What to do in Samoens?

The perfect place to spend your holidays in the Alps

Winter or summer, this picturesque village in the Haute-Savoie region offers both rewarding and exciting activities. Stay in one of the best luxury rentals in Samoens to ensure your stay goes smoothly.

Adrenaline

A lot of fun with Ecolorado

Tame the rapids of the Giffre with the Ecolorado team. The team has set up a base near Samoens so that you can try your favourite white water activity. During this activity, you will live a unique experience in rafting, hydrospeed, airboat or canoe. A route full of surprises awaits you from Sixt to reach Samoens via the Gorges des Tines. It is also possible to book a weekend in the heart of nature to recharge your batteries.

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Adrenaline

Caving trip

Thanks to the presence of the Jean-Bernard cave (the second deepest in the world), potholing is one of the main activities in Samoens. It can be practised from an early age in the company of a professional guide, or in a small group during a week of activities. You can come with your family to discover the wonders of the rich Alpine underground. Natural slides, underground rivers, galleries, handrails, etc. await you.

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Adrenaline

Snowmobile tour in the Grand Massif

Embark on a snowmobile tour in the heart of the Grand Massif ski area. Exceptional routes await you between slopes and forests. Sensations and pleasure for the eyes will undoubtedly be on the agenda. It is also the opportunity to discover the wild and steep landscapes of the neighbouring resorts such as Les Carroz, Flaine and Morillon. Follow the guide during a walk of about 1 hour to do this.

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Adrenaline

Ice climbing

The most beautiful places to go glacier climbing are undoubtedly in the French Alps. And you will certainly not miss the chance to get some height during your stay in Samoens thanks to the various dedicated sites around the resort. Whether you are looking for an introduction to the practice or to perfect your technique, take advantage of the magical scenery and optimal conditions offered by the Giffre valley in winter to indulge in this unique sport. In the company of a professional instructor, glacier climbing is totally safe.

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Foodies

Le Vin sur Vin

Samoens is full of good places to relax. However, Vin sur Vin is probably one of the best wine bars in the area. If you're looking forward to discovering what it has to offer, expect a selection of delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but also a cuisine that mainly features Italian specialities. Of course, the Alpine Botanical Garden of the Jaÿsinia, visible from the window, is also a highlight.

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Foodies

Les Tartines de Martine

This tavern in the heart of Samoens is best known for the sense of creativity and seasonality that is reflected in its cuisine. An example to salivate over? The restaurant's menu includes traditional dishes such as tartiflette, quiche lorraine or savoyarde, onion tart, but also the "soupe bucheronne". Sandwiches for snacks, cheese for dessert and a selection of drinks to accompany it all. This is what awaits you at Les Tartines de Martine.

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Foodies

The Grenier Savoyard

Le Grenier Savoyard invites you to discover the local gastronomy through its selection of local products. On the Grande Rue side, its shop in Samoens offers you the best cheeses of the Alps (Abondance, Beaufort, Comte, raclette, Reblochon...), but also charcuterie and terrines. When you need a break between activities, you can drop in to stock up on good products.

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Foodies

La Table de Fifine

What would a mountain holiday be without its culinary specialities to comfort you after a long day on the slopes? In a magnificent Septimontain chalet on the Petit Chemin de La Cour in Samoens, La Table de Fifine offers you a gourmet and modern cuisine that honours fresh and seasonal products. Are you a lover of passionately prepared dishes or a fan of quality wines? You will surely find what you are looking for in this high altitude restaurant.

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Foodies

The Kern, ideal for apres-ski

An initiative of the SeptiKopains, this restaurant is ideal for aperitifs and unforgettable evenings in Samoens. Located on the Lac aux Dames road, it welcomes you in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for fun moments with friends. Located at the foot of the Grand Massif Express, it is also easily accessible for everyone. Le Kern also serves snacks for the more modest appetite.

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Fun for kids

Indiana Ventures leisure centre

The Lac aux Dames leisure centre offers a great alternative for those who want to have fun away from the ski slopes. A stay during the summer period will allow you to have fun with your family in a setting favourable to outdoor activities. In Samoens, this park has 4 main attractions: paintball, Disc Golf, Laser Game and adventure courses of different levels in the middle of nature.

