Samoens - a gem away from the mainstream

If you're looking for a French ski resort a little bit quieter and further away from the crowds of the major resorts, Samoens could be just the place for you. Markedly different from places like Val d’Isere, Samoens has a cosy charm all of its own.

Aside from skiing, the town has a long history of stonemasonry, stretching back several centuries. These stonemasons were so successful, they set up a brotherhood which was engaged by Napoleon Bonaparte - among others - to build canals in the Saint-Quentin area of northern France.

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Samoens.

The skiing

Located roughly an hour’s car journey from Geneva, making it highly accessible from that airport, Samoens is part of the Grand Massif ski district. which has in excess of 250km of ski runs offering challenges to skiers of all abilities.

The longest nearby ski run is Les Cascades which runs for approximately 14km, from Grandes Platieres through Lac de Gers refuge and on to Sixt. For the more advanced skiers amongst you there is the Gers bowl, which includes 800m of untracked ski run for that ultimate test of your skills.

Where to eat

We will get on to the local restaurants in a moment but it would be remiss of us not to mention the main high street shops and the wonderful Samoens market. Head along the main street and you will find hams, cheeses, breads and pastries in abundance and all reasonably priced. The market is held every Wednesday and sells wonderful local produce, so, if you are looking to feed yourself, you won’t go short of options.

When you are looking to dine out you need look no further than 8 M des Monts, a delightful little restaurant serving dishes based on the best local ingredients. As you can imagine, the menu varies according to what ingredients are available but you are sure to find a great, satisfying dish, whatever time of year you visit Samoens.

For those looking for simpler cuisine, you can’t go wrong with the pizzas and sandwiches at Alti Pizz, a great bargain price snack stop off.

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