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Bringing your dog / Pets welcome
Welcome to Samoëns, where the whole family is welcome… even your four-legged friends! Walks, suitable accommodation, best practices and useful services: we tell you everything you need to know for a peaceful stay with your dog in the Giffre Valley in autumn. All the advice you need for a successful and stress-free holiday with your dog.
Explore the valley trails with your dog in complete peace of mind!
🌳Our ideas for walks:
Along the Giffre: a flat, shaded path, ideal for a refreshing outing.
Lac aux Dames: walk around the lake on a lead, very pleasant in the morning or at the end of the day.
Forests of La Rosière or Vallon d’en Bas: guaranteed immersion in nature.
Col de Joux Plane: exceptional views.
Lake Gers: a majestic lake surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
👉Please note: Dogs must be kept on a leash in public places and on shared paths. Ask our holiday advisors for information on hikes that are accessible in autumn.
Find a selection of suitable routes (short loops, shaded trails, accessible lakes) and our advice on how to set off well equipped and in complete safety.
To protect the flora in this sensitive area and avoid disturbing the fauna with the presence and odours of animals., Dogs are only permitted on the first half of the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. You can therefore walk with your four-legged friend from the car parks at the entrance to the Prazon refreshment bar.
Beyond this point, you are entering the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, where pets are strictly prohibited. When you see this sign, you will know it is time to turn back with your four-legged companion >> 
As you can see in the photo below, this reserve is clearly marked by a thick green line. The entire area within this boundary is protected, and dogs are not allowed to enter in order to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
Please respect these rules to preserve the exceptional nature of our valley.
Fancy taking a break or enjoying a good meal with your dog?
Here are a few establishments in Samoëns and the surrounding area that welcome dogs with open arms, on the terrace and/or indoors!
To keep our village clean and pleasant for everyone, the municipality of Samoëns has installed 13 dog waste bag dispensers throughout the centre and surrounding area. These dispensers are strategically located to make walking your four-legged friend easier.
Dispenser locations:
Avenue Cognacq-Jaÿ
Parc Marie-Louise
Place du Criou
Rue des Billets
GME (Grand Massif Express)
Place du Marché
Piscine municipale
Camping Le Giffre
Parking du Veau Gras
👉 Practical tip: Remember to always carry a bag with you when you go out. If you forget, these dispensers are there to help you out. Thank you for helping to keep our beautiful town clean!
The Giffre Valley is home to several sensitive areas:
-Nature reserve (here, the Sixt-Passy reserve)
-Presence of protected wildlife
-Pastoral areas with patous (guard dogs)
Keep your dog on a leash, follow the instructions and find out more before each outing.
Because a well-behaved dog also means a responsible owner!
Before your stay, consult our charter and learn the right habits for living in harmony with local wildlife, other hikers and residents.
To ensure everything runs smoothly with other holidaymakers:
✅ Keep your dog on a lead in town and on footpaths.
✅ Pick up after your dog (bags provided).
✅ Avoid repeated barking
✅ Respect swimming and access restrictions
🐶 Thank you for being a responsible owner and citizen, for the well-being of all!
Many accommodation providers in Samoëns accept dogs.
To find suitable accommodation:
🚨Practical informationFor your dog’s comfort and safety, find professionals in the valley:
Map guide
Aimed at hikers of all levels.
Lists the marked trails in the area and offers 54 guided walks.
On sale for €6 at tourist offices in the area and at the Grand Site chalet at Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
Topographical guide
32 itineraries and descriptions of family walks.
Very easy to fairly easy level, low elevation gain, maximum 3½ hours round trip.
Ideal for discovering the unexpected facets of the area, in terms of landscapes, fauna, flora and heritage.
On sale for €3 at tourist offices.
‘Au Fil du Giffre’ presentation leaflet
The accompanying map provides information on distances and possible stages along the 29-kilometre route. It also lists professionals who offer bike hire.
Free – available at tourist offices.
IGN Samoëns Haut Giffre 3530 ET map
A highly accurate hiking map showing all the details of the terrain, contour lines and, of course, marked trails.
On sale – Classic IGN map: €14.10 – Resistant IGN map: €17.30 – available at tourist offices and shops.
will take you to popular destinations for hikers, such as the Praz de Lys-Sommand plateau, the Col de Joux Plane, the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, the Rouget waterfall, the lakes of Samoëns and Morillon, and the Lignon car park.
However, there are conditions for animals travelling on the shuttles: small animals must be carried or placed in a basket; large animals must wear a muzzle.
Paid service – Map and timetable here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAENMMdDapY
And learn best practices for living in harmony with nature
Samoëns Tourist Office
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Tél. : +33(0)4.50.34.40.28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
