Holidays to Samoëns

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'll also find the massif is splashed with lakes. You can venture to beautiful mountain lakes, or, if you're looking to stay local then you'll also find a couple of lakes on the outskirts of the village.

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. Take a look at things to do below, and you will find more activities to enjoy in Samoëns. 

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.

Public Transport

During the months of July and August there is bus service that runs from Samoëns. Its reasonably priced and connects you to areas such as the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval where you'll find the famous "Bout du Monde" which is also a great area for hiking. You can also head in the direction of Col de Joux Plane where the higher altitude will give you views towards the Mont Blanc. For other fantastic views you can take the bus towards Bourgeoise. Please be aware that this is a local service that is subject to change. 

When the bus is not running the best option is to get a taxi if you're looking to travel outside of Samoëns - or, make use of e-bikes which can be hired and booked locally (subject to availability).

Cable cars

Cable cars are a great way to connect to different walking areas and get a little further into the mountains. They are payable locally and their opening is subject to change and subject to weather conditions.

• The Grand Massif Express Gondola usually runs from 06 Jun - 31 Aug.
• Chariande Express lift usually runs from 05 Jul - 31 Aug.

It is possible to make use of our self-drive option to Samoens, which means driving your own car from the UK to France instead of using our train, plane or transfer service. This would include the cost of the ferry crossing in the price of your holiday (this may add an additional charge to your holiday depending on the ferry price at the time of booking).

Some of our accommodations in Samoens offer car parking but charges and booking processes vary depending on which property you choose. Car parking spaces are subject to availability at the time of arrival and parking charges are payable locally. Please note that car parking charges in Samoens can be expensive, especially during events.