Samoëns is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It is the principal commune for the homonymous canton. The town of Samoëns is located in the Vallée du Giffre in the French Alps, in the heart of France’s Haute Savoie, at the foot of the Grand Massif ski area. Samoëns is considered one of France’s most picturesque mountain villages. It is a quaint old farming village with a rich history that comes in contrast with the ski resorts of the wider area which are built for this purpose. It retains an authentic Savoyard charm and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The old part of Samoëns features historical buildings, while new additions tend to be timber-framed chalets harmonized with the natural ambiance. This commune is the only French mountain resort classified as a national heritage site.
Samoëns is a resort that welcomes visitors during the winter as well as during the summer months, being a vibrant place throughout the year thanks to its permanent residents and its seasonal activities. It boasts one of the largest markets in Haute-Savoie and includes numerous small shops and restaurants which make it an ideal place to stay, relax and recharge your batteries away from the hustle and bustle of bigger resorts. The Grand Massif is one of the largest and most easily accessible ski areas in the French Alps and it is composed of five different interlinked resorts – Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz, Sixt and Flaine with more than 265km of pistes!
Close to Mont Blanc, the area has a steady annual snow record, and opens up its pistes from beginners to advanced, making it ideal for family and group holidays. There are numerous bars and restaurants on Mont Blank to have a drink and enjoy the fascinating view.
Daily life doesn’t resemble that of an ultra modern ski resort, rather that of a traditional French village and it revolves around a vigorous market place, whose core is an aged lime tree, Le Gros Tilleul, planted in 1438. The quality of the food and wine found here is excellent, while the surrounding is informal, relaxed and inviting.
Samoens has been recently awarded the title of Best Small Resort (Europe) and has proven to be a gem of the French Als.
Awe-inspiring mountains, crystal-clear lakes, pristine forests, and rushing waterfalls are the main elements that you will meet at the French Alps! The most magnificent natural scenery in Europe, French Alps offer lots of activities, from hiking, biking and mountain climbing in summer to skiing and snowboarding during winter. Beautiful mountain villages and famous ski resorts such as Chamonix, Val d'Isère, and Portes du Soleil offer over the top facilities. It’s the ideal combination of culture and leisure. French Alps with their famous sight of Mont Blanc and the historical region of old Savoy and Dauphine attract a plethora of visitors every year!
The world’s most visited country, France with more than 89 million visitors each year rightfully seduces travelers with its culture, stunning landscape comprising of Alpine mountains, beautiful meadows, farms, rivers and spectacular sea coast France is about art and architecture. The country's cultural sights and rich history is staggering – in volume and diversity. There are plenty of things to see and do in France which is blessed with beautiful landscapes and diverse geography.
Learn more