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 may 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
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! (69 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 19 Feb 2025

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! (48 reviews)
S
"Superb accommodation, clean, comfortable with excellent facilities and friendly staff. This is the second MGM residence we have stayed in and they were both fantastic."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

MGM Hôtels & Résidences – Résidence Alexane
 CGH Résidence Boutique les Chalets de Laÿssia

CGH Résidence Boutique les Chalets de Laÿssia

5 out of 5
Route des glaciers, Samoëns
Stay at this 5-star luxury residence in Samoëns. Enjoy free WiFi, a free ski shuttle, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Les Gets Ski Resort and Flaine ...
CGH Layysia
"Really clean and presentable. Modern apartment with nice kitchen, living area and bedrooms… balcony was a nice touch. Lots of paid parking available underneath complex. Early check in wasn’t an issue. Pool and hot tub were abit on the colder side for my liking. Nice sauna and steam room. Gym also ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2023

CGH Résidence Boutique les Chalets de Laÿssia
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Samoëns

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great ski area and not overcrowded.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Interesting market and shops with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and bars.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A lovely town. Beautiful in winter, and obviously lovely in summer too. Make sure to visit La Cirque du Fer a Cheval. But much too busy in February half term.