French people can now get some fresh air, escape and  think about the summer holidays.

As the summer holidays approach, the resort of Samoëns, located in the heart of the Giffre valley in Haute-Savoie, is preparing and implementing numerous initiatives to welcome tourists:

Our team is at your disposal to inform you about everything that is happening in Samoëns.
Natacha, Clémence, Mélina and Élodie are at your disposal for all your questions by phone +33 (0)4 50 34 40 28 by mail info@www.samoens.com, by chat and via our facebook page.

And in the meantime, it’s already time to come and enjoy the riches and activities offered in Samoëns!

Via ferrata, high mountain running, climbing, caving, recreational canyon, yoga, tennis, horseback riding, pony riding, mountain biking, Fat Bike, quad, water golf, paragliding, nature outing to discover wildlife, hiking and discovery of the heritage and botanical garden, the choice is wide and the possibilities are multiple in Samoëns!

Focus on several activities to test:

CYCLE THROUGH THE VALLEY

Mountain bikers can enjoy a superb playground offered by the Grand Massif mountains. With family or friends, alone or accompanied by a guide or MCF instructor, everyone will find the path that suits him in the heart of a preserved nature. Starting from Samoëns, there are a multitude of challenges for cyclists. Ride the Sixt Fer à Cheval circus, descend the slopes from Samoëns 1,600 or climb the Col de Joux Plane, cycling enthusiasts will be delighted.

           

ENJOY A NATURE TRIP TO DISCOVER WILDLIFE

Captivating atmosphere for this wildlife hike under the sign of observation. You will be supervised by mountain professionals who will guide you in those privileged places. Discover deer, chamois, ibex… After several weeks when nature has regained its rights, the animals will be very easily visible!

            

GET IN THE AIR WITH A PARAGLIDER!

Samoëns is one of the most popular paragliding spots in the region. Thanks to its position at the bottom of the valley and to the always favorable aerological conditions, it is the ideal place to go paragliding while contemplating the beauty of the majestic landscapes of the valley of Haut-Giffre from the sky.

       

DISCOVER THE VALLEY BY QUAD

Exclusively in Samoëns, discover the valley on the banks of the Giffre by quad. Take advantage of this activity to escape and share good moments with family or friends!

         

DISCOVER AN EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE

At the turn of each street, of each path or of each chapel, another story is proudly displayed. The one of the stonemasons.
In 1659, the frahans (name given to the stonecutters) were so many in Samoëns and their know-how so famous, that they gathered in a very famous brotherhood that was called on the largest yards throughout the world: by Vauban for its fortifications, then by Bonaparte for the canals of Saint Quentin, in Givors and even further away in Poland or Louisiana.

Testimonies of their talent remain in the architecture of the village and still today, stonecutters perpetuate the tradition and the brotherhood is transformed into association with cultural purpose: «the Society of the Masons».
The central square traces the history of the village: between the Grenette, the Castle of the Tower, the big lime tree, the church and the fountain with bronze beaks, this square is the historical heart of Samoëns and retraces the local know-how of the Septimontains.
Samoens is also built around 9 hamlets each with an exceptional chapel. Among the most important hamlets: Bérouze, Chantemerle, Vercland, Allamands and Vallons.

 

     

HIKE ACCORDING TO YOUR WISHES

With 650 km of hiking, from the family stroll to the more sporty walk, Samoëns is a real Eldorado for those who love to discover the riches of the mountain. It’s time to enjoy the great outdoors!

You can walk throught Samoëns and the Giffre Mountains alone and with a guide. From hiking on a day, to sports walking or trekking in several stages, Samoëns offers a 360° playground. From the heart of the village, hikers can choose to go in the direction of their choice – from Criou to Bostan via the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval reserve or the Col de Joux Plane – to the discovery of the fauna and flora of Savoie extremely rich in the heart of the mountain pastures septimontains.

Find the news of the trails here.

Maps and topo-guides for sale at the tourist office and in the septimontains shops.

 

       

VISIT A REMARKABLE GARDEN “LA JAYSINIA”

Classified «Remarkable Garden of France», the Jardin botanique alpin de la Jaÿsinia, with its 2400 varieties of plants, offers a poetic walk through the alpine flora and the plants from the mountains of the 5 continents.

Strolling along the paths of this new art -inspired botanical garden, which connects the mountains with the countryside, is one of the pleasures offered to those who discover Samoens. On this hillside, in the heart of the village, there is an impression of freedom and natural harmony.

However, everything here is mastered, listed: «A gardener must know how to be discreet, so that it resembles as much as possible the natural» explains Christian Chauplannaz, scientific and technical manager of the Jaÿsinia. For example, dandelions stand alongside tulips, and bear garlic has been close to 37 types of peonies… for over a century.

The history of the botanical garden:

Marie-Louise Jaÿ, born in Samoëns in 1838, kept her flock of goats until she was 15 years old on the hill on which today the Jaÿsinia is built. Then she decided to go to Paris to find work and met her husband Ernest Cognacq there. Working tirelessly and thrifty, they founded together the Samaritaine, a Parisian department store whose success will be immediate.

At the head of an immense fortune and without children, Marie-Louise and Ernest devoted the end of their lives to good works and never forgot the native village of Marie-Louise. In 1906, she bought the land to create an alpine botanical garden, designed by the landscaper Jules Allemand.