Grand Massif - Samoens

Guided tours are given of the old Samoens village (unfortunately only in French, except for groups). Despite recent growth on the outskirts of Samoens, the many excellent traditional-style bars and restaurants still give a feel for the 'real' rural France. Wednesday is market day in Samoens church square.

There are many activities available in Samoëns and the surrounding areas with the rivers Giffre, Dranse, and Arve for fun in the water, and 4 ski lifts easing access to the highest points. The 18 hole Golf courses at Les Carroz and Les Gets boasts fantastic views, and uncrowded fairways. Other golfing challenges in the area include an 18 hole course at Les Gets, a 9 hole course at Avoriaz, and a practice range at Samoëns with a driving range over water and a putting green.

The Giffre and nearby Fer à Cheval provide the backdrop for endless itineraries that can be enjoyed by walkers, hikers and mountain bikers. Most activities can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, and both will enjoy the Indiana Adventure Park.

Slightly further down the Giffre Valley from Morillon (4 minutes) and just before Sixt, Samoens is only a 20 minute drive from the motorway exit near the TGV train station of Cluses and only 55km from Geneva.

Places of interest in Samoens

·          The Dairy, Frutiere de Samoëns: Visit the gallery and see cheese manufacture, the maturing cellar, drying room, film projection, and sale of local products.

·          La Jaysinia Botanic Garden: Alpine garden created in 1906 by Marie-Louise Cognacq-Jay, on 3.5 acres of land. Houses more than 8000 varieties of Alpine flora from around the world, together with waterfalls, castle ruins from the Xll century, and a chapel from the XVlll century.

·          Clos Parchet Living museum: Visit this old farm and discover the history of the families from Samoëns.

Children

Samoens has acquired the Famille Plus label for its childcare facilities. Please click here to view more information on the Famille Plus label.

·          Kids club

·          Indiana adventure park

·          Pony riding

·          Tennis lessons

Kindergarten the Loupiots  Tel: +33 4 50 34 13 96                 

The Loupiots kindergarten welcomes your children aged between 3 months and 6 years to its brand new premises (several activity rooms, dormitories, a co-ordination skills room, garden…).  Open everyday from 8.30 – 18.00 except Sundays and Bank Holidays.  Pre-booking is strongly recommended.

Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change.

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 13 96 - garderielesloupiots@cegetel.net

Maison des P’tits Montagnards  (House of the little Mountain Folk)

A convivial place, where parents and their children can play together. There is a room with furniture and educational games designed for children under six. Free entry. Open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from

16.00 to 18.00. Booking required on previous day at the Tourist Office.

Le Club des P’tits Montagnards

This leisure centre is open throughout the school holidays in summer for children aged between 6 and 12 years. It gives them a chance to have fun at their own pace. Specific areas for each age group (6-8 years and 9-12 years). In the programme:

• 6 to 12 years: special-interest days, fantastic games, unusual handicrafts, sports, swimming, climbing, walks with donkeys, adventure outing.

Mondays to Fridays (closed on bank holidays). Booking required on the previous day before 10 a.m. Information: Samoëns Tourist Office.

Childrens activities

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a sport with a threefold interest: gymnastic, mental and educational.

Half day from 31 € Course, 5 half days + 1 day from 190 €

Rafting

For 7 -12 year olds, an ideal course for young adventurers who want to sample the pleasures of rapids. Rafting from 25 €, Hydro junior (11/13 years) from 32 € / child

Paragliding

Young person's flight from 5/12 years from 60 €

Discovery flight (from 13 year old) from 70 €

First pilots lesson from 90 €

Quad

You could never have imagined such a thing – but J'aime sport has done it! Take your children with you on a quad bike! Ask for information in advance.

Individual adult from 50 to 95 €. Child (on the adult’s quad bike) free

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 98 20 - www.jaimesport.com

Hiking with donkey pack carriers

For young and old alike, these donkeys are the ideal companions for family walks. Hire of 1 donkey per day from 47 €

(Reductions for several donkeys and depending on the duration)

Expedition with a mountain guide: Half day from 16 € / adult, 12 € / child

Day from 25 € / adult, 18 € / child. Mini tour of the Haut Giffre: a hike especially adapted for children aged between 6 and 10. Three full days with overnights in a refuge. Rucksacks are carried by donkeys, Marguerite and Grisette.

