Flaine (Samoens)
Traditional valley town with charm and character. Access to the Grand Massif ski area
Samoens resort guide - a general overview
Samoens is a truly traditional mountain town and is the only French ski resort that is designated as a Monument Historique! Once a thriving medieval centre for stone masons Samoens is now a charming mountain town relying on tourism as its number one income provider. There is a traffic free centre with narrow streets and appealing shops, bars and restaurants, and there is also a substantial looking church and pleasant town square. The traditional market visits each week so despite recent tourism growth it remains a real French town where little has changed over the years.
2003 saw the completion of the 8-person gondola which makes this now a viable entry point for the Grand Massif ski domain. However, the lift is situated a drive or bus ride away from the centre and there is no way to ski back to the lift station at the end of the day.
The skiing directly above Samoens is on open North facing slopes (so hold snow well) and makes for great confident boosting family ski terrain. This area links nicely with Morillon and also to the slightly further away areas of Les Carroz and Flaine (for higher altitude slopes and great off-piste opportunities).
We offer some excellent catered chalets in Samoens so do have a look at these.
We offer some excellent catered chalets in Samoens so do have a look at these.
Resort stats
265km
700m - 2,500m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Geneva
- 1hr
5 ski chalets in Flaine (Samoens) View All
Flaine (Samoens), France
Chalet Ferme Du Ciel
Average Price
£1,097 pp OfferFlaine (Samoens), France
Apartment Accord
Average Price
£425 pp OfferFlaine (Samoens), France
Chalet Allure
Average Price
£1,014 ppPros and Cons
Pros
- Historic, traditional, charming village with traffic free centre
- Lift into the large Flaine/Les Carroz ski area offering high altitude and varied ski terrain
- New 6 main chair lift from the mid station means much faster access to the upper ski areas
- Easy, quick transfer from Geneva
Cons
- Crowded at weekends as close to Geneva
- Access lift for the mountain is way outside the village centre meaning a car is useful
- Relatively quiet on the nightlife and apres ski scene
- Not ideal for total beginners
Restaurants
Flaine (Samoens) Resort Restaurants
Le Monde a l'Envers close to the main square produces fantatstic local Savoyarde dishes, booking is recommended. Another favourite is The Gite du Lac de Gers. This restaurant can be found halfway down the Cascades piste and is only open when conditions are favourable. Again do book ahead. For Pizzas look no further than La Louisane. For authentic atmosphere the Table de Fifine is good although a little out of town. Other good and reliable restaurants include the Relais Gourmand and the Au rendez-vous de la Piaz - consitently good and incredibly friendly.
Flaine (Samoens) Mountain Restaurants
There are some good eateries on the mountain is at Samoens 1600, the mid station area. However, the best bet is to head for just above the resorts of Morillon and Les Carroz where there are some great on-mountain restaurant options.
Flaine (Samoens) Apres Ski
There are several quite lively bars and an Irish pub, Coveys, that gets good reviews.
Flaine (Samoens) Nightlife
Samoens is a little quiet for those looking for a heavy night scene. It is very pleasant but is more suited to those who are happy for a few beers before dinner and then early to bed.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
