The seven mountains that lend Samoëns its name have helped shelter the village so that, despite its popularity with hikers, cyclists and skiers, its character has remained charmingly in-tact. After all, this isn’t any old village – Samoëns is a national monument and the home of the Mourmé stonemasons. Walking holidays to Samoëns head out into the Haute-Savoie region, where both family-friendly hikes and long-distance trails explore in the shadow of some of the biggest mountains in Europe, including Mont Blanc.
Haute-Savoie walking for every rambler
Around 650km of walking and cycling paths surround Samoëns, from gentle rambles to big mountain hikes. Neighbouring Le Cirque du Fer a Cheval is a highlight, where flat, well-signposted routes filter between green mountains filled with waterfalls, wildlife and mountain huts. A pair of summer lifts whisk walkers up to the top of the Grand Massif and to the lakeside Gers mountain hut. Wherever you go, widescreen views of the Giffre Valley and – if you’re lucky – Mont Blanc provides a not-too-shabby backdrop.
Summer mountain adventures
There’s no escaping the mountains in Samoëns. If you’re not hiking them, you’re probably exploring them by bike, paragliding or by simply enjoying your picnic and taking in those views. You can also dive right in; the massif is splashed with lakes. Le Lac aux Dames is at the edge of the village – twin pools tied together by a waterfall, a leisure centre and views of the Criou peak.
Family holidays in Samoëns
Easy circular walks start in Samoëns, looping out to alpine lakes, buttercup-bright meadows, wooden footbridges, waterfalls and chapel-topped villages. Back in town, a cinema, petanque courts, pools and picnic areas are on hand. Or there’s always the treetop routes and zip lines of Indiana Parc – just don’t forget your fedoras.
A typical French village
The sprawling canopy of the Gros Tilleul lime tree marks the heart of Samoëns. Important village events have been staged under its watchful eye for almost 600 years. Elsewhere, there’s a botanical garden, covered markets, a farmhouse museum, plus the Notre-Dame de l’Assumption church, carved by the village’s famous stonemasons.
Festival season kicks off as soon summer arrives, celebrating everything from mountain biking and alpine plants to music and wellness. La Rioule winds down the summer season with local folk traditions, including dancing and fiercely competitive races up greased cocagne poles.
Why book a summer holiday in Samoëns with Inghams?
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Samoëns include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of France's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Samoëns. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