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Fun for kids

Lounging at the Blue Lake of Morillon

A very nice itinerary for a walk around Samoens, the route leading to the blue lake of Morillon (resort 8 minutes from the village centre) will certainly reward you with a big bowl of fresh air. If you are visiting with your children in the summer, you can also enjoy a swim between forests and mountains. Easily accessible, this site will delight young and old alike, who can also enjoy games and sports at the nearby leisure centre.

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Fun for kids

Family fun at the Lac aux Dames

Far from the hustle and bustle of the village centre, come and discover a playful area offering several activities suitable for everyone, at the Lac aux Dames leisure centre. On the same site, you will have at your disposal sports fields, an adventure course, an open-air swimming pool, but also a picnic area. 10 hectares of space are available for you to enjoy a relaxing moment with your family or friends. You can also take advantage of this to go paragliding or do other original activities.

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Fun for kids

The ZigZag ski school

Professional instructors will listen to your wishes and needs so that you can enjoy your stay in the mountains to the full. Located in the heart of the Grand Massif ski area, the ZigZag ski school offers you an introduction to a variety of disciplines. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or even handiskiing, enjoy a unique experience with your family in the company of a specialised team. Lessons can be organised individually or in groups (limited numbers).

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Fun for kids

Guided snowshoeing for the whole family

The Haut-Giffre valley offers spectacular landscapes to its visitors. To meet them in the heart of the mountains and to conquer the highest peaks, why not opt for a snowshoe walk? For a safe walk, choose to be accompanied by a guide. With him or her at your side, you can explore the most remote corners of the mountain on routes that are accessible even to children. Whether you start from Verchaix, in the heart of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, from the centre of Samoens or towards the Bostan refuge.

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Learn something new

The Alpine Botanical Garden "La Jaÿsinia"

Visible on the southern mountain slope overlooking the village, La Jaÿsinia is one of the most beautiful alpine botanical gardens in France. It is a space extending over 3.7 hectares and opens its doors in summer for a life-size visit. A true haven of peace, this exceptional site brings together 2500 species from all over the world. They are represented by 4,800 plants that you will discover during a guided tour. The Jaÿsinia is also of historical interest for the region since the garden also houses the ruins of the Tornalta castle.

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Learn something new

Clos Parchet Ecomuseum

Listed on the supplementary inventory of historical monuments, this old farm dating from the 19th century is well worth a visit. A guided and animated visit in the heart of this vestige allows you to discover the universe and the traditions linked to the old trades specific to the upper Giffre valley. You will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the tasting session to treat your taste buds to various regional products.

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Learn something new

The natural reserve Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

A vast territory where nature dominates, a wide diversity of flora and a veritable eden for fauna... This is what awaits you at the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve. To discover this immense wealth, go to the neighbouring village of Sixt-Fer-A-Cheval (only 6 km from Samoens). Then, discover the impressive setting so typical of the Giffre massif. Here, 800 plant species (including 28 species of orchids) and various trees and shrubs grow, making the 9,000 hectares a perfect home for ibexes and ptarmigan, as well as golden eagles. The nature reserve also serves as a starting point for several hiking trails.

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Learn something new

Visit to the heart of the historic town

With its rich historical and architectural heritage, the village of Samoens has so much to offer. The Gros Tilleul and its old covered market, the Grenette and its fountain, the Montagnier castle and its ruins, etc., prepare to take a leap back in time, while retracing the history of this authentic Haute-Savoie village.

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Learn something new

Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Church

This former collegiate church, which was completed in 1555, is exceptional for several reasons. Listed as a historical monument in 1987, it is of great interest to visitors who are eager to learn more. The architecture of the building bears witness to the unique skills of the stonemasons who have been an integral part of the village's development over the years. The attention paid to each stage of its construction (and especially to the decorative elements) shows the ambition of the former masons of Samoens.

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Lifestyle

The Nant d'Ant waterfall

Just 25 minutes from the Giffre bridge, this fifty metre high waterfall is a real treasure of the Haute-Savoie. Easily accessible from its small 698 m altitude, this pretty waterfall offers a beautiful glimpse of the region's rich natural heritage. Why not take advantage of it to have a well-deserved break before continuing your exploration to the Plateau des Saix or the Lac de Gers? Be careful, however, as the path is steep and slippery.

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Lifestyle

Walk around the lake of Gers

The Gers lake, this green setting, lends itself very well to family walks during the summer period. Located between Samoens and Flaine, this remarkable site offers an easy ascent for the greatest pleasure of all hikers. Part of the trail faces Mont-Buet and the Cathedral. You will probably not miss the panoramic views during your walk.

