Samoens in the Northern French Alps, sits between Morzine and Chamonix, only 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 samoens ski information and our summer page for summer information. Samoens is full of character and charm with stone masonary and farming at the heart, yet still provides the centre for almost every outdoor activity imaginable. Our chalets and apartments in Samoens are all in the best possible locations to take advantage of this spectacular valley and what it has to offer.
Based at the heart of the Grand Massif mountain region and nestled in the stunning valley of the Giffre river, Samoens and 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, groups 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 over 25 restaurants in Samoens and there are more restaurants 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, a chemist, 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 and live music concerts to antique and crafts fairs throughout the year.
Click here for a PDF map of Samoens village.
Supermarkets and specialist food stores in the area are plentiful. If you wish to shop before arriving in Samoens, there is a Carrefour supermarket in Cluses (20 minutes before Samoens) on the way up the hill. Normally open 8.30am-8.30pm, with the exception of Sundays. www.carrefour.fr Tel: 0033 450 98 26 73. On the edge of Samoens is another Carrefour Market, which is a great sized supermarket, open 8.15-7.15pm, weekdays and non stop on Saturday. Also peak winter season on Sunday mornings. Within the village centre there are 2 small supermarkets open 7 days per week normally with 2 hours lunchtime closing. One of which is the Sherpa (email:sherpa.samoens@yahoo.com, Tel. 0033(0)4 50 53 43 50) In addition a super fruit and vegetable store and plenty of ham, cheese, bakery, meat and chocolate shops! The majority of the shops and supermarkets are all open on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Years Day and other public holidays during the season. Out of season this will vary considerably.
