and its local products for the greatest pleasure of the taste buds. The visits to the farm, accessible by car, are an opportunity to discover the tommes, tommettes, croestins and mountain cheeses of our local producers and to enjoy a well-deserved break after a walk in the surroundings.
Family farm, production and sale of fresh farmhouse cheeses made from the milk of our cows.
Open every day from 5.45pm to 7pm. Closed on Sundays.
Possibility of attending the milking of the cows according to the availability of the owners.
95 Chemin du Bré – Chez Renand
Tel : +33 (0)6 08 47 92 38
Family farm, production and sale.
Open every day.
Visits to the farm by reservation
1431, Route de Col du Joux Plane La Combe Emeru
Tel : +33 (0)6 79 88 07 21
Family farm, production and sale.
Every Tuesday and Friday from 10am to 11am during the winter season only
Visits to the farm on reservation
976, Route de la Turche de Vercland
06 62 48 81 67
Discovering the old chapels of Samoëns is like going back in time and travelling through centuries of Alpine history and local know-how. The chapels are one of the many traces of the religious heritage that is very present in the region. In spite of the magnificence of these places, the history of the chapels of Samoëns has not been easy, like that of Bérouze, the oldest, built in 1468 on the Col de Couz and destroyed and rebuilt many times. The circuit of the 9 chapels, through all the hamlets, allows you to glimpse many other cultural and religious buildings which adorn the Haut-Savoyard landscape of the region. The Jaÿsinia chapel, located in the garden of the same name, will allow you to discover the garden initiated by Marie-Louise Cognacq Jaÿ.
Infos :
Download the flyer: Route of the chapels
Accessible hikes in the valley
Although the Giffre valley and its surrounding mountains are full of demanding hikes, there are also more accessible routes that will give you a change of scene. To help you discover the region and its relaxing spots, we have selected a few one to two hour hikes without too much of a difference in altitude to enjoy the joys of the mountains.
The circuit “Le Bérouze – Verchaix – Morillon” is an itinerary that can be practiced all year round, starting from the place du Bérouze (west entrance of the village), in the heart of Samoëns. It takes you to the village of Verchaix before returning to Samoëns. It lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes, but is still accessible to all as it only follows roads and good paths. On the way, you will discover a succession of panoramas on the valley.
Hiking time: 3h30
Difference in height: 110 metres
Nature of the paths : Roads and good paths
This loop of about 1h15 allows you to discover the Rutines mountain pasture by walking along paths and small roads in front of a grandiose landscape. Starting from La Rosière, the itinerary has a difference in altitude of 206 metres, in the heart of the alpine pasture opening onto the Mont-Blanc chain and the imposing alpine chalet of Les Rutines.
Hiking time: 1h15 minutes
Difference in height : 206 meters
Nature of the paths : Paths and small roads (sometimes muddy)
The village of Vallon is a great place to walk, beautiful and particularly well maintained by its inhabitants, the Cavoêrus, it is divided into two parts, Vallon d’en Bas and Vallon d’en Haut. The route is on roads and paths.
Walking time: 1h30
Difference in height: 17 metres
Nature of the paths : Roads and paths
Put on your snowshoes and enjoy the first snowfall in the valley in front of a breathtaking panorama of the snowy mountains of the Giffre Mountains. Without too much technique or equipment needed (a pair of snowshoes, good shoes and a good coat are enough), snowshoeing allows you to walk everywhere despite the snowfall. For a beautiful and rejuvenating walk, we advise you to follow the more than 100 kilometres of trails on 17 marked and secure routes.
Info :
Snowshoe hire available in the village
Details of routes for all levels
Come and relax on the edge of the Lacs aux Dames in front of the majestic and restful landscape of the Giffre valley. Away from the noise and cars of the city, this large space of relaxation and leisure offers you an enchanted interlude close to the village of Samoëns. With a large car park, it is easy to access, including for people with reduced mobility. What to enjoy a beautiful sunny day.
More information :
Open all year round
Free entrance
Amongst all the wellness activities, the institutes of Samoëns welcome you to experience a real moment of well-being and relaxation in expert hands. The numerous institutes offer all kinds of massages (Indian, Hawaiian, Californian/Swedish, Ayurvedic, Thai, etc.) to suit all needs and desires. You can also discover the warmth of the bubbling baths, hammams, saunas, or Nordic baths to prolong this moment of disconnection.
Info :
Spas and massages in the centre of Samoëns
Prices and booking according to the spas and institutes
Since the mountains are synonymous with relaxation, Samoëns offers you the opportunity to discover new activities that are both relaxing and accessible. Take advantage of a moment just for you, favouring relaxation and well-being, by practising the Afghan walk or the Nordic walk. Promoting cardiovascular activity, these activities can be practised on all terrains and all year round, even when the first snowflakes have fallen, to offer you a moment of relaxation in harmony with nature.
Info :
Well-being walks offered by the guides’ office
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12
Yoga enthusiasts will love Samoëns! In winter as well as in summer, the professionals of the resort offer you this relaxing and accessible activity. Although the formula differs, the aim remains the same: to combine an inspiring setting with the benefits of this gentle and relaxing activity. Between yoga hikes, Hatha yoga, or yoga, you are sure to find something to recharge your batteries according to your desires. Pure well-being in a magnificent setting!
Info :
Various guides offer yoga according to your desires
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Tel : + 33 (0)4 50 34 40 28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
Open every day from 9am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm