How to reach the tourist office?
Bring your dog / Pets allowed
Welcome to Samoëns, where the whole family is welcome… even your four-legged friends! We tell you all you need to know about walks, suitable accommodation, good practices and useful services to ensure a worry-free stay with your dog in the Giffre Valley. All the advice you need to make your vacation with a dog a success.
Explore the valley’s trails with your dog in complete peace of mind!
🌳 Our ideas for walks :
Along the Giffre: a flat, shady trail, ideal for a cool outing.
Lac aux Dames: walk around the lake on a leash, very pleasant in the morning or at the end of the day.
Rosière’s forests or Vallon d’en Bas: nature immersion guaranteed.
Col de Joux Plane: exceptional panoramic views.
Lac de Gers: a majestic lake surrounded by mountains and greenery.
👉Good to know: Dogs must be kept on a leash in public places and on shared paths.
Find a selection of adapted itineraries (short loops, shaded trails, accessible lakes), and our advice on how to set off safely and well-equipped.
To preserve the flora and fauna, this area is protected and off-limits to dogs, even on a leash, as it is the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve.
You can, however, walk along the first part of the trail, from the Cirque parking lot to the chalet de prazon. You’ll be told that doggies are no longer allowed when you come across this sign >>.
Please respect these rules to preserve the exceptional nature of our valley.
Want to take a break or enjoy a good meal with your dog?
Here are a few establishments in and around Samoëns that are happy to welcome pooches to their terraces… or even indoors!
♻️Distributeurs dog excrement bags in Samoëns
To keep our village clean and pleasant for all, the commune of Samoëns has set up 13 dog waste bag dispensers in and around the town center. These points are strategically placed to facilitate your walks with your four-legged companion.
👉 Practical tip: Remember to always carry a bag with you on your walks. If you forget, these distributors are there to help you out. Thank you for contributing to the cleanliness of our beautiful commune!
🌿 Respect for protected natural areas
The Giffre valley is home to a number of sensitive areas:
-Nature reserves (in particular the Sixt-Passy reserve)
-Protected fauna
-Pastoral areas with patous (guard dogs)
Keep your dog on a lead, follow the instructions and ask for information before each outing.
Because a welcome dog also means a responsible owner!
Before your stay, consult our charter and adopt the right reflexes to live in harmony with the local fauna, other walkers and inhabitants.
To ensure that everything runs smoothly with other holidaymakers:
✅ Keep your dog on a lead in town and on the paths
✅ Pick up droppings (bags provided)
✅ Avoid repeated barking
✅ Respect swimming and access bans
🐶 Thank you for being a responsible and civic-minded master, 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, meet the valley’s professionals:
Map-guide
For hikers of all levels.
It lists the region’s waymarked footpaths and offers 55 walks with commentary.
On sale for 6 euros at local tourist offices and at the Grand Site operation chalet at the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
Topo-guide
32 itineraries and descriptions of family walks.
Very easy to fairly easy level, slight gradient, maximum 3? hours round trip.
Ideal for discovering the unsuspected facets of the region, in terms of landscape, fauna, flora and heritage.
On sale for 3 euros at tourist offices.
Au Fil du Giffre” presentation leaflet
The accompanying map provides information on distances and possible stops along the 29-kilometre route. It also indicates the professionals who offer bike hire.
Free – available from tourist offices.
IGN map Samoëns Haut Giffre 3530 ET
Highly accurate hiking map showing all the details of the terrain, contour lines and, of course, signposted footpaths.
On sale – 13.40 euros – in tourist offices and shops.
There are, however, conditions of access for animals on the shuttles – small animals: on arms, in a basket; large animals: muzzle.
Chargeable service – Map and timetable here
And learn the best practices for living in harmony with nature
Samoëns Tourist Office
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Phone : +33 (0)4.50.34.40.28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
Living in Samoëns with Brinkley is a daily treat. Whether it’s a stroll along the banks of the Giffre, a hike up the Bourgeoise or a break on a terrace in the heart of the village, there’s always somewhere where she’s welcome. The shopkeepers are lovely, and many will spontaneously offer a bowl of water or a pat on the back.
What I love here is the freedom you can give your dog in an incredible natural setting, while being respectful of others and the environment. There are lots of paths and well-maintained areas, and the poop bag dispensers make life easier. We both feel at home here, in summer and winter.
Samoëns is – I think – a dog-friendly destination where you can share real moments of complicity in the heart of nature.
