Samoëns
Territory of experience
Massif du Chablais, Haut-Giffre
Departement and Region: Haute-Savoie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA)
Main passes: col de Joux-Plane
Route des Grandes Alpes® cyclo stage: Morzine-Avoriaz / Cluses
Stage on Route des Grandes Alpes® gravel: Morzine-Avoriaz / Cluses
Summary
- Suggestions for cycling loops
- Our major passes
- Events around cycling
- Biking around Samoëns
- Summer around Samoëns
- Other seasons
- Other events events
- Services
- Testimonials
- FAQ
- Access
- Contacts
- Other villages and resorts near Samoëns
Suggestions for cycling loops around Samoëns
The Giffre loop: This family-friendly ride takes in the beautiful Giffre valley from the charming village of Samoëns. During this 1h30 outing, cyclists explore the valley and its villages along the destination's only river. Only the sound of the water gives rhythm to this sumptuous loop.
Our great passes
The Col de Joux Plane: a legendary ascent to take your breath away Culminating at an altitude of 1,690 meters, the Col de Joux Plane is one of France's most legendary passes, etched in cycling history with no fewer than twelve Tour de France appearances. A real challenge for cyclists, this demanding climb is also an unforgettable experience for lovers of wide open spaces. Throughout the ascent, the valley's spectacular scenery is revealed, culminating in an exceptional panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Other seasons
In the heart of the Giffre valley, between preserved heritage and grandiose nature, Samoëns welcomes you all year round with an atmosphere unique to each season. Here, every moment is an invitation to discover.
Spring: the awakening of the mountains
When the last flakes give way to greenery, Samoëns is decked out in a thousand colors. It's the perfect time to explore the La Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden, a treasure nestled in the village heights, which is reborn with the arrival of fine weather. Paths along the Giffre or up to the Rouget waterfall, nicknamed the "Queen of the Alps", offer peaceful strolls through nature in full bloom.
Summer: great nature
In summer, Samoëns becomes a veritable adventure playground. Hike to Lac de Gers or the refuge de Bostan, dive into the refreshing waters of Lac aux Dames, or paraglide over the valley for a breathtaking view of the Massif du Criou. The village comes alive with craft markets and open-air concerts.
Autumn: a showcase of color and calm
When the crowds move away, Samoëns rediscovers all its tranquility. The forests along the Giffre turn red and gold, offering breathtakingly beautiful scenery. It's the perfect season to stroll through the village's historic center, discover the secrets of the stone masons, or enjoy a septimontaine galette with a view of the Criou.
Winter: a village with snowy charm
In winter, Samoëns shines under its white coat. Linked to the Grand Massif, one of France's largest ski areas, the resort offers over 265 km of skiing for all levels. But Samoëns is also a gateway to the Nordic ski area, with over 50km of pistes, and above all an authentic village-station: stone and wood chalets, lively lanes, open-air ice rink, Christmas market... And for non-skiers: snowshoeing in the Haut-Giffre valley, white trail, ice water swimming...
Other events
- Festival du Chapeau (17th edition) - From Friday 16 to Saturday 17 May 2025. Association Les Arobades presents a 2-day theater festival with 4 performances in a variety of styles: comedy, music, vaudeville... What a great time to be had with theater groups from Samoëns, Taninges and Annemasse.
- Ultra-Trail® du Haut-Giffre (UTHG) (12th edition) - Friday June 13 to Sunday June 15, 2025 Hit the hiking trails of Samoëns and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval for this friendly trail competition and its 7 races aimed as much at the most experienced sportsmen and women as at walking enthusiasts as well as families and children.
- The Samoëns American Festival (SAF) (16th edition) - Thursday June 26 to Sunday June 29, 2025. All of Samoëns lives American time for 4 days with country dancing (workshops and ball), concerts, shows, a market, a far-west village, gatherings of civilian and military vehicles as well as a sports hub.
- Festival Lyrique de Samoëns Montagnes du Giffre 2025 - Roméo et Juliette, from 15/07 to 31/07/2025. Samoëns and the Giffre Valley come alive for two weeks to the sound of lyrical song. Singers, artists and orchestras come together to share their passion for this highly poetic art form.
- La Fête des Guides de Samoëns From 15/07 to 31/07/2025, every day. Guides are essential to the safe discovery of the mountains, and will be honored for a day of entertainment and festivities. Program: 11am official ceremony 12pm Guides' Drinks 2pm-6pm Mountain Activities: Slack Line - Piolets Climbing - Mat de Cocagne - Climbing.
- KMV du Criou, Course verticale de Samoëns Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 9am. Starts every 20 seconds. Come and challenge the KMV du Criou, one of France's steepest races. Starting in the village, you'll climb as fast as you can to the top of the Criou, for 2.059km and 1000D+. https://www.samoens.com/kmv-du-criou-course-verticale-de-samoens/
Services
In Samoëns, everything is designed to make your stay easier. The Tourist Office, located in the heart of the village, welcomes you all year round to provide information on activities, events and services available. The nearby bus station provides regular connections to Cluses and Geneva, making it easy to get to the resort.
For your shopping needs, several mini-markets and a supermarket are dotted around the village, offering local produce and basic necessities. When it comes to accommodation, Samoëns offers a wide range: cosy hotels, tourist residences, gîtes, chambres d'hôtes and furnished rentals. A central booking office makes it easy to find the right accommodation for you, according to your dates and needs.
Testimonials
"It's great a bike ride with magnificent views and as a gift a breath of fresh air! " Annie Frontier
"The Col de Joux Plane? Yes already climbed, not the easiest, but great view on the way up... Long live Samoëns! " Gilles Hannier
FAQ
What are the region's best-known road bike routes?
The famous ascent of the Col de Joux-Plane is, without doubt, the region's best-known route. Repeatedly covered by the Tour de France, the southern slope offers no respite during the ascent! Perfect for measuring yourself against the champions. You can also take the Samoëns chapel circuit to discover the region's heritage. More accessible, it allows you to visit the Haut-Giffre valley in just a few hours.
Can you take the shuttles with a bike?
In order to go further and discover the area on two wheels, the shuttles will be equipped with a bike rack that can accommodate up to 6 bikes per trip (except for lines 3 and 5). Chargeable service - Map and timetable here
Access
BY ROAD: A40 Geneva / Chamonix freeway. Exit Cluses-Scionzier (n°18), Samoëns is 20 minutes away.
BY TRAIN: Arrival SNCF station at : Cluses (20 km), Saint-Gervais / Le Fayet line. Geneva (50 km) or Bellegarde (70 km) Direct TGV lines from major cities (at weekends). Bus links with Sté Jacquet.
BY BUS: Connection to Samoëns from: Cluses SNCF station (20 km)
Information: Sté Jacquet - Remember to book online.
BY PLANE: Geneva-Cointrin airport is 78 km from Samoëns. Then cab or car rental. From Geneva, the Léman express takes you from Geneva to Annemasse (SNCF train station 55 km from Samoëns), see timetables and network map. Geneva airport transfer with the Léman Express
Contacts
☎ 04 50 50 34 40 28 www.samoens.com
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