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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.
Childcare in Samoens

Samoens has acquired the Famille Plus label for its
childcare facilities. Please click here to
view more information on the Famille Plus label.
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Kids club
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Indiana adventure
park
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Pony riding
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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.
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2010 Guide Prices
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Prices
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Full day with meal
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€31.00 - €37.40
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Half day, mornings with meal, from 8.30 –
12.30
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€20.70 - €24.20
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Half day, afternoons from 13.00 – 18.00
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€18.90 - €22.50
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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.
Childrens activities
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 €.
Amenities in Samoens
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.
Eating Out and Entertainment in Samoens
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.
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.
Mountain bike with a guide – ‘Anthonioz Ski’. For all
levels of rider.
Adults from €24.20 to €50. Chid from
€18.90 - €24.40.
Lift Opening in Grand Massif 2010
New for this Summer 2010, the Grand Massif Express
cable car linking Samoens to Samoens 1600m in 10
minutes will be open. Suitable for pedestrians and
mountain bikers. There are lots of paths and trails
starting from the cable car and altitude restaurants.
Choose from 1-day or 6 day passes for mountain
bikers, valid on all the lifts.
Canyoning (Bureau des Guides)
This involves anything from an aquatic outing to the
most daring options, including jumps, watershoots and rope descents.
Half day from 39.50 € /adult
Swimming in rapids - Hydrospeed
Navigate the river, equipped with a float, flippers
and a reinforced wet suit.
Half day introduction course from 40 € / adult
and 32 € / child
(Ecolorado – 0033
450 34 54 26).
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.
Initiation from €37 (Ecolorado – 0033 450 34
54 26).
Rafting
This 8-place inflatable craft gets you closer to
nature as you slide through the water.
Half day from 35 € (Altitude rafting –
0033 682 52 76 36)
Airboat
Something between a kayak and a cano-raft, the Hairboat is a one-place
inflatable craft.
From 37 € / adult and 28 € / child (Ecolorado – 0033 450 34
54 26).
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 €75 for
adult, €60 for child. Contact Pegase Air Samoens –
0033 450 34 95 80.
See how a tandem flight works on http://www.vimeo.com/11171486
Rock climbing (Bureau des Guides)
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 37 € / adult, 31 € / 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
(Bureau des Guides)
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 37 € / adult,
€35 / child.
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 39.50 € for adult and €36 for
children.
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 115 €
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 € in July and August, €10 in
low season
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.
From €14.
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
Nordic walking (Bureau des Guides)
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
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
July & August, every day except on Saturdays.
Possibility of appointment.
Pice per carriage: 20mins
- €20, 1 hour - €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
Summer from the 1st of July to the 31st of August.
7/7 from 9 to 12.30 am and from 2.30 to 6.30 pm,
except on Wednesday from 9 to 12.30 am and from 3.30
to 6.30 pm.
Notice that between the 14thof
July to the 15thof August: Saturday from 9 to
12.30 am and from 2.30 to 7 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 is 67km from Samoens (1 hour)
www.gva.ch/en
Chambery Airport is 117km
from Samoens (1 ½ hours)
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble Airport is 204km
from Samoens (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Lyon Saint-Exupery is
204km from Samoens (2 hours)
www.lyonairport.com
Need an Airport Transfer? Prices from
£72 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
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