Samoëns Walking Holidays
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Welcome to walking in Samoëns
- Express gondola to 1,600m - gateway to 265km of Haute-Savoie trails
- One of two official Fleuris villages in the French Alps
- Beautiful, historic Medieval market town
One of only two French villages awarded the prestigious Grand Prix National des Villes et Villages Fleuris for five consecutive decades, Samoëns' stone fountains, medieval architecture, and flower-draped balconies make it one of the French Alps' most characterful mountain bases.
Walking holidays in Samoëns combine village richness with access to a vast 265km trail network, with the Grand Massif Express gondola departing directly from the village.
The Lac aux Dames in the village has supervised summer swimming from 1st July, the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval nature reserve - one of the largest cirques in the Alps - is just a bus trip away, and the Gouilles Rouges lake trail from the top of the gondola is a particular favourite - a high-altitude loop to two mountain lakes that delivers genuine alpine drama.
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How to get around Samoëns
How our self-guided Samoëns walking holidays work:
Our self-guided trips let you set your own pace, from the length of your stay, to how far you walk each day. But if you’re used to group or guided holidays, you might be wondering how you’ll get around? Well, it’s easy…
Getting to and around town:
Your airport transfer is included with your trip. Once there, you’ll find Samoëns a compact, historic village centred around the medieval Place du Gros Tilleul - with an ancient lime tree, fountains, and more.
Getting to your walks and hikes:
The Grand Massif Express gondola departs from the edge of the village, connecting to Samoëns 1600. From here the Chariande Express chairlift reaches the Tête des Saix at 2,100m.
The Rando’Bus summer shuttle network connects 14 valley trailheads throughout July and August for access to the wider Giffre valley. Local buses also connect Samoëns to Morillon, Les Carroz, and Cluses.
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FAQs about Samoëns hiking holidays
Your questions answered by our Samoëns walking holiday expert
Can I still access Samoëns' lift and gondolas in the summer?
Yes, you can. Samoëns' lifts and gondolas still operate throughout the summer months, provided conditions are safe and favourable, and many of the mountain huts are still operational, so you can grab a bite to eat while savouring those epic mountain views.
When do Samoëns' lifts and gondolas run during summer?
Grand Massif Express Gondola (Samoëns village – Samoëns 1600)
- Operating times: 09:00 – 17:00
- Open: 6th June 2026
- Closes: 30th August 2026
Chariande Express Chairlift (Samoëns 1600 – Tête des Saix, 2,100m)
- Operating times: 09:30 – 16:30
- Opens: 5th July 2026
- Closes: 30th August 2026
A quick "Mountain Rule of Thumb": Last ascent is usually 15–30 minutes before the official closing time, and Last descent is the very last cabin down. If you miss it, it’s a long walk back!
Can I hire a mountain guide on my Samoëns walking holiday?
Yes, you can. Though these are not currently bookable via the Heidi website, you can enquire and book with the local tourist office, or visit their website. We recommend enquiring early to ensure availability.
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All flight-inclusive holidays sold on Heidi are fully financially protected under the ATOL scheme (ATOL 11456)