How to reach the tourist office?
The hike from the arrival of the Grand Massif Express gondola (Samoëns 1600) to the summit of the Tête des Saix (2,120 m) is short, panoramic and easily accessible, ideal for a half-day at altitude with views of
Mont Blanc from the summit.
Departure point: top of Grand Massif Express gondola (Samoëns 1600)
Arrival altitude: 2120 m
Ascent: approx. +500 m
Duration: 1h15 to 1h30 of gentle ascent (on foot)
Type of route: round trip (possibility of a loop if you descend to Morillon or Combe de Gers)
The hike to Lac des Gouilles Rouges, accessible from Samoëns 1600, is a gentle stroll in the heart of nature, ideal for a refreshing break in the heart of the alpine pastures. Type of route: round trip (possibility of a loop if
you go down to Morillon or Combe de Gers).
During the hike, the first small lake you come across is artificial, while the second is the Gouilles Rouges lake.
Departure point: top of Grand Massif Express gondola (Samoëns 1600)
Arrival altitude: around 1740 m (Lac des Gouilles Rouges)
Ascent: approx. +170m
Duration: 1h15 return (gentle walk)
Type of route: round trip on signposted path
From La Tête des Saix, at the finish of the Chariande Express, take an easy route over open ridges to the Alpage de la Vieille (1585).
Pass the Croix 7 frères (1684), offering superb views of the Giffre massif and the Carroz d’Arrâches valley.
Departure point: from Samoëns village (620m) take the 🚠 Télécabine Grand Massif Express + Télésiège Chariande Express (about 30 min)
Finish altitude: Tête des Saix (2120 m)
Ascent: approx. -610 m
Duration: 3h15 to 3h30 (on foot)
Type of route: round trip (possibility of a loop if you get off at Morillon Village)
Active mountain pastures (cows, sheep, goats)
From the Alpage de Vieille, take the Sairon chairlift and the Morillon cable car.
You then have two options for returning to Samoëns:
🚶♂️ On foot along the Giffre (easy, flat trail – 1h to 1h15)
🚌 Vallee du Giffre shuttle service (summer – departs from Morillon village)
Come Fish at the Lac des Gouilles Rouges
Be careful not to confuse the Lac des Gouilles Rouges with the small artificial lake that you first come across from the Parking des Saix.
This short walk starting from the Samoëns 1600 ski station offers a delightful nature experience.
👉 In July and August, the area is rich in blueberries 🍇
🗺️ Itinerary
Ascent time: 1h15 ⏱️ – Elevation gain: 174 m 📉
🚡 At the top of the gondola, head towards the Samoëns 1600 parking lot.
🥾 At the far end of the parking lot, take the wide path on the left, under the Chariande chairlifts.
💧 You’ll arrive at the Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
🔁 Take the same path back to Samoëns 1600.
🐟 Fishing Info
Category: 1st category
Fish species:
Brown trout 🐟
Rainbow trout 🌈
Arctic char 🐠
Brook trout
🚫 Float tubes: not allowed
⚠️ Catch and release (No Kill): not mandatory
🌙 Night fishing: not allowed
🎣 Fly fishing: allowed (but not exclusively)
🪪 Practical Information
Fishing license:
Departmental license required
Available at tourist offices or online at cartedepeche.fr
Bait available at:
🏪 Pellissier Sports (Samoëns)
🛒 Super U (Taninges)
Come Paragliding – Samoëns 1600 Launch Site
📍 Altitude: 1632 m
📉 Elevation difference: 900 m
🧭 Orientation: North to Northwest
🪂 Glide ratio: Between 2.8 and 3.5
✨ Perfectly suited for beginner or low-experience pilots.
📍 Landing zone: West of the village of Samoëns, near the swimming pool and tennis courts. Very open terrain. Rating: D.
🚡 Access: From the Grand Massif Express gondola, walk up to the upper plateau.
The launch area is located behind the Vercland gondola.
🕐 Takeoff possible at any time, but the best conditions are usually in the morning until 11 a.m. for calm flights.
☀️ The afternoon is recommended only for more experienced pilots (thermal flying).
🎓 Paragliding schools:
Enjoy a Picnic with a View of Mont Blanc at Tête des Saix
What better way to enjoy a moment of peace and beauty than a mountain-top picnic facing Mont Blanc at the Tête des Saix, above Samoëns?
📍 Itinerary:
Take the Grand Massif Express gondola from Samoëns.
Then take the Chariande Express chairlift.
🧺 Settle down on the grass for a scenic picnic, soak up the sun,
and enjoy the cool mountain air while admiring the view of Mont Blanc.
For the return trip, you can hike back down under the chairlift and then take the gondola back.
🏔️🌊 Or, enjoy the ride down by chairlift with stunning views of the Lac des Gouilles Rouges.
Come Spend a Day at Club Med
🌞 Day Pass – €70*
Treat yourself to a magical escape in the heart of the Club Med universe for an unforgettable day.
From the morning, enjoy full access to all resort facilities:
🥗 All-you-can-eat gourmet buffets
🍹 Included drinks at the bar
🧘 Sports and wellness activities
🌅 An idyllic setting to relax and make the most of your time
Let yourself be swept away by the unique Club Med atmosphere and enjoy an all-inclusive experience, completely carefree.
🌞🌙 Day + Evening Pass – €120*
Extend the joy with a full day followed by a magical evening!
In addition to all the benefits of the Day Pass, enjoy a memorable Club Med evening:
🍽️ Gourmet buffet dinner
🎶 Festive entertainment, warm and friendly ambiance
✨ Whether you’re looking to relax or celebrate, the choice is yours
The perfect way to enjoy the full Club Med experience, from sunrise to nightfall.
🌙 Evening Pass – €80*
Experience the magic of Club Med evenings with a truly unforgettable escape.
From the end of the day, enjoy:
🍽️ A refined all-you-can-eat buffet dinner
🍸 Access to the bar with included drinks
🎉 A festive and welcoming atmosphere
🎶 Live entertainment and shows in true Club Med style
Whether you’re celebrating, unwinding, or just looking for a special moment, a Club Med evening promises a unique blend of elegance and good vibes.
📞 Information & booking: +33 (0)4 50 78 60 00
* Adult rates Not Including Accommodation, Spa, Boutique and Restaurant Gourmet Lounge. Please contact the number provided for information on teenagers’ and children’s rates.
Panoramic Views, Savoyard Dishes & Alpine Sun: Summer at La Demoiselle des Saix
This summer, take to the heights at Samoëns 1600 and treat yourself to a gourmet break at La Demoiselle des Saix, a mountain restaurant nestled at 1,600 meters.
🕒 Open daily for lunch and dinner from June 28 to August 31, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy hearty cuisine between hikes—or for a warm and friendly evening with a view of the peaks.
🍽️ On the menu: Savoyard specialties, pizzas, homemade burgers, ice cream, house-made desserts, and local drinks—all served on the terrace with a breathtaking view of the mountains.
🚡🚗 Getting to La Demoiselle des Saix – Summer Access
In summer, La Demoiselle des Saix is easily accessible in two ways:
🚗 By car
From the village of Samoëns, you can drive up to the Plateau des Saix (1600 m) via the mountain road (approx. 15 minutes).
👉 Free parking is available right next to the restaurant.
Perfect for families, groups, or anyone bringing equipment (strollers, mountain bikes, etc.).
🚡 By gondola
You can also take the Grand Massif Express gondola, open all summer.
At the top, a short walk leads you directly to the restaurant.
👉 Ideal for enjoying the ride with panoramic views over the valley.
