Samoens
Samoëns is the only winter and summer sports resort in France to be listed as a 'Historic Monument'. It is an ideal holiday destination if you enjoy walking, mountain biking or a range of other summer sports but its special character makes it equally popular with visitors looking for the charm of a friendly village. Once a thriving stone-cutting centre, the medieval village still retains an ancient church, medieval fountains and a variety of quaint old buildings.
Despite growth on the outskirts of Samoëns, the many excellent traditional-style bars and restaurants, its cobbled streets and its shops still give the village a feel of 'real' rural France. Don't miss market day on Wednesdays in the church square!
There is so much to do in Samoëns and the surrounding areas, with the rivers Giffre, Dranse, and Arve for fun in the water and chairlifts/gondolas allowing access to the highest points for mountain walks. The 18-hole golf courses at Les Carroz and Les Gets boast fantastic views and uncrowded fairways.
The Giffre and nearby Fer à Cheval (with its beautiful waterfalls) provide the backdrop for endless itineraries that can be enjoyed by walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Most activities can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and both will enjoy the Indiana Adventure Park.
Slightly further down the Giffre Valley from Morillon (4 minutes away) and just before Sixt Fer a Cheval, Samoëns is only a 20-minute drive from the motorway exit near the TGV train station of Cluses and only 55km from Geneva.
If you'd like to know more about this fantastic summer resort, read our 5 reasons to spend summer in Samoëns blog or our client's blog about her August family alpine holiday to Samoëns!
Interested in buying an apartment in Samoëns? See our Buying in the Alps section
Top summer activities to experience in Samoens
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Market in Samoëns
The village welcomes one of the biggest market of Haute-Savoie. Every Wednesday morning from 7am to 1pm.
Indiana Parc
Forest assault course: the biggest forest adventure assault course in the region, 'for ages 2 to 102! Experience hours of escapist adventures and overcome obstacles. Footbridges, ladders, zip-lines (Tyroleans). Be an adventurer and experience a forest environment in complete safety.
Little train
Let the Septitrain take you on a trip round Samoëns at a gentle pace on an unusual and friendly guided tour. Guaranteed departure with at least 15 people. There are two tours, one lasting 20 mins or the full tour of 45 mins (10km). Both tours start in the town centre from either the main square or from behind the Tourist Office.
Mountain biking
400km of trails, 28 tracks typical Freeride and Single Track and a legendary pass: welcome to the paradise of lovers of two-wheelers in the Alps. With family or friends, alone or accompanied by a guide, everyone will find the path that suits them, in the heart of the mountains of the Alps, in a preserved environment. Browse the circus of Sixt Fer à Cheval, hit the slopes from Samoëns 1600 or climb the Joux Plane pass. Off-road bikers will be delighted. Indeed, there are courses for all levels. A very easy mountain bike circuit, to be done as a family. It offers a peaceful walk in the vast plain of Vallon then a discovery of the ancient village…
Grand Massif walks
Thanks to the opening of the mountain lifts this summer, you can go walking with your family and discover some breathtaking panoramic views. Looking for ideas for easy walks in constantly-changing scenery? Leaving Samoëns behind, you can get a wonderful view of Mont-Blanc from the Tête des Saix. From there, head for La Combe de Gers with its lake and restaurant, then return to Samoëns or Sixt Fer-à-Cheval.
Water Activities
The Giffre river flows around and through Samoëns, offering a range of rafting options. Descend the river on inflatable 8-place rafts with the family. Adventure seekers battle the rapids on canoe-rafts, which are unsinkable dual-place rafts for those 12 years and over. Those in search of a solo descent enjoy the independence of “airboating” in an inflatable single-place canoe. Hydrospeed is a fantastic addition to the world of white water sports. You float down a river on your own with the help of a bodyboard, in and amongst the rapids, so the feeling is totally different! For a fresh, adventure-filled outing, you can combine rock climbing, caving and hiking in one single sport - canyoning! With the help of an expert guide you’ll jump, slide, swim and abseil down a natural canyon, filled with waterfalls and fun. Have you always wanted to try water skiing? On a private lake not far from the village, you can try slalom water skiing amongst experts.
Leisure centre and lake
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 baths, walks between the two lakes, go fishing, or go for a run. At the heart of the site is a large play area for children, as well as sports fields (soccer, basketball) for teenagers. Swimming in the lake is permitted in July and August. Free entry.
Tennis (rental), adventure course, open-air swimming pool (slide, 3 pools), paragliding, boules pitch. It's also the starting point for short family hikes. There are also two bars and restaurants. Picnic areas, toilets and free parking.
Via Ferrata
The Via Ferrata is an activity that lies somewhere between walking and rock climbing; there are horizontal and vertical assents. The routes are equipped with cables and metal ladders which make the route a little easier, although it can remain demanding.
Swimming pool
Open-air swimming pool in the exceptional surroundings of the leisure centre, with a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains around Samoëns. A sports pool, and a beginners' pool, each measuring 25 x 12.5m, a paddling pool covering 50 sq.m and a 60m slide! 6,000 sq.m of lawns, plus an area for ball games (volleyball, football, tennis) where your children are free to play. Open every day in summer.
