Holidays to Samoëns

• Easy to moderate
• Around 7.7kms (one way)
• Expect to take around 2 hours

This walk is low level and even terrain which makes it great for families. It is easy to vary this walk to different lengths as it is a one way walk so you'll have to walk back the same way you came, the total length (one way) is 7.7 kilometres so turn around at any point if you're not up to the challenge. You'll pass by the Samoëns lake and the Lac Bleu at Morillon.

• Moderate
• Approx. 538 metres ascent
• Around 7.2 kilometres

Follow the historical past of Samoëns on this walk from the town hall, past dry stone walls and the villages of Les Combes and Chantemerle. You'll go through forests of the Suets where you get great views and may even see the Mont Blanc mountain range.

• Walking area
• Accessible by cable car from Samoëns (cable car only open during certain dates)
• Fantastic views

During the summer months you can catch the cable car in Samoëns to reach a higher altitude then hike to this walking area. There are a number of different marked trails up here to explore and you'll feel like you're on top of the world with beautiful views. If you're lucky you may even see the Mont Blanc in the distance.

A lazy day by the lake is always called for and Samoëns lake is small but beautifully turquoise and is only a short walk from the main centre. The lake is separated into three sections with one section dedicated to swimming. Here you’ll find locals paddling (and paddle boarding) in the water or lounging on the lakes edge – it’s great for those wanting a short, flat walk around the lake or wanting to cool off in the blue waters.

The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in the Alps. During peak times you can catch the bus here otherwise you may need to get a taxi but there are an abundance of walks to try once you arrive. You can stick to valley-level walks for those wanting more gentle terrain but there are also challenging hikes for those up to the task. Hike to “Bout de Monde”, in English, “the end of the world” for incredible scenery with dramatic peaks and plenty of waterfalls cascading through the rocks.

With Samoën sitting at a lower altitude compared to other resorts in the Alps it has an array of beautiful waterfalls to explore. You usually see them from May to September but if you want to experience them at their best then June is often the best time to travel. That said, July is still impressive.

The Alpine Botanical Garden Jaysinia is in easy reach of Samoëns centre and is a treat for plant and flower lovers. There are around 2400 species of plants and nearly 3 kilometres of paths to wander so if you’re just looking to enjoy the scenery or take a leisurely stroll it’s the perfect setting.

The image is of a bridge on one of the lakes near Samoëns, about 20 minutes walk from the botanic gardens.

E-biking is a great way to get around the local area, the flatter valleys make it easy to explore but if you do want to tackle the mountains then use the power to get you up there. Explore nearby villages and stop off at the local Boulangeries for a treat (or two), there’s also some waterfalls in the area that are well worth seeing. E-bikes can be hired in town and are bookable and payable locally.