Samoëns

Samoëns pronounced (saa-mwans) is a commune of the Haute-Savoie département in France.

The town of Samoëns is in the Vallée du Giffre in the French Alps and carries the designation of a "ville fleurie", meaning its gardens and public greenery are particularly good. It is a popular summer destination as well as the site of a ski resort that departs from a new lift at the edge of town linking up to Samoëns 1600 also known as the Plateau de Saix, this resort is part of the larger five town Grand Massif which includes Flaine and Morillon.

Get in
The nearest major airport is the international airport in Geneva, located about 45 minutes away by car and serviced by most major airlines as well as some discount carriers.

The European high-speed train, the TGV, can also take you from most major cities in Europe to its terminal in Geneva or a connector train from the terminal at Annecy can take you all the way to Cluses.

The SAT bus can be taken from Geneva or Cluses into the valley and will drop you off at multiple small towns including Samoëns along the way.

Get around
Taxis in this part of the France are very scarce, so if you truly value your mobility, a car is a necessity in the winter months. During the summer, given the size of the town, one could easily get by with a bicycle.

See
Rated as one of the most beautiful national parks in France, Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval is a short drive away. On a clear summer day, do not miss the views of the Massif de Mt. Blanc from the top of the Col De Joux Plan, or the Cascade Du Rouget near Sixt.

Do
For the adventurous vacationer summer activities include: White water rafting, kayaking, para gliding, mountain biking at the local ski areas, hiking at the Cirque du Fer-A Cheval, cycling many of the Tour De France routes that criss-cross the valley, the "Indiana Park" or ropes course, mountain-climbing and 4-wheeling. For the less adventurous vacationer there are a number of out door cafes, bars, a weekly market, restaurants, a public pool and water slide, as well as many parks.

During the winter months this valley and the Haute Savoie in general are at the heart of the French skiing experience, Samoëns links up to the Grande Massif ski area with its more than 100 lifts and wide variety of terrain.

Budget

 * A la Jaÿsinia - This bakery and coffee shop specializes in rich pastries, cakes, and tarts; they also serve coffee and tea in their salon.
 * Pizzeria-snack du Giffre - Off the central square behind next to the post office is this small snack bar/take out spot, they sell mostly lunch items and take-away pizza.

Splurge

 * Muscade et Basilic - A modern twist on traditional Savoyard dishes.
 * Le Monde à l'Envers - Probably Samoens' most highly rated restaurant. Creative French cuisine.
 * Le Bois de Lune - Varied French cuisine.
 * Le Bois de Lune - Varied French cuisine.

Drink
Samoens is not well known for its nightlife but there is actually plenty to be found for those who go looking.
 * Coveys Irish Pub on the edge of town serves good draft beer and has a lively, cosy atmosphere.
 * Guanacao bar is another lively nightspot worth checking out.

Mid-Price

 * L'Edelweiss - Chalet hotel facing south, with a fine view out over the valley. Very peaceful. Warm family atmosphere. Private shuttles to and from town. Double room: €60

Splurge

 * Les Glaciers - Ideal location in the heart of the town, with a wide range of equipment and amenities at your disposal. Double room with full board: €90 to 135
 * Les Glaciers - Ideal location in the heart of the town, with a wide range of equipment and amenities at your disposal. Double room with full board: €90 to 135

Go next
It is short drive out of Samoëns to both the Portes du Soleil ski area and the lovely towns of Morzine and Les Gets, a further drive in the opposite direction will send you towards Cluses and the A40 lead you to that most famous of all French mountain towns Chamonix.