Samoens. Historic Village and Ski Resort:
SAMOENS is unique in being the only resort classified by the ‘Caisse des Monuments’ famous for its stone maisons. It is also a ‘Bourg Historique’ (historic market town) and is very authentic as it stills remains a farming village and dates back to the 13th Century. On some days, the streets can become very crowded - with passing cows! Samoëns has been awarded the ‘Coq D'Or’ (golden cockerel) for being one of the prettiest villages in France. There are plenty of Restaurants and bars, and award winning patisserie/cafe. Lovely quaint shops and many activities, held throughout the year such as festivals, open-air concerts and craft fairs. Local farmers, artisans and butchers run the village market on a Wednesday, well worth a visit. Andrew & Morag know many of the local shop and restaurant owners, arrangements are in place for discounted ski rental in the winter, and racing bike and MTB rental in the summer.
The perfect holiday venue - winter and summer:
SAMOENS and its' unique location in the River Giffre valley, make it an ideal holiday destination all year round. In the winter the skiing benefits from the 'Mont Blanc effect' which helps maintain an excellent snow record. In the summer, there are a plethera of activities for all outdoor Alpine enthuthiasts. Mont Buet dominates the head of the valley, is the highest limestone peak in Haut Savoie. Walking is world-class, Sixt Fer a Cheval is a gateway to a mountain wilderness where the last bears and wolves in France roamed. You can still see the Marmote, Chamoix and Ibex whilst walking the GR5 route or other tracks linking the wonderful mountain refuges. The valley is a world-leading venue for other activities including Climbing, Parapenting, Mountain Biking and Cycling - a regular on the Tour de France route where the cyclist tackle the 14km 'Col de Joux Plane'. This is not to mention, white-water rafting and canoeing, Via Ferrata, a sports center and swimming complex and golf.
Child care:
SAMOENS and MORILLON wholeheartedly welcome children and off a wide range of childcare.
SAMOENS...has invested in a brand new ‘GARDERIE’ [ NURSERY] called LOUPIOTS , situated opposite the Tourist Office. For children 3 MONTHS to 6 YEARS, open 8.30 to 6pm, half or full days, meals available. Children over 3 can have ski lesson, they are taken on the little train and cable car up to the ‘JARDIN DES NEIGES’ at SAMOENS 1600. ...MORILLON has been recognised by Ski France as a ‘Children’s Resort’ for it’s organisation, quality and diversity if equipment, and for the activities and entertainment which it provides. Arno & Jessica also offer childcare and baby sitting, they live below the chalet.
Ski:
The Grand Massif ski area links five resorts of Samoens,Morillon, Sixt,Les Carroz.and Flaine. There are 265km of piste and a summit of 2500m. The Flaine bowl is one of the premier ski areas in France and has a great snow record due to the “Mont Blanc effect”. There are views of Mont Blanc from Tete de Saix, en route to Flaine, and from Flaines Les Grandes Plantiers. The “green” Marvel run in Morillon is often portrayed as one of the worlds most picturesque ski runs, and this is certainly true after heavy snow fall, this is a 5km cruise down to Morillon 1100. When there is fresh snow, advanced skiers are recommended to head to Gers, this is a powder paradise where you can make fresh tracks all day, and with a great restaurant Chalet de Gers. Off the top of Les Grandes Plantiers, you can also access Cascades, this runs blue for 14km by waterfalls and across the top of sheer limestone cliffs, eventually arriving in the village Sixt. La Maison Blache is just 200m from the nearest ski bus.
Other Activities:
Parapenting, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating, Cross Country Skiing, Helicopter Tours, Ice Climbing, Potholeing. White Water Rafting, Canyoning, Via Ferrata
