Samoens(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Samoëns, the top ski-in/ski-out option is Hotel Le Mont Blanc, located directly at the base of the Samoëns Ski Lift. Its private access to the slopes allows guests to hit the powder without transportation hassles. The hotel features modern Alpine-style rooms with heated floors and panoramic mountain views, plus a spa offering hot tubs and massage therapy. Guests can also enjoy après-ski drinks at the on-site bar, Le Chalet, which serves local specialties like raclette and tartiflette. With 24-hour concierge service and free ski storage, it's ideal for winter adventurers seeking convenience and comfort.

The most authentic alpine village experience in Samoëns is found in the Old Village (Village Ancien), where stone chalets with wooden shutters line narrow cobblestone streets. This historic district is car-free and retains traditional architecture, with artisan shops selling handmade cheese, honey, and woodcrafts. Visitors can stroll through the weekly farmers’ market or visit Église Saint-Pierre, a 17th-century chapel with intricate frescoes. Evening gatherings around bonfires and live folk music add charm, making this area perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion and peaceful mountain living away from tourist crowds.

Visitors to Samoëns should attend the Festival du Traîneau, an annual event featuring traditional sled races through snowy forests using vintage wooden sleds. Participants can join guided sleigh rides pulled by horses, experiencing 19th-century mountain transport. Another highlight is the Woodcarving Workshop at Atelier des Pères de Bois, where locals teach traditional carving techniques using alpine timber. For evening entertainment, the Firelight Night Ceremony gathers guests around a central firepit to share legends and stories under the stars—a deeply rooted tradition that connects visitors to the region’s ancestral heritage.

Yes, many hotels in Samoëns provide ski equipment rental services. Hôtel Alpina features an on-site rental desk with high-quality gear including skis, boots, poles, and thermal wear. They also offer a door-to-door delivery service—guests reserve online, and staff deliver fully assembled equipment to their room. Partnerships with trusted providers like Ski & Go ensure up-to-date, safety-certified equipment. Some packages even include beginner lessons with certified instructors, making it convenient for families and first-time skiers to start their adventure with confidence.

The premier wellness destination in Samoëns is Thermes de Samoëns, a modern thermal spa combining natural mineral waters with alpine healing traditions. Facilities include cold plunge pools, steam rooms, mud baths, and aromatherapy treatments. The highlight is the Cryosauna, a 3-minute cold chamber that boosts circulation and reduces inflammation—ideal after skiing. Additionally, Hotel Le Mont Blanc offers a private wellness suite with treatments using local ingredients like lavender oil and mountain herbs. Services such as deep-tissue massage and snow-essence body wraps help guests recover from physical exertion while enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas.

For families, Les Chalets de l'Étoile stands out as a top choice in Samoëns. It offers interconnecting rooms, a dedicated kids’ playroom, and supervised children’s ski classes. Outside, there’s a safe snow playground with toboggans and snowman-building kits. Parents can relax with a French afternoon tea at the lounge while kids enjoy storytelling sessions. Weekly events like Family Stargazing Nights feature telescopes and guides explaining constellations under the clear alpine sky. The hotel also provides baby cots and high chairs upon request, ensuring a stress-free vacation for all ages.

Tourists visiting Samoëns must try Pain de Fromage, a dense bread made with local goat cheese and rye flour, often served with jam or honey. Another must-try is Tartiflette, a rich dish of potatoes, bacon, and reblochon cheese baked to golden perfection—perfect for cold days. Don’t miss Fromage de Chèvre de Samoëns, a regional goat cheese aged in mountain caves, available fresh at local markets. Restaurants like Le Bistrot des Alpages serve seasonal dishes such as wild mushroom soup and truffle risotto, showcasing the valley’s pristine ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

The most efficient way from Paris to Samoëns is taking the TGV high-speed train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice Station, a 5-hour journey, followed by a 40-minute shuttle bus or rental car ride. Alternatively, fly into Chambéry Airport (approx. 1 hour flight), where taxis and car rentals are readily available. HopeGoo transport in advance is recommended, especially during peak winter months. Many hotels offer complimentary transfer services, making the trip seamless. For flexibility and scenic views, consider driving via the A40 and D68 roads, passing through the stunning Tarentaise Valley.

During summer, Samoëns transforms into a hiking paradise. Hike the Sentier des Bleuets, a scenic trail through alpine meadows filled with bluebells and mountain lakes. Visit La Ferme des Érables, a working farm offering workshops in maple syrup tapping and homemade jam-making. Every Saturday night, the Alpine Music Festival takes place at Grand Pré Square, featuring traditional accordion and fiddle performances. Cyclists can rent e-bikes and explore the Vallée de la Tarentaise route, passing hidden hamlets and ancient stone bridges—perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Yes, several hotels in Samoëns welcome pets. Hôtel Les Aigles offers pet-friendly rooms with beds, bowls, and walking maps. Guests must notify staff in advance and pay a small cleaning fee (€20–30 per stay). Look for hotels marked "Animaux Acceptés" to confirm policies. Some properties even provide pet-sitting services for longer stays, allowing owners to explore nearby trails or ski without worry. The town has pet-friendly paths and green spaces, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors together with your furry companion.