Samoens, Grand Massif

Resort altitude: 720 m

Samoens is a traditional, authentic Savoyard village, situated in the beautiful valley of the River Giffre. It has a unique charm with a mediaeval feel, so pretty that it is listed as a 'monument historique'. It offers an attractive alternative to some of the character-less purpose built resorts.

It is an all year round village with an inviting ambiance even outside the main holiday seasons. With such easy access (Geneva airport is just 45 minutes away), it is perfect for long weekends and short breaks at any time of the year as well as longer holidays in the main seasons.

Winter
Samoëns is situated in the Grand Massif, which offers 265 km of pistes, linking the resorts of Samoens, Morillon, Flaine, Les Carroz and Sixt Fer à Cheval. It is a spectacular ski area, between 700m and 2500m, with fantastic panoramic views over Mont Blanc and a really good snow record.

The skiing is suitable for all levels of abilities and excellent links mean that the whole area is accessible to all skiers. For example even novice skiers can achieve the beautiful 'piste des Cascades', a 14 kilometre blue run from the top of Flaine through the national park of Sixt Fer à Cheval down to the remote village of Sixt.

From the centre of Samoens, the new telecabine whisks skiers in just 8 minutes up to 1600m from where the range of pistes and the links to the other resorts of the Grand Massif can be accessed.

A free ski bus serves the village of Samoens and also links Samoens to the villages of Morillon and Verchaix.

Summer
The area is perfect for a great summer activity holiday; rock climbing, canyoning, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing and parapenting are all very popular and the area is a paradise for walks of all standards, from easy strolls through lovely alpine scenery to classic routes in the mountains.

It is a great base for families with tennis courts, a swimming lake, mini golf and ropes course nearby and, further afield, Chamonix and Annecy, make fascinating day trips.

In July the 'Tour de France' passes through Samoens as riders climb the Col de Joue Plane for their descent into Morzine.

Samoens has a good selection of shops and restaurants. It does not offer a varied nightlife but if you're looking for a holiday home in a simple, beautiful village with a great variety of activities, summer and winter, this could be the place for you.