Samoëns

Travel Guide

Photo by Victoire Ferrari
Photo "Samoëns" by marsupilami51 (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Samoëns" by marsupilami51 (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Samoëns" by Davidsehn (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo "Samoëns" by marsupilami51 (CC BY) / Cropped from original

While the village of Samoëns is particularly well known for its ski resort, it is also home to some exceptional heritage, offering a break combining sport and culture.

Samoëns is a commune situated in the south of the department of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, close to the French-Swiss border. This land of stonecutters is a village resort par excellence, with its high-altitude ski area and a picturesque village in the Giffre Valley.

The ski resort of Samoëns boasts an exceptional view in the heart of the French Alps. It is part of the Grand Massif ski area, and is connected to four other resorts: Sixt Fer à Cheval, Flaine, Les Carroz and Morillon. From the village, you can get there in just eight minutes via the Grand Massif Express lift, and explore the 165 miles of slopes, which offer skiing for beginners and seasoned skiers alike.

Don't miss out on the other surprises Samoëns has in store, which you'll discover as you walk around the village. You can admire exceptional architecture, including in the église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, where the chapels and oratories bear witness to the religious devotion of the village's ancestors, as well as the fountains and chalets from the 1950s and 60s.

A 3.5-hectare botanic garden contains some 4,500 species of mountain plants from five continents. A leisure centre has been built around the village's two lakes, which offer a wide range of activities (tennis, football, adventure park, paragliding, etc.) to entertain kids and grown-ups alike. The famous Gouffre Jean-Bernard cave is also perfect for potholing.

Samoëns is easy to get to by motorway from Geneva or Chamonix. You can also take the train to Cluses station, which is just over 12 miles away, and then reach the village by taxi or coach. In winter, there is also a shuttle service to Geneva airport.

An exhilarating break awaits you!

Where to stay in Samoëns

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Vercland

Though Vercland might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Samoens Ski Resort and Base de Loisir des Lacs Aux Dames.

Vercland
Résidence Club MMV Samoens
Résidence Club MMV Samoens
4 out of 5
466 Rte des Drugeres, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, a steam room, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (15 reviews)
Great ski apartment in Samoens
"Perfect location for access to the GME, great skiing and comfortable accommodation."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2025

Résidence Club MMV Samoens
Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
4 out of 5
255 route de Taninges, Samoëns
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Les Gets Ski Resort and Flaine Ski Resort are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Excellent food in the restaurant."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
La Boule de Neige
La Boule de Neige
2 out of 5
220 chemin des Bollus Vercland, Samoëns, Haute-savoie
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (38 reviews)
La Boule de Neige
"La Boule de Neige is a friendly and welcoming 2 star hotel located just a few metres from the fantastic new gondola in Vercland. The hotel provided everything that we needed for our short skiing trip - free on-site parking, a ski room, comfortable beds, hearty breakfast. All this just a short walk ..."

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2023

La Boule de Neige
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes de Samoëns
Résidence Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes de Samoëns
3 out of 5
347 chemin de Sur la Ville, Lieu-dit Les Beules, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 3-star residence in Samoëns. Enjoy a sauna, WiFi (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort ...
7.6/10 Good! (68 reviews)
"This property is in a location that has ski bus nearby so it is convenient. I don't know if everyone else realizes that the guest needs to clean up the place themselves and get it ready for the next guest. Thought there would be a final clean by the cleaning lady but clearly not. or you can pay for ..."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

Résidence Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes de Samoëns
CGH Résidences & Spas La Reine des Prés
CGH Résidences & Spas La Reine des Prés
4 out of 5
132 route du Grand Massif, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski ...
Samoëns FEB 2023
"Nice place, great location for grand massif ski lift and only short 5 min walk into town. Pool and SPA facilities were great after long day on the slopes. Room of decent standard although heating is controlled by reception, ours kept going off and because reception is part time couldn’t always contact ..."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2023

CGH Résidences & Spas La Reine des Prés
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
5 out of 5
Avenue des Loisirs, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 5-star luxury residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski ...
10/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"This is my second time here, absolutely love the hotel, staff and the facilities. We stayed in a 3 bed apartment, and it was well equipped and very clean. Couldn't have asked for a better stay, super comfty beds too."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2025

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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