Amenities in Samoens

Cash points, doctors, 2 pharmacies, physiotherapists, bakeries…

Market on Wednesday mornings, library, health and beauty parlour, exhibitions.

Eating Out and Entertainment in Samoens

11 bars/tea rooms, 22 restaurants in the village (5 in Samoens 1600), cinema, nightclub, shops.

Gastronomy:  Feuille de Vigne: Wines and spirits specialist. Free wine tasting.

Samoens activities highlights

- 900 kms of marked walking tracks across the Grand-Massif

Special Interest Walks

The Grand Massif is a paradise for walkers. Between altitudes of 700 m and 3,100 m, there is something for everybody – walks on the banks of the Haut Giffre, half-day walks that allow you to meet local people and get a glimpse of their lifestyles and traditions, nature rambles to see the flora and fauna and lessons for beginners in the traditional use of plants (for edible purposes and minor ailments). Guided outings from 15 € / adult and 10 € / child

Mountain Huts

After a few hours’ walking, you’ll find huts set deep in the mountains. These are wonderful areas to see, whether you’re undertaking a one-day walk with your family, an alpine hike over several days or a circular walk. You’ll feel in a totally different world. Share some unforgettable, simple moments while you enjoy a convivial meal and let yourself float away into the land of dreams among the peace and tranquillity of the alpine pastures.

MORILLON

• L’IGLOO - 20 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 90 14 31

www.refuge-igloo.com

SAMOËNS

• BOSTAN* - 70 places

Tel. hut and warden +33 (0)4 50 90 10 94

www.bostan.free.fr

• CHARDONNIÈRE - 20 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 90 11 40

Portable 06 81 35 67 34

• FOLLY* - 70 places - Tel. hut +33 (0)4 50 90 10 91

http://refuge-du-folly.9online.fr/

• GÎTE DU LAC DE GERS - 18 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 89 55 14

• LA GOLÈSE - 80 places - Tel. hut +33 (0)4 50 90 59 53

Warden + 33 (0)4 50 34 91 28 - www.refuge-golese.com

SIXT FER À CHEVAL

• REFUGE ALFRED WILLS - Anterne - 53 places

From June to September - Tel. +33 (0)6 70 63 12 45

www.refuge-wills.com

• GRENAIRON - 91 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 47 31

www.grenairon.com

• LES FONTS - 37 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 12 41

www.lesfonts.com

• SALES - 60 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 47 01

www.refugedesales.com

• VOGEALLE - 40 places - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 58 29 45

Port. +33 (0)6 20 60 91 40 - dominique.rabot74@orange.fr

Half board ................ from 31 € / adult, 25 € / child

*Overnight CAF -FFM - Groups............ from 8,50 €

Mountaineering

The only massif of the French Pre-Alps with glaciers, the Massif of the Haut Giffre is unique. Suspended over the abysses of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, the ice slopes lead to very isolated summits. The Grand Ruan (3,040 m) and the Tenneverge (2,989 m) are the highest points.

Mountain Biking

- 600 kms of mountain bike track across the Grand-Massif

Offer fun outings in small groups with circuits to suit different levels.

FFC (French Cycling Federation) classification means: quality of welcome, track marking, the number and diversity of itineraries, mountain biking maps and information, mountain bike services such as equipment hire, repairs and

cleaning facilities. Guided outings .... from 14 € / adult,13 € / child

Moutain bike rental .............................. from 16 €

Lifts: 5 chair lifts are available in July and August 2008 on the Grand Massif.

Cable car: Flaine DMC - Les Carroz La Kedeuze

Chairlift: Morillon Bergin and Esserts

Sixt Fer à Cheval: Vagnys

Canyoning

This involves anything from an aquatic outing to the most daring options, including jumps, watershoots and rope descents.

