Samoens and the Area

Samoens in the Northern French Alps, sits between Morzine and Chamonix, just 1 hour from Geneva.  This spectacular and beautiful area is protected and hence hasn’t been spoilt by tourism. Samoens has been awarded a ‘Coq d’Or’ for being one of the prettiest villages in France and is the only ski resort classified by the Caisse des Monuments Historiques. See our winter page for more ski information. Samoens is full of character and charm with stonemasonary and farming at the heart, yet still provides the centre for almost every outdoor activity imaginable.

Based at the heart of the Grand Massif mountain region and nestled in the stunning valley of the Giffre river, Samoens the area provide spectacular scenery including mountain lakes, national parks, waterfalls, botanical gardens and an abundance of wildlife. Just minutes up the road at Sixt Fer a Cheval are over a dozen enormous waterfalls. It has a great deal to offer families and individuals of all ages seeking adventure or alternatively, just sheer relaxation.

Samoens is conveniently located in the Grand Massif, which is made up of some other beautiful villages, including  Morillon just 5 minutes away, the fascinating village of Sixt and Les Carroz on the way to Flaine.

There are numerous excellent restaurants, in Samoens alone there are over 25 to chose from and more again in Morillon and the surrounding village.  These include bistros, gourmet, traditional French Savoyard and Pizzerias. A range of cafes and bars and numerous shops cater for all your needs, many of which are located around the historic squares. 

Both Morillon and Samoens hold weekly typical French markets for locals and tourists alike.  Samoens has a beautiful church, a few chocolatiers, health spas and beauty parlours, 3 banks and cash points, doctors, 6 sports hire shops, 2 chemists, about a dozen bars, over 40 shops, a cinema, an ice skating rink, creche, swimming pools in the summer, 3 fantastic bakeries, 3 supermarkets and everything else you would expect from well equipped mountain resorts are all here. The Tourist Office puts on various entertainments in the village square ranging from kids' events, to antique and crafts fairs throughout the year.

Click here for a PDF map of Samoens village.