Apartment French Alps

Samoens is truly a year round resort which has a life outside the ski season and a huge range of activities to enjoy throughout the year... In summer you can use the same chair lifts and gondolas to access the mountains for hiking, biking, climbing or perhaps a spot of lunch with some breathtaking views!

Restaurants, bars and shops remain open and there is plenty to see and do in Samoens and the local area. The village comprises shops of all trades, banks, medical centre and bars ….even an Irish bar.

You could take a relaxed walk beside the Gorges des Tines and the waterfalls at Sixt-Fer-A-Cheval. There are outdoor swimming pools, horse riding, fishing, tennis courts and some testing lakeside adventure parks for young and old. For golfers there are two 18 hole courses at Les Carroz and Les Gets with fantastic views and un crowded fairways plus a practice range and putting green in Samoens itself.

La Jaysinia Botanical Garden, in Samoens has more than 8000 varieties of flora from around the world, plus XII century castle ruins and a XVIII church are certainly worth a visit

Nearby at Morillon is a lake with a man made beach and adventure play ground.

For the more adventurers there is also climbing, parascending, white-water rafting, canoeing to name but a few.

Climbing
Climbing the limestone cliffs at Sixt Fer A Cheval will suit all abilities and is only a couple of minutes away.

There are several different sectors here, the most accessible being the Tines sector with the passages ranging from 5a to 8a.

The Fonts sector has an approach walk of about 20 minutes and the rock is equipped from 5c to 8b. For experienced climbers, who want to experience a few thrills in a very mountainous region, try the Dard rock face. Several long passages have been opened in this sector which is accessible after an approach walk of about one and a half hours. Check out www.sixtferacheval.com for some sporting links.

Samoens also boasts access to a Via Ferrata. This originated in Italy and is climbing in high mountain routes with fixed climbing aids, wire ropes, rugs, pegs, ladders and bridges. Not for the faint hearted! This one is considered to be ‘quite difficult to difficult’ and will take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your ability. There are guides available on the following sites.

There are plenty of biking trails in and around Samoens, including the Col du Joux Plane (this is the pass which links Samoëns to Morzine through mountains between Mont-Blanc and Lake Geneva) and Col du Ramaz, which are famous routes of the Tour De France. There are 4 lifts open during the summer, but most trails are accessible without. A total of 615 km! There are breathtaking views, hair raising descents and beautiful forest trails.