Half day from 36 € /adult

Swimming in rapids

Navigate the river, equipped with a float, flippers and a reinforced wet suit.

Half day introduction course from 34 € / adult and 30 € / child

Canoe and Kayak

Rigid craft propelled with paddles.

Two place canoe from 32 €

Canoraft

The inflatable canoe is used by two people, allowing a completely different method of discovering rivers.

Half day from 34 € / adult

1 hour from 23 € / child

Rafting

This 8-place inflatable craft gets you closer to nature as you slide through the water.

Half day from 34 € / adult, 25 € / child

Hairboat

Something between a kayak and a cano-raft, the Hairboat is a one-place inflatable craft.

Half board from 32 € / adult and 28 € / child

Waterskiing

On a lake a few kilometres from Samoëns. Timed slalom.

1 hour from 30 €

Paragliding

Introduction to paragliding flights throughout the year accompanied by a qualified instructor. Paraglider pilot training. Price for introduction flights from 5 to 85 years from 60 €. Flight over the most stunning summits from 120 €. 5 day paragliding course from 460 €

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is a sport with a threefold interest: gymnastic, mental, and educational. It's a physical activity, an outdoor activity and a way of learning to understand oneself.

Half day from 36 € / adult, 30 € / child

Helicopter Flights

Trial flights and panoramic views of the Grand Massif, the Upper Giffre Valley and Mont-Blanc. From 190 € / adult

Book your flight at Samoëns Tourist Office.

Mont-Blanc Hélicoptère

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 74 22 44 - www.mbh.fr

Via Ferrata

The Via Ferrata is an activity which lies somewhere between walking and rock climbing; there is a horizontal and vertical assents. The routes are equipped with cables and metal ladders which make the route a little easier,

although it can remain demanding. Half day guided from 34 € / adult

Potholing

Location of the world's deepest pothole, the Gouffre Mirolda, the Haut Giffre massif is rich in limestone and limestone layers criss-crossed with some of the world's most famous caves. Potholing, whilst it involves exploration, is first

and foremost an introduction to geology and involves the knowledge and understanding of a subterranean environment. Half day from 37 €

Quad Biking

Suitable for anybody over the age of 16 with a scooter or car licence. Try out our various trails through the mountains, with meals and overnight stays in a mountain hut. Thrills and excitement are on the menu! Accredited 2-seater quad bikes. Individual adult from 50 to 95 €

J'aime sport Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 98 20 - www.jaimesport.com

Swimming pool

Main pool 25 x 12.5 m, beginner’s pool 25 x 12.5 m, paddling pool 50 m2. Water slide 60 m, lawned area of 6,000 m2.

Prices (as a guideline only)

Entrance 5 € / adult, 4 € / child [5-15 years]

Weekly pass  30 € / adult, 20 € / child [5-15 years]

Season pass  100 € / adult, 60 € / child [5-15 years]

Archery

Information and reservations at the leisure park, everyday from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00. Closed on Saturdays and Sunday morning.

Introduction 1st hour - 12 € / [+16 years], 11,50 € / [-16 years]

4 following hours - 44 € / [+16 years], 42 € / [-16 years]

Mini-club half an hour - 6 € / child [5-6 years]

Kids club 1h - 8 € / child [7-11 years]

Kids club 4h pass - 29 € / child [7-11 years]

Introduction and coaching with State qualified instructor, under a covered target when it rains. Groups of 8 maximum. Preparation for Federation tests. Licensed archers: 6 training targets up to 90 metres.

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 97 43 or +33 (0)4 50 34 48 10

Fishing

First class area for trout fishing – mountain torrents, rivers, streams and mountain lakes. Fishing licence obligatory. Lac Aux Dames: Free fishing with three catches per day permitted on presentation of local fishing permit. Free pass issued at the Tourist Office. Lac de Joux Plane: Private fishing, daily permit available on site. Lac de Gers: trout fishing with fishing licence. Angling Instructor: If you would like to learn about a given angling technique or improve your style, I offer angling courses lasting one full day or more, focussing on fly fishing, Czech nymphing and lure fishing in the rivers, the Lake of Geneva and in the region’s mountain lakes.

