Are you accompanying a participant in the Baroudeur des Alpes and wondering what to do in Samoëns whilst the race is on? With its natural beauty, mountain activities and local attractions, the resort offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of your stay in Haute-Savoie.

What is there to do in Samoëns during the Baroudeur des Alpes?

Nestled in the heart of the Giffre Valley in Haute-Savoie, Samoëns is the perfect destination for enjoying the mountains in summer. This authentic village in the French Alps, renowned for its heritage and spectacular scenery, offers a wide range of activities for everyone: sports enthusiasts, families, support staff and casual visitors alike.

During the Baroudeur des Alpes weekend, Samoëns comes alive as a vibrant hub where sport, nature and a friendly atmosphere come together. Whilst participants tackle the various events, those accompanying them can explore everything the destination has to offer: mountain hikes, strolls through the village, visits to the mountain pastures, outdoor activities or moments of relaxation amidst the alpine scenery.

The region is brimming with remarkable natural sites easily accessible from the village, such as the spectacular Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the panoramic trails of the Grand Massif, or the many walking routes through the valley. Samoëns also charms visitors with its historic centre, markets, terraces and Savoyard way of life.

Whether you’ve come to cheer on a loved one at the Baroudeur des Alpes, spend a weekend with the family, or enjoy a break with friends, Samoëns is the perfect destination for experiencing the mountains in a different way. With a mix of outdoor activities, Alpine heritage and local cuisine, everyone can make the most of their stay in one of the most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie.

Whilst participants in the Baroudeur des Alpes take on their challenge, you can make the most of the stunning surroundings of Samoëns. From nature and relaxation to mountain activities, here are 10 ideas for enjoying the weekend in Samoëns and the Giffre Valley.

Top 10 activities

1- Guided tour of the village of Samoëns
Visite commentée du patrimoine historique et architectural du bourg de Samoëns en anglais. Visite sur demande (minimum 3 pers.)

1- Guided tour of the village of Samoëns

2 - Visit the La Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden
The garden of the world Arranged as "Outstanding Garden of France", the Alpine Botanical Garden Jaÿsinia, with its 2400 species of plants, offers a poetic walk through the alpine flora and plants of the mountains of the 5 continents. Discovery. Stroll the paths of the new art inspiration botanical garden, crossroads between the mountains and ...

2 - Visit the La Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden

3 - Discover the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
The largest natural reserve in Haute-Savoie, the nature reserve of Sixt-Passy extends over a vast territory. Located close to Samoëns, it benefits from the presence of two imposing glacial cirques, those of Fer-à-Cheval and Fonts, from where we can see impressive waterfalls. An ideal natural setting to discover during family hikes. The largest n...

3 - Discover the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval

4 - Go for a walk in the mountains
Samoëns Hiking routes

4 - Go for a walk in the mountains

5 - Try rafting on the Giffre
Fancy a thrill in the heart of the Alps? Rafting in Samoëns is one of the must-try water sports of the summer. On the Giffre, an Alpine river renowned for its rapids and wild landscapes, climb aboard an inflatable raft accompanied by professional guides. Suitable for beginners and adventure seekers alike, rafting can be enjoyed with family, friends...

5 - Try rafting on the Giffre

6 - Explore the valley by bike or mountain bike
mn][yata_element40 image="12452" titre="Discover Le Grand Massif in summer!" lien="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samoens.com%2Fen%2Fgrand-massif-in-summer%2F|title:Schedules%2C%20prices%2C%20all%20the%20practical%20info%20here!%20"]On sunny days, when the snow has melted, Samoëns becomes a bicycle land. Here, the Joux-Plane pass, which rises to 1,700 metre...

6 - Explore the valley by bike or mountain bike

7. Try a via ferrata
The Via Ferrata in the mountains, in Haute Savoie, Samoens, is the surest way to climb the steepest walls.

7. Try a via ferrata

8 - Make the most of the leisure centre
La base de loisirs construite autour de ses deux lacs, est à l'écart du centre du village. Elle s'étend sur une superficie d'environ 10 ha. Un endroit idéal pour vous détendre entre amis ou en famille. Vous pourrez vous baigner, flâner, pêcher, ou courir.

8 - Make the most of the leisure centre

9 - Take to the heights with the ski lifts
Descend the slopes of Samoëns: downhill mountain biking paradise

9 - Take to the heights with the ski lifts

10 - Visit a farm and sample some cheese
What Haute-Savoie products will you be bringing back from your stay in Samoëns?

10 - Visit a farm and sample some cheese

Not to mention the cycling village

The Village Vélo is the lively heart of the event. Throughout the weekend, it welcomes participants, supporters, families and visitors in a friendly atmosphere to celebrate cycling and kick off the summer season in Samoëns.
Entertainment, challenges, discoveries and moments of togetherness will punctuate these three days, making the Baroudeur des Alpes much more than just a competition: a true celebration of cycling open to all.

Ride & Explore
Fancy a gentle ride and a different way to discover the valley? Several activities are on offer to explore Samoëns by bike:

  • guided heritage bike ride
  • gourmet bike tour
  • timed climb to around 1,600 m for road cycling enthusiasts
  • accessible disabled sports route

Play, Test & Get Kitted Out
The Bike Village will also be a chance to test, learn and have fun with bikes:

  • agility course (slalom, balance, slow course)
  • fun bikes and entertaining activities
  • balance bike course and race for children
  • repair workshops and technical advice
  • partner and brand village
  • bike swap meet

The Bike Festival
Because the Baroudeur des Alpes is also a time for sharing, the Bike Village transforms into a real party venue:

  • concerts and live music
  • announcer and interactive entertainment
  • games, quizzes, fun challenges, photo booth and exhibition
  • catering area to enjoy the event all day long

Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a support crew member or just curious, the Cycle Village is the perfect place to meet up, soak up the atmosphere and make the most of the event. 🚴‍♂️

Take advantage of this great accommodation deal from Baroudeurs des Alpes

Why visit Samoëns in the summer?

Located in the heart of the Giffre Valley in Haute-Savoie, Samoëns is a mountain village renowned for its heritage and alpine landscapes. In summer, the destination becomes a veritable playground for outdoor activities: hiking, cycling, exploring the mountain pastures, rafting or family walks.

For even more ideas for things to do, take a look at the page dedicated to summer activities in Samoëns.

Baroudeurs des Alpes
Baroudeurs des Alpes

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