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 Grand Massif Express Gondola.

Vercland
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane
MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane
4 out of 5
La cour route du Giffre, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (110 reviews)
"Fantastic"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Hôtel Les Suites d’Alexane
Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
4 out of 5
255 route de Taninges, Samoëns
The price is P12,949 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P12,949
P14,565 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Avoriaz Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort ...
9/10 Wonderful! (93 reviews)
"Lovely owners. A little distance from the ski lift but regular bus or short walk was fine. Very comfortable and good restaurant. Recommended."

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2024

Neige et Roc, The Originals Relais
Résidence Club MMV Samoens
Résidence Club MMV Samoens
466 Rte des Drugeres, Samoëns, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this hotel in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, a steam room, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
Very good value for money for families
"Very family friendly. Need to improve the instructions of getting there by public transport. All in all a very well situated place, clean and a fully equipped kitchen. Nice pool and saunas, could warm up the pool water… Soaps and shampoo - its a shame that they are not included. Recommended for a ..."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

Résidence Club MMV Samoens
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)
Good accommodation for those on a budget
"Good accommodation for the price. Apartment needs redecorating but was clean and warm. Great location with good facilities for families. Pool is good but be warned it is cold. Sauna and steam room lovely."

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2024

Résidence Lagrange Vacances Les Fermes de Samoëns
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! (41 reviews)
"Great quality environment with helpful and friendly staff."

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
Résidence La Cour
Résidence La Cour
3 out of 5
385 Chemin de la Cour, Samoëns
Stay at this 3-star ski residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Flaine Ski Resort and Les Gets Ski Resort ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Highly recommended, great service & location
"Even better than advertised. Great location - walking distance to the ski lift and the center of town. Excellent service, including the ability to buy lift passes at the inn rather than stand in line at the lifts. Very comfortable efficiency room with a deck looking at the mountains. Nice spa facility. ..."

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

Résidence La Cour
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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