One-day river outing from 140 € / adult, 120 € / child

Prices per person (based on 2 people). Bait and tackle included. Daily tuition or holidays, on request. Ludovic Briet - Professional qualified angling instructor. Tel./Fax: +33 (0)4 50 85 13 96 or +33 (0)6 82 56 45 55

www.guidepechesavoiehautesavoie.com

Email: briet.ludovic@orange.fr

Tennis

6 tennis courts – Court hire:

1 hour from 11 €

3 hours from 29 €

5 hours from 45 €

July and August: lessons and courses provided by a fully-qualified instructor. Non-accredited one-day tournaments throughout the summer

season. Maison du tennis +33 (0)4 50 34 94 36. Futher information: http://tennisclubsamoens.free.fr

Indiana Parc

Forest assault course: the biggest forest adventure assault course in the region. Experience hours of escapist adventures. Overcome the obstacles…

Footbridges, ladders, zip-lines (tyrolleans). Be an adventurer and experience a forest environment in complete safety.

• A special adventure course for children aged between 4 and 8 years, with a patented safety system.

• 4 trails with increasing levels of difficulty, suitable for all from 8 years to 108!

More than 21/2 hours of adventure and fun. Open every day from 9.30 to 19.00. Last departure t 17.00. Advance booking recommended. Tel. +33 (0)6 89 83 18 84 - Fax: +33 (0)4 50 74 01 88. www.indianaventures.com

Sculpture and pottery classes

Lessons and courses in clay sculptures and modelling. From beginners to more advanced tuition. Courses from mid-June to mid-September, Mondays to Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. 4 days, Mondays to Thursdays from €195. Bonjour Arts Vie - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 18 04 33 or +33 (0)6 79 45 77 97 - paul.restout@cegetel.net

Cinema

New releases and recent films. Showings at 17.30 and 21.00. Additional showing at 14.30 if it's raining. Films in original language. Entrance is 7 €. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 41 40

Internet access

Point Internet: 24/7 WIFI connections for laptops. Computer equipment and photos. Printing of digital photos. Tel. +33 (0)4 50 18 01 12 - www.websamoens.fr

Relaxation activities

Massages

Based on age-old traditions of foot massages.

1 hour from 40 €

Mariel Pasquier - Tel. +33 (0)6 11 39 65 99

mariel.pasquier@orange.fr

Stress courses

Designed to produce a sense of well-being for individuals and corporate clients: customised 3-day training course / individual coaching.

Individuals:

Seminar from 390 €

Coaching from 80 €/hour

INTUITIV’ECD® - Elisabeth Duroyon

Tel. +33 (0)6 25 95 65 11 or +33 (0)4 50 89 64 26

e.duroyon@intuitivecd.com - www.intuitivecd.com

Nordic walking

An open-air fitness activity suitable for all ages. Nordic walking involves walking with a specific type of stick. It is the best of all possible "sports for all", enjoyed as a means to regaining fitness, developing cardio-respiratory function, achieving weight loss or, quite simply, relaxing.

2-hour session from 12 € / adult

Family option (11/2 to 13/4 hours) from10 € / adult, 7 € / child

Sylvie Colonge

Tel. +33 (0)6 74 95 64 63 - sylvie.colonge@wanadoo.fr

Sabine Lebbihi

Tel. +33 (0)6 21 98 92 84 - marchenordicsabine@neuf.fr

Bureau des guides

Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 43 12 - info@guidesmontagnes.com

The Jaysinia Botanical Garden

The garden, which was created in 1906 by Marie- Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ, is sculpted into an area of 3 hectares on a mountainous outcrop overlooking the village. Water features and waterfalls, magnificent trees and leafy glades, ruins of the Tornalta castle (XV111th century), 8,000 plants from mountains the world over. This garden is managed jointly by the Cognacq-

Jaÿ Foundation, Samoëns Town Council and the National Natural History Museum under the responsibility of the botanic and wildlife gardens department. Garden entry every day from 8.00 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 19.00. Maison de la Jaÿsinia - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 49 86

jardin.botanique.jaysinia@orange.fr

Horse drawn carriage

From the 1st of July to the 31st August, every day except on Saturdays. Possibility of appointment.

Price per family (max. 5 pers):

The town centre, 20 minutes from € 20

Les Vallons, 1 hour from € 50

Sarl Chevrot - Tel. +33 (0)4 50 25 84 41 or +33 (0)6 08 82 69 30

Guide publisher Cicerone is worth a look at for books on Walking in the Haute Savoie: North visit www.cicerone.co.uk

Contacts for activities in Samoens area       

Bureau des Guides +33 450 34 43 12 http://guidesamoens.free.fr (White water,canyoning, rafting, walking, climbing, mountaineering, pot holing, via ferrata)

Adventures Payraud +33 450 93 63 63 www.adventurespayraud.com

(White water, cano-rafting, rafting)

Ecolorado Rafting +33 450 34 45 26 www.ecolorado-rafting.com

(All water activities)

Espace Montagne  tel +335 45 21 84 57 www.espacemontagne.fr

(All water activities, + climbing, mountaineering, potholing, via ferrata)

Sixt aventure passion +33 450 34 16 85

(Canoing, kayak, airboat, rafting, canyoning, walking, climbing, mountaineering, via ferrata

Air Samoens +33 450 34 95 80 http://www.parapente-samoens.com/ (paragliding)

Indiana Parc tel +336 89 83 18 84 mail: indiana@indianaventures.com www.indianaventures.com

Sport 2000 +33 450 34 42 14

Golf         

Golf de Flaine – Les Carroz.  Tel : +33 4 50 90 85 44

18 holes, length 4063m, par 63 Open 1/7-31/8, weekends only 15/6-30/6 & 1/9-30/9

Green fees (daily) 18 holes 30€, 9 holes 19€

A spectacular mountain course at an altitude of 1900m. Fantastic views over the Alpes.

Practice de Golf du Lac aux Dames, Samoens.  Tel : 00 33 4 50 34 40 28

Length 150m. Open 1/7-31/8

Driving range over water + 9 hole putting green.

Golf des Gets.  Tel: 00 33 4 50 75 87 63

18 holes, length 5264m, par 70. Open : 15/6-20/10

Green fees (daily) from 29€ to 38€, weekend passes available

Mountain golf course with a superb panoramic view

Golf d’Avoriaz, Morzine.  Tel: 00 33 4 50 74 17 08

9 holes, length 2923m, par 36. Open: 29/6-15/9

Green fees (daily) 21€

Mountain golf links at the entrance to the resort of Avoriaz. Superb panoramic view.

All the above information is for information only. For the most up-to-date information please visit the resort tourist office website

Samoens Tourist Office          

Tel +33.450.34.40.28

www.samoens.com

Email: infos@samoens.com

Open from 23/06 to 7/09/08 - 7days/7 from 9.00 am to 12.30 am and from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm, except on Tuesday from 9 am to 12.30 am and from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm

Access to Samoens    

By Road: Driving distance from Calais 540 miles (approx 7hrs35)

From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Mâcon then ‘Autoroute Blanche’ Motorway (A40 Mâcon – Cluses) exit Cluses Scionzier. Follow signs to Samoens.

It takes approximately 20 minutes from the motorway exit to Samoens.

By Rail:Cluses 25km - Shuttle bus to Samoens +33 450 98 07 81 or Taxi organised by Peak Retreats

Airports: Geneva 70km

Shuttle bus +41 22 798 20 00 (about 62€ per pers return children 4-12 half-price) www.gva.ch/en (then select Transportation in menu) or taxi to Samoens organised by Peak Retreats

For further information on car parking, transfers, etc: www.gva.ch/en (then select Transportation in menu) or Lyon Saint-Exupery 200 km

Need an Airport Transfer? Prices from £56 per person based on

4 sharing a private return taxi from Geneva Airport to Samoens. Call our reservations team for details on 0844 576 0170 or email reservations@peakretreats.co.uk

Access Plan

Samoens

Click on maps to enlarge

Resort Map

Samoens