Samoens holidays

Samoëns’ home to one of the biggest markets in the Haute-Savoie area, on every Wednesday from 7am to 1pm. Head to the church square, wander round the stalls and fill your bags with fresh local produce and homemade goods.

There are plenty of shops and boutiques dotted around the village. You’ll be able to pick up all sorts of bits from local specialities and souvenirs to decorations and sports equipment.

For a laid-back evening, sit back with a glass of wine or a cocktail at Accordeon or Big Bear for a cosy atmosphere. Take a peaceful evening stroll through the village or settle in for a film at the local cinema. If you fancy treating yourself, try out some of the local wines at a wine tasting evening.

If you fancy a fun-filled evening, Samoëns has plenty of bustling spots – be it a cold beer on a sunny terrace or dancing to live music until the early hours. Most places don't open until early July so be sure to check before you go. if you're there in peak season, check out Red Rock Café for a cool vibe inside and out. With live music, DJ sets and big sporting events on the big screen, it usually gets quite lively. The Evil Monkey Pub is another great choice, known for its concerts and vibrant atmosphere.

Food and drink are a big part of any holiday. And Samoëns has plenty of restaurants to pick from, with Savoyard classics on almost every menu, crêpes, pizzas, burgers and even sushi – there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find plenty of cafés and bars to hop around, starting with your morning coffee to an evening aperitif.

No French holiday would be complete without a trip to the boulangerie, a traditional French bakery, and in Samoëns you’re spoilt for choice. Pick from freshly baked baguettes, buttery croissants or perfect looking patisseries. For a sit-down deli vibe, try out L’Accordéon Bistro Cantine, serving up things like salads, wraps and bagels.

You’ll find that most restaurants are very traditional alpine, serving up your classic French Savoyard dishes of fondue and raclette. Try Mezzanine for their speciality dish, Septimiche – a country bread bowl filled with melted cheese. Or for a lighter option, a sweet or savoury crêpe at Crêperie La Fandioleuse – and you must try the cider out of a bowl.

Hop on the summer bus and explore the surrounding valley. With several routes to choose from, it’s super easy – simply pay on the bus as you go, it's €2 for an all day pass. You can stop off at nearby villages, take in the views of Mont Blanc at Col de Joux Plane or have a picnic by the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval waterfalls.

No mountain holiday is complete without a ride on a ski lift. The Grand Massif has you covered, with lifts running between 6th June to 31st August, so getting up there is a breeze. Once you’re at the top, you’ll find hiking trails, mountain biking routes and plenty of scenic spots for a tasty picnic – plus, the views are not to be missed.

With its charming village centre and cobbled alleyways, Samoëns is great for exploring on foot. Set in a valley surrounded by green meadows and peaks, you’ll have photo opps at all angles. Wander past classic French cafés, visit the stone church tower and people watch in the bustling square.

Strap on your walking boots and explore Samoëns' many kilometers of trails. Whether you’re up for an energetic trek or a more relaxed wander, there’s a trail for everyone. The area is packed with natural beauty, from dramatic gorges and peaks to peaceful waterfalls and green meadows.

Named for its horseshoe-shaped cliffs, the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a stunning natural gem. The area stretches over 4 to 5 kilometres, with cliffs reaching up to 2,000 meters and waterfalls gushing down – there are over 30 in June. Exploring here is a breeze with easy-to-follow, well-marked paths that snake through the mountains, past waterfalls and quaint mountain huts. Getting here is easy too, jump on the shuttle bus there and back or if you’re feeling up to a 3 hour walk each way, you can start from the centre of Samoëns.

Starting from the town hall, this trail takes you through charming villages, past historical sites and along dry-stone walls. As you walk through the Suets forest, you’ll be treated to knockout views, and on a clear day, you might even spot Mont Blanc in the distance. This moderate hike is about 7.2 km and will take around 3 hours.