How to reach the tourist office?
To get away from the urban frenzy and get a feel for the village of Samoëns, there is nothing better than to equip yourself with good walking shoes and set off to conquer the surrounding paths. Accessible directly from the town centre, from the hamlets or from the numerous mountain car parks, the mid-mountain hikes are an opportunity to discover the Haut-Giffre valley from a completely different angle. Whether you are alone, with family or friends, it is a good activity to do for half a day or the whole day before going back down to enjoy Samoëns and its relaxing areas.
Although the Giffre valley and its surrounding mountains offer demanding hikes, other more accessible routes will win you over. You will discover all the beauty of the valley along the water or in altitude on wide and passable paths. In order to vary the routes, go to the heights of Samoëns, by taking the ski lifts of the Grand Massif resort, where wide paths will lead you between the historic hamlets of Samoëns to help you discover the richness of this Haute-Savoie valley.
The more adventurous and hiking enthusiasts will also find something to suit them. Samoëns is full of some of the most beautiful summits in Haute-Savoie. With a view of the Swiss massifs, Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges chain and the Haut-Giffre massif, going hiking in the heart of the Haut-Giffre is the perfect opportunity to discover the mountains in their best light and to observe chamois and marmots in the sunlight. For those who enjoy a warm evening, the refuges welcome you during the summer period with full or half board. They are also an ideal stopover during the course of the trip to eat and recharge your batteries before setting off again on the most beautiful Haut-Savoyard trails.
Located in the heart of one of the most beautiful valleys in Haute-Savoie, Samoëns and the surrounding villages are the perfect starting point for your next hike in the valley. The Haut-Giffre mountains include some remarkable sites and many breathtaking itineraries. The Cirque Fer-à-Cheval is no exception to the rule and this setting, which is as unforgettable as it is accessible, plunges you into the heart of a relatively flat valley with walls rising to more than 2,500 metres in altitude. Whether you go for half a day, a day or several days, you can enjoy this unique place, which is well known. In spring, the melting snow and the countless waterfalls add a special touch and offer an unforgettable spectacle.
To accompany you on your next mountain hike and to set off to conquer the Alpine peaks in complete safety, Samoëns’ professional guides (state-qualified) are available throughout the year. These mountain professionals, who know the region inside out, are also there to add to the hike with anecdotes and explanations about the mountains, fauna and flora around you. Going to the mountains with a guide is also the certainty of combining safety and discovery in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the region. The little extra for a successful day in the mountains, the guides are also there to choose the appropriate hike according to your desires, your level and the weather conditions.
650 kilometres of marked trails
A rich and wild natural heritage
From family hikes to sports hikes
A nature reserve at Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
A Natura 2000 site on the Loëx plateau
MapGuide
For hikers of all levels.
Lists the marked trails in the area and offers 55 guided walks.
On sale – 6 euros – in the tourist offices of the area and at the chalet of the Grand Site operation at the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
Topo-guide
32 routes and descriptions of family walks.
Very easy to fairly easy level, low gradient, maximum 3h30 round trip.
Ideal for discovering the unsuspected facets of the territory, in terms of landscape, fauna, flora and heritage.
On sale – 3 euros – in the tourist offices.
Presentation leaflet “Au Fil du Giffre
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 of charge – available from tourist offices.
IGN map Samoëns Haut Giffre 3530 ET
A very precise hiking map where you will find all the details of the terrain, the representation of the relief by contour lines and of course the marked trails.
On sale – 13.40 euros – in tourist offices and shops.
Paying service – Map and timetable here
Samoëns Tourist Office
66, place de l’Office de Tourisme – 74340 SAMOËNS
Tél. : +(33) 04.50.34.40.28
Mail : infos@samoens.com
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 12pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm
