Samoens, Grand Massif
Village Height 720/1600m
Activities
Mountaineering, Via Ferrata
Mountain bike trails, Climbing
Paragliding, Caving. Rafting
Cano-rafting, Airboat, Canyon descents, White water swimming. Marked mountain trails, Solo walks
Guided walks, Walking with pack donkeys. Golf
Driving distance from Calais to Samoens 540 miles or 7hrs35
A pretty, undiscovered rural valley village, set amid forest with easy access to the extensive alpine region of the Grand Massif. Samoëns is the only winter and summer sports resort in France to be listed as an 'Historic Monument'. Once a thriving stone-cutting centre, it still retains an ancient church, medieval fountains and a variety of old rustic buildings.
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.
Samoens is an all year round resort however general opening of the resort for the summer season is from middle of June to beginning of September. Exact dates to be confirmed in 2012.
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 to 6 years (before the date of their 6th birthday) 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.
|
2011 Guide Prices |
Prices |
|
Full day with meal |
€31.00 - €37.40 |
|
Half day, mornings with meal, from 8.30 – 12.30 |
€20.70 - €24.20 |
|
Half day, afternoons from 13.00 – 18.00 |
€18.90 - €22.50 |
Please note that prices are only an indication and are subject to change.
Tel. +33 (0)4 50 34 13 96 - garderielesloupiots@cegetel.net
Samoens town hall
Taking care of children aged 6-12yrs, with supervision by qualified minders.
Every week in Samoens there is free entertainment for children such as:
- games, stories for the little ones
- children’s dance class
- kite workshop – make a kite
- Teen disco for 16-20 year olds
Quad
Electrical quad bike for children from 5-12yrs. €4 for 12 rides.
Outings with a donkey
www.anesduhautgiffre.com
Donkeys are ideal companions for your family outings; they will carry your gear and help children to finish the walk.
Group per adult from 21 to 27 €.
Suivez la trace
+33 (0)6 18 63 67 08 www.suivez-la-trace.com
A family nature ramble for those who are curious about the natural environment!
Prices: Adult 1/2 day 15 € - Child (1/2 day) 10 €.
Baby equipment rental
J’aime Sport - At J’aime Sport you can rent everything for children - bottle warmer, folding cot, pushchair etc.
4 bars/tea rooms, plenty of restaurants in the village (5 in Samoens 1600), cinema, nightclub, shops.
Gastronomy: Feuille de Vigne: Wines and spirits specialist. Free wine tasting.
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 is 67km from Samoens (1 hour)
Chambery Airport is 117km from Samoens (1 ½ hours)
Grenoble Airport is 204km from Samoens (2 hours)
Lyon Saint-Exupery is 204km from Samoens (2 hours)
Need an Airport Transfer? Prices from £76 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
Cash points, doctors, 2 pharmacies, physiotherapists, bakeries…
Market on Wednesday mornings, library, health and beauty parlour, exhibitions. Supermarkets – Carrefour (large supermarket on road between Samoens and Verchaix), Sherpa local convenience store.
Samoëns