The Samoëns American Festival, a western atmosphere in the heart of the Haute-Savoie

For a weekend, Samoëns welcomes you under the sign of American culture and country music. Between the mountains of the Haut-Giffre, come and enjoy a moment out of time in an atmosphere worthy of the most beautiful westerns. Line dancing shows, country music, equestrian demonstrations and beautiful American machines are on show for the greatest pleasure of children and adults alike.

The American festival, the place to be for Western culture

Dance and concerts are inseparable from the Samoëns American Festival

During the 4 days of the festival, traditional American dances are in the spotlight in Samoëns. Courses in country dance, Catalan dance, … are offered by professional choreographers used to the biggest dance floors and festivals in the world. You will be able to discover, learn or improve your skills with them and other enthusiasts on the dance floors of the Samoëns festival. After having danced a few steps, concerts of typical music (country, American rock, …) are programmed throughout the festival and invite young and old to immerse themselves in the heart of traditional America.

Mechanical beauty as a key element of American culture

On two or four wheels, the beautiful mechanics are at the rendezvous of this weekend out of time. The enthusiasts present at the festival will show you their most beautiful cars and motorbikes, some of them real collector’s items. Institutions of the Samoëns American Festival, you can find among them the iconic Harleys Davidson, American cars or even American vehicles from the 2nd World War. Samoëns is transformed into an open-air museum for the great pleasure of the inhabitants and visitors.

Equestrian sports, time for a show in Samoëns

An emblematic discipline straight from the American plains, the horse shows and competitions are among the must-see events at the Samoëns American Festival. Horseback riding performances are featured to immerse you completely in this western universe. Between the cowboy and Indian shows, the festival guarantees you an unforgettable and exotic day in the heart of the Haut-Giffre mountains.

The village of Samoëns, a western scene in the heart of the Alps

Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful valleys in Haute-Savoie, the historic town of Samoëns is transformed, for a weekend, into a typical American West village. The shopkeepers and restaurant owners offer you the opportunity to continue the festival experience in the many shops redecorated for the occasion. American market, Santiag and hat shop, and Uncle Sam’s grocery shop replace the traditional local markets during these 4 days. For the history buffs or the curious who want to discover more, a historical reconstruction of an American village from the Second World War is set up in the village. Hosted by living history enthusiasts, it is a timeless experience that takes you back to the heart of the 20th century.

The Samoëns American Festival in brief :

  • An iconic festival that has become the country reference in the Alps
    The place to be for country dance enthusiasts
    The art of western living to discover
    The presence of many renowned choreographers
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Foire aux questions

Where is the festival located? How to get there?
The festival is located in Samoëns itself, in the centre of the village. Throughout the weekend, you will be able to stroll through the streets of the village, redecorated for the occasion, and stroll between the shops. The festival extends to the whole village allowing you to spend a day rich in discovery. To get to the Samoëns American Festival, Samoëns is accessible by road from the A40 motorway from Geneva / Chamonix (exit Cluses-Scionzier, n°18) and there is plenty of parking available for festival goers. Several bus lines are also available to take you to Samoëns from different villages in the valley during the summer season. You can find them on the website of the city hall de Samoëns.
Are there any activities planned for the children?
During the few days of the festival, numerous activities are planned for everyone, including children. Between the equestrian performances, the typical vehicles, the Indian face painting workshops, the mechanical rodeo, the pony rides and the presence of an American village reconstituted by enthusiasts, the Samoëns American Festival will delight them. Dance classes are also available for them and immerse them in the country culture of the American West.
Do I need to book to come to the festival?
You can go to the whole festival for free and without reservation. The Samoëns American Festival is a true institution of country culture nestled in the heart of the Alps, and redecorates the village and its surroundings for a weekend. Although access is free, the dance courses require a registration fee. Do not hesitate to book your place in advance, as numbers are limited. All information is available from the Samoëns Tourist Office.
Where can you find the weekend's programme?
To find out the schedule of events and how they will unfold throughout the weekend, you can contact the Samoëns Tourist Office or find them directly on the website. The programme and useful information are also available on the festival’s social networks.
How do I book my dance lessons?
You can book your dance courses via the Tourist Office’s online ticketing service.

FIND US AND CONTACT US EASILY!

Samoëns Tourist Office

66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS

Tel : 04.50.34.40.28

Mail : infos@samoens.com

Open every day from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.