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Lifestyle

The Pointe d’Angolon

Go to the Joux Plane pass (between Morzine and Samoens) to try a beautiful loop in the Chablais massif. This will allow you to really soak up the atmosphere of the region and be rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view when you arrive at an altitude of 2090 m. Ideal when the sun is shining, this route will take you to an exceptional place. Allow around 2 hours for the ascent and 1.5 hours for the descent.

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Lifestyle

"La Bourgeoise" hiking

Choosing the winter season to walk in the heart of Samoens means discovering uncluttered and incredible landscapes. If you are looking for an accessible walk to enjoy the breathtaking setting of the resort, why not opt for the "La Bourgeoise" route? Accessible even to the less athletic, it rewards you with magnificent views and scenery as you hike from the Col de Joux Plane.

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Lifestyle

Discovery of the Rouget waterfall

It is not for nothing that it is called the "Queen of the Alps". The Rouget waterfall is indeed a place bathed in a mysterious and inspiring atmosphere, where discovery is guaranteed. Its forest edges, slopes, rocks and viewpoints offer a breathtaking spectacle. What's more, this little Samoan treasure retains all its charm and authenticity in winter. Access is by foot or snowshoes during this season, but the walk is worthwhile at any time of the year.

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What to do in Samoens during winter?

A winter holiday in the Alps is the perfect opportunity to discover a wide range of winter sports. The quality of the slopes in Samoëns makes it an ideal destination for trying out different winter sports, whatever your level. In the heart of the Haute-Savoie and facing the Mont-Blanc, you can enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing. You will also have access to the entire Grand Massif thanks to the ski lifts that connect the resort of Samoëns with those of Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon or Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.

If you want to discover the wide open spaces covered in snow in Samoëns, why not try ski touring? This activity will allow you to reach the more remote areas of the village. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the mountains and incredible panoramas. The more adventurous will even dare to discover the wild sides of the Mont-Blanc massif, notably from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi in the Chamonix resort (about an hour's drive from Samoëns). This area is ideal for off-piste skiing.

In good weather, Samoëns is also a paradise for original activities. These include snowshoeing, which brings you closer to nature, and dog sledding, which takes you on a high mountain adventure.

If you want to go even further off the beaten track during your stay in Samoëns, you can try activities such as mountain paragliding, which offers a first flight over the magnificent landscape of Haute-Savoie.

The resort of Samoëns also caters for the disabled. From the Grand Massif Express, they can discover the Grand Massif area with the Samoëns Handi-glisse association. Kart skiing, uniskiing, dual skiing, sledging, skating, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Are you looking for other activities to do during your stay in Samoëns? Ask the Emerald Stay team for advice. We're also here to help you find the perfect holiday accommodation to make you feel at home. Whether you are looking for an exceptional apartment or chalet in Samoens, you can choose from a range of luxury rentals.

What to do in Samoens during summer?

A summer holiday in the French Alps is all about enjoying the cool mountain climate and the exceptional setting in the middle of nature. If you choose the ski resort of Samoëns in particular, you will have the added advantage of discovering a multitude of activities that are both rewarding and relaxing. Think for example of the cultural visits which are excellent to discover the various emblematic places of the village.

Samoëns is best known for being a "village of stone cutters" and is a real open-air exhibition. On the façade of a house, across the "Year 2000" fountain, at the bend in an alley in the historic centre of Samoëns..., the old town is home to unique works which are truly worth a visit.

On the other hand, summer is an opportune time to discover the botanical garden " la Jaÿsinia " which is located in the centre of Samoëns. This garden, which dates back to 1906, is home to 2500 species and 4800 mountain plants which are always a real treat for the eyes. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to admire the ruins of the Tornalta castle.

Of course, you can also get away from your apartment or luxury chalet in Samoens by choosing mountain activities. Once again, the ski resort offers a vast playground of activities that are a change of scenery. Mountaineering in the Haut-Giffre massif, climbing or via ferrata in the Tines gorge, or paragliding flights around the Giffre valley, caving at the Jean-Bernard chasm, white water sports on the Giffre river... Many discoveries await you in Samoëns during your summer mountain holidays.

For more information on a particular activity, contact the Emerald Stay travel agents. With their support, you can also select an exceptional apartment or chalet in Samoens to be closer to your favourite activities.