Summer is Samoëns means a holiday in a small town full of old chalets and flower-decked balcones or in the renovated wooden farmhouses in the nearby hamlets. It means a whole range of leisure activities.
Samoëns stretches over slopes at altitudes of between 700 and 2,500 metres in the heart of the Upper Giffre Valley to the north-east of Haute-Savoie. It lies midway between Chamonix and Geneva, at the foot of Mount Criou and only a short distance from the glacial cwm known as the "Horseshoe" (Fer à Cheval), the final outcrop of limestone Alps before the granite peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. This is soft mountain scenery and is particularly restful and relaxing.
Now a summer and winter resort (it is part of the Grand Massif ski domain) with all the infrastructures that holidaymakers expect, it is proud of the fact that it has achieved all this without losing its traditional architecture and its cultural heritage.
How about coming to Samoëns outside the school holiday periods. There are fewer people, cheaper prices, in fact everything that the Tourist Office and service providers in the viillage can do to make you feel really at home and well catered for throughout the year!
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Book onlineThis alpine chapel was built in the 17th century by a local resident. It was a cause of conflict between the inhabitants of the village and the monks.
The Saint-Théodule chapel in the hamlet of Vigny in Samoëns was built by the village councilors in 1675.
A guided tour in our Botanical Garden. In French only.
Intrigued by the traditions and history of the Giffre valley? Christophe Guffond is leading a conference on the archaeology and peasantry of the Vallée du Giffre.
A memorable celebration of local tradition and culture. Celebrate 30 years with the Prazon folk group from Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: dance, music and the sound of alphorns.
To begin the operation, honor at the Col de Joux Plane on July 21. Then will come the Col de la Joux Verte, the Col du Corbier, Grand Taillet, the Col de l'Encrenaz, the climb to Mont Chéry, the climb to Graydon, to finish with the Col de l...
The Giffre is an outstanding mountain river. It crosses Samoëns and allows all water-related activities.
Experience Nordic and local activities with the whole family, free of charge, in a friendly and festive atmosphere at the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval!
On the occasion of the 2023 European Heritage Days, the Friends of the Clos Parchet Ecomuseum Farm invite you to discover the legendary tales of the valley.
Synchronize your breathing with the rhythm of your steps for a regenerative walk. A relaxing and almost meditative experience.
If you follow its course from Samoëns to the hamlet of Les Fontaines, the Bézière reveals the secrets of a busy life in which water was skilfully used to provide power, without wasting a drop.
The Septimontains (inhabitants of Samoëns) have their own little train: the septitrain! An original and authentic way to discover the village.
Captivating atmosphere for this wildlife hike under the sign of observation. You are supervised by mountain professionals who will guide you in these privileged places. Watch for marmots or chamois.
The leisure centre is built around its two lakes, a short distance from the centre of the village, in country surroundings. It covers about 10 hectares. In summer, it is an ideal spot for relaxing with your family or friends. You can go for...
Let's discover an old 19th-century farmhouse in the heart of nature, on the slopes of the Giffre mountains. Here you'll discover the traditional life of yesteryear.
Located in the centre of historic Samoëns, the old covered market and the Large Lime Tree serve as reminders of an age-old past but are still used as convivial meeting-places. In fact, they are a major part of local life. A example of livin...
This chapel was built in 1636 by Joseph de Gex, Baron de Saint-Christophe, Lord of Vallon, and the local councilors.
In cycling circles, the Joux-Plane pass is reputed as being one of the six most challenging passes in the French mountains, along with the Galibier, Izoard, Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and Tourmalet ascents.
Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with the market on the Place du Gros Tilleul, entertainment, the shopkeepers' tombola and Santa's parade through the centre of Samoëns.
Samoens used to be world famous for its stone masons, who exported their know-how to building sites all over the world.
This botanical garden classified as a remarkable garden was created in 1906 by Marie-Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ, founder of La Samaritaine. It is scientifically managed by the National Museum of Natural History.
The safest way to a successful holiday in Samoëns. Located near the centre of the village, beside a vast free car park, the artificial winter ice rink, the Tourist Office is open to visitors all year round.
Guides are essential if you want to discover the riches of the mountains in complete safety, and they will be in the spotlight for a day packed with events and festivities.
Join Frederica Tamarozzi, curator in charge of the Europe Department at the Musée d'Ethnographie in Geneva, as she talks about Georges Amoudruz, nicknamed the "father of Swiss caving".
Discover the traditional life on the slopes of Giffre mountains. Discover an old farm of the 19th century located in nature. Live a sensory experience, expressions of the everyday-life of that time.
For 4 days, Samoëns will be living in American time, with country dancing (workshops and a ball), concerts, shows, a market, a far-west village, civilian and military vehicle gatherings and a sports centre.
The Chantemerle Chapel in Samoëns was built in 1684. It was placed under the protection of Saint-François de Sales. This popular saint in Savoy is often invoked as a multi-talented thaumaturge.
The Etelley Chapel in Samoëns was built in 1818. It owes its name to an old noble family of the place "de Lestelley" and its denomination to a brotherhood of the Holy Spirit.
Completed in 1555, the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assumption in Samoëns is an architectural testimony of the work of the famous stonecutters of the village.
This is the most recent of the nine chapels in the hamlets of Samoëns. The Allamand Chapel was built by the residents of the hamlet with the same name in the 19th century.