Discover Samoëns

Samoëns sits in the Northern French Alps, between Morzine and Chamonix, only 1 hour from Geneva.  This spectacular and beautiful area is protected and hence hasn’t been spoilt by tourism. Samoëns 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. Samoëns based in the Giffre valley a few kilometers inbetween Morillon and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval is full of character and charm with stone masonary and farming at it's heart, yet still provides the centre for almost every outdoor activity imaginable. Check out our blog on Samoens - A century of winter wonder, giving a brief history of skiing in Samoëns.

Samoëns 1600

Samoëns 1600 is situated at an altitude of approximately 1600m, whereas the village is about 760m.  There are two lifts which take pedestrians, bikers as well as skiers from the village up to Samoëns 1600.  Firstly the Grand Massif Express, which is approximately 800m from the village centre.  There is a large free car park here, plus a bakery, ski hire shop, pizza restaurant and an aprés-ski bar.  At the top of this lift also known as the GME is a flat area known as the plateau which is where all the ski runs start, ski schools meet and the centre of the beginner ski area in winter. While in summer there are several downhill mountain bike routes which start from here.  Secondly, is the Vercland Telecabine situated about 2km from the village in a hamlet called Vercland which has a lovely all day bar /restaurant at the bottom of the lift.  The top of this second lift is Samoëns 1600 which has a few restaurants, ski hire shops and bars.  There is a free bus service or easy green ski run between the plateau and Samoëns 1600.

Samoëns Village Market

There is a wide choice of restaurants in Samoëns and Morillon, taste local specialties and Savoyard cuisine such as Raclette or Fondue, drink a mulled wine on the terrace of one of the many cafés in the village. If you prefer to cook, no problem, the village traders are waiting for you. There is a Samoëns market, a supermarket, a large bakery and shops selling regional products.

Samoëns offers you a wider range of activities in both summer and winter for skiers and boarders and plenty of non-ski activities. In summer there are more than 20 concerts and shows for young and old, the Fête des Guides, the Heritage Days, 4 major fireworks displays, the Fête du Lac, sporting events, exhibitions, not to mention more traditional activities such as tennis, swimming, golf, fishing, antique fairs, Les Loupiots daycare center for children over 6 years old and the Maison des p'tits montagnards for children under 6 years old .

Supermarkets in Samoëns

Supermarkets and specialist food stores in the area are plentiful.  If you wish to shop before arriving in Samoëns, there is a Carrefour supermarket in Cluses (20 minutes before Samoëns) on the way up the hill.  Normally open 8.30am-8.30pm, with the exception of Sundays. Website: www.carrefour.fr Tel: 0033 (0)4 50 98 26 73.  On the edge of Samoëns 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.Samoëns@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.

Check out The Biggest and Best of Samoëns and The Grand Massif

Alps Accommodation offer only premier chalets in Samoëns and Morillon and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval and premier apartments in Samoëns and Morillon and Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval All of our properties are either managed by Alps Accommodation or we work closely with the owners to ensure their holiday homes offer the best possible facilities and home from home comforts.

For a wealth of information on Samoëns and the valley please check our our blogs here.

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