Hiking in Samoëns, enjoy a unique moment in the heart of the Haute-Savoie mountains

During the summer season, take advantage of the numerous hikes available around Samoëns. Let yourself be carried away by the majestic mountainous landscapes that surround this small Haut-Savoyard village. For half a day, a day, or even several days with a night in a refuge or in a bivouac, you will find the most beautiful family and sports hikes in the Giffre valley.

HIKING IN SAMOËNS

Hiking routes with family and friends

To get away from the urban frenzy and get a feel for the village of Samoëns, there is nothing better than to equip yourself with good walking shoes and set off to conquer the surrounding paths. Accessible directly from the town centre, from the hamlets or from the numerous mountain car parks, the mid-mountain hikes are an opportunity to discover the Haut-Giffre valley from a completely different angle. Whether you are alone, with family or friends, it is a good activity to do for half a day or the whole day before going back down to enjoy Samoëns and its relaxing areas.

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Ski lifts, hiking on the heights of Samoëns

Although the Giffre valley and its surrounding mountains offer demanding hikes, other more accessible routes will win you over. You will discover all the beauty of the valley along the water or in altitude on wide and passable paths. In order to vary the routes, go to the heights of Samoëns, by taking the ski lifts of the Grand Massif resort, where wide paths will lead you between the historic hamlets of Samoëns to help you discover the richness of this Haute-Savoie valley.

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Hiking with refuge, touching the most beautiful alpine peaks over several days

The more adventurous and hiking enthusiasts will also find something to suit them. Samoëns is full of some of the most beautiful summits in Haute-Savoie. With a view of the Swiss massifs, Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges chain and the Haut-Giffre massif, going hiking in the heart of the Haut-Giffre is the perfect opportunity to discover the mountains in their best light and to observe chamois and marmots in the sunlight. For those who enjoy a warm evening, the refuges welcome you during the summer period with full or half board. They are also an ideal stopover during the course of the trip to eat and recharge your batteries before setting off again on the most beautiful Haut-Savoyard trails.

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the mythical place for hiking in the Haut-Giffre

Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful valleys in Haute-Savoie, Samoëns and the surrounding villages are the perfect starting point for your next hike in the valley. The Haut-Giffre mountains include some remarkable sites and many breathtaking itineraries. The Cirque Fer-à-Cheval is no exception to the rule and this setting, which is as unforgettable as it is accessible, plunges you into the heart of a relatively flat valley with walls rising to more than 2,500 metres in altitude. Whether you go for half a day, a day or several days, you can enjoy this unique place, which is well known. In spring, the melting snow and the countless waterfalls add a special touch and offer an unforgettable spectacle.

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Guided walks

To accompany you on your next mountain hike and to set off to conquer the Alpine peaks in complete safety, Samoëns’ professional guides (state-qualified) are available throughout the year. These mountain professionals, who know the region inside out, are also there to add to the hike with anecdotes and explanations about the mountains, fauna and flora around you. Going to the mountains with a guide is also the certainty of combining safety and discovery in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the region. The little extra for a successful day in the mountains, the guides are also there to choose the appropriate hike according to your desires, your level and the weather conditions.

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The Giffre mountains in brief :

650 kilometres of marked trails
A rich and wild natural heritage
From family hikes to sports hikes
A nature reserve at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
A Natura 2000 site on the Loëx plateau

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Foire aux questions

Which routes are feasible over several days with mountain huts?
You can discover the GR5 – Alps, a mythical long-distance hiking trail which makes Samoëns the village of one of its 40 stages. Between the view of the Mont-Blanc during the route and the richness of the alpine biodiversity, it offers you a moment of escape out of the ordinary. The second famous itinerary of the region takes you around the Haut-Giffre massif and is completed in several short stages. This itinerary, with its mountain huts, allows you to discover all the facets of this Alpine jewel: the valley, the forest, the mountain pastures, the altitude paths, the lakes…
Where can you go to enjoy a remarkable panorama and still be able to park your car?
There are many places where you can enjoy a beautiful view while being easily accessible. You can, for example, go to the Joux Plane pass on the heights of Samoëns, the starting point for many hikes of varying difficulty. After enjoying the view of the whole Haut-Giffre massif, it will be time to relax by the lake before returning to the historic town of Samoëns. In the heart of the valley, other remarkable places offer you the privilege of combining the view and the simplicity of access from the town centre, such as Samoëns 1600, overlooking the village, and its ski lift located next to the Bois aux Dames lakes.
Which routes to choose for a family hike, accessible to all?
A nice idea for a route is the walk from the Lacs aux Dames to the Lac Bleu. This walk is ideal for families. It takes you along the banks of the Giffre between Samoëns and Morillon on a wide forest path. Finally, to take advantage of the exceptional panoramas of the Alps, and thanks to the opening of the ski lifts in the summer, you can go to Samoëns 1600 from where numerous paths and tracks will lead you to the heights of Samoëns, a walk which offers you a magnificent view of Mont Blanc.
Where can I find information on hiking in the region?
All useful information can be found at the Samoens Tourist Office. Many guides are available to advise you on the many choices available to you. The following documents are available at the Office:

MapGuide

For hikers of all levels.

Lists the marked trails in the area and offers 55 guided walks.

On sale – 6 euros – in the tourist offices of the area and at the chalet of the Grand Site operation at the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.

Topo-guide

32 routes and descriptions of family walks.

Very easy to fairly easy level, low gradient, maximum 3h30 round trip.

Ideal for discovering the unsuspected facets of the territory, in terms of landscape, fauna, flora and heritage.

On sale – 3 euros – in the tourist offices.

Presentation leaflet “Au Fil du Giffre

The accompanying map provides information on distances and possible stops along the 29-kilometre route. It also indicates the professionals who offer bike hire.

Free of charge – available from tourist offices.

IGN map Samoëns Haut Giffre 3530 ET

A very precise hiking map where you will find all the details of the terrain, the representation of the relief by contour lines and of course the marked trails.

On sale – 13.40 euros – in tourist offices and shops.

Is it possible to bivouac in the heart of the Haut-Giffre?
For your itinerant hikes, you can bivouac in the heart of the massif but this must be done in compliance with the regulations in force. You can, everywhere in France, pitch a tent for the night on condition that you put it up after 7pm and fold it up at sunrise, thus avoiding any unauthorised camping, which is formally prohibited in the mountains. However, do not hesitate to find out more about local exceptions. In Natura 2000 areas, for example, bivouacking is not permitted.
Is it possible to get to the trailheads by shuttle bus?
A shuttle service will take you to the sites that are popular with our hikers, such as the Praz de Lys-Sumand plateau, the Col de Joux plane, the Cirque du fer à cheval, the Rouget waterfall, the lakes of Samoëns and Morillon and the Lignon car park.

Paying service – Map and timetable here

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FIND US AND CONTACT US EASILY!

Samoëns Tourist Office

66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS

Tél. : +(33) 04.50.34.40.28

Mail : infos@samoens.com

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm