Many people come to just to enjoy the environment in the mountains, to stroll around the historical centre of Samoëns or along the river, or to explore the surrounding villages and hamlets. But Samoëns also puts on a full calendar of events and summer festivals from music to Harley Davidson’s. Then there is the newly refurbished sports centre, the tennis courts, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a pleasure lake.  A little train winds its way around the town and out along the valley and in the main square an old fashioned roundabout is a firm favourite. Down in Morillon is another excellent park, where you can find a small sandy beach on the shore of a freshwater lake, and try out the challenging tree top trail.

For walkers this is a great area, with stunning scenery and an extensive range and choice of walks, whether you want a leisurely circuit or a more strenous rock climb. The mountains are dotted with many welcoming refuges where you can stay overnight and plan your walks further afield.

Take a bike ride on the flat or hire mountain bikes, stick them on the chairlifts, then hurtle back down to the bottom over the hillsides and forest tracks. For more thrills try jumping off the summit at Samoëns 1600 and parapenting down the valley. Try horse riding or golf on the courses at Les Gets, Evian les Bains and Flaine. If the weather is wet, which it sometimes is, the cinema shows a good mix of current English and French titles or you can go with the weather and get even wetter white water rafting or canyoning.