Canyoning
Come and refresh in a path dug by nature. A hint of adventure, sensations and fun to travel during the activity.
Rock climbing with ZigZag
Lessons - top quality English speaking rock climbing lessons for children adults and groups of all abilities, led by fully certified instructors and guides. 6 years +.
Via Ferrata
Between hiking and climbing, you will progress along an equipped and safe route and enjoy the great sensations of climbing in an amazing environment dozens of metres above the ground.
Helicopter flights
25 years of flying experience at your service. Take off for a maiden flight full of thrills around the Giffre Valley. Magnificent views to be seen with Mont-Blanc Hélicoptère during an unforgettable flight! Fly over magnificent panoramas, and enjoy a bird's eye view of some incredible locations.
Tennis
Tennis Club Samoëns - court hire and tennis lessons. Open July and August. 5 outdoor and 3 beach tennis courts available. The only mountain club to offer Beach Tennis courts, the Tennis Club de Samoëns gives you the chance to try out this new sport in a fun way! Rackets are included in the hire of the beach tennis court.
Pony riding
Pony rides for children aged 1 to 10 around the leisure park of Lac aux Dames. Various routes are available.
Family quad outings
Exclusive to Samoëns! See the Valley from the banks of the Giffre on a quad bike.
Paddle boarding
Stand up paddling is a nautical sport where the practitioner stands on a board longer than a traditional surfboard, propelling himself with a paddle.
Paragliding
Experience Samoens from an entirely new angle, secured safely in tandem with your own professional parapent pilot! No experience required. Rest assured, there’s no jumping from a cliff involved, it simply entails running down a gently sloping alpine pasture until your feet are no longer touching the ground. The experience is entirely relaxing, while utterly stimulating.
Golf practise on water
Start on 12 mats, 6 of which are covered, 9 targets marked with a flag on the lake, 35 to 140m far from each other. Two baskets for approach on grass 15m. Compact Green synthetic 9 holes. Bucket of 25 balls.
The Jaysinia Botanical Garden
Arranged as “Outstanding Garden of France”, the Alpine Botanical Garden Jaÿsinia, with its 2400 species of plants, offers a poetic walk through the alpine flora and plants of the mountains. Designed by landscape gardener Jules Allemand, the garden winds through 3km of paths and on its 3.7 hectares that offers a panorama of mountain plants from all over the world. You end your journey with a journey into the past and discover the chapel of the Jaÿsinia, which dates from the 17th century and the castle of Tornalta that has stood on top of the hill since the 12th century and that the ruins offer breathtaking view of the village and the Giffre valley. Free entry, open every day in summer.
Cinema
2 sessions a day. Additional shows may be scheduled in bad weather. The cinema is equipped with digital sound and images and 3D films are also shown.
Samoens restaurants and bars
There is a good selection (around 20) of restaurants and bars in Samoens in the summer months which include creperies, fast food, pizzerias, mountain restaurants and gastronomic restaurants.
Cash points, doctors, 2 pharmacies, post office, physiotherapists, bakeries, butchers, mini-markets…
Supermarkets in Samoens
Carrefour (large supermarket on road between Samoens and Verchaix), Sherpa local convenience store, Petit Casino.
Market in Samoëns
The village is welcoming one of the biggest markets of Haute-Savoie. Every Wednesday morning from 7am to 1pm.
Getting to Samoens, France
By road
Driving distance from Calais is approx. 895km (540 miles) (approx. 8hrs). From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) exit Cluses Scionzier. Follow signs to Samoens. It takes approximately 20 minutes from the motorway exit to Samoëns.
By rail & air
The nearest train station for Samoens is Cluses, 25km away.
4 international airports are nearby. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Samoens is roughly 67km, approximately 1hr
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Samoens is roughly 117km, approximately 1hr 30 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Samoens is roughly 204km, approximately 2hr
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Samoens is roughly 204km, approximately 2hr
Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
News and Events 2024
News:
Samoëns Market - Wednesdays, 7am - 1pm
Morillon Market - Sundays, 9am - 12.30pm
Verchaix Market - Fridays, 7am - 1pm
Sixt Market - Mondays, 3pm - 7pm
Events:
- Vélo Vert Festival: 31st May-2nd June 2024 recognized as the world’s largest MTB test centre. It will also offer a rich and specific sports programme for all profiles of riders (pros, amateurs and families). In a friendly, festive atmosphere, the event offers an XXL outdoor show open to all, tests of the bikes and accessories of your dreams, and sporting and family events. The show is your chance to buy and discover equipment, and to meet cycling professionals and your favourite brands! With over 20,000m2 of exhibition space and 300 brands on show.
- La Cyclo du Coeur: 7th June 2024 - Les Cyclos du Coeur is a touring category road cycling event in Belgium, and RTL's star presenter Jean-Michel Zecca is taking up the challenge this year to climb the Col de Joux Plane. He will be accompanied by 400 cyclists.
- American Festival: 27th June-30th June 2024 - a fantastic weekend of American favourites - line dancing, Harley Davidsons, hamburgers and much more!
- F'Estival les Pépites: 7th July-25th August 2024 - eight live music concerts throughout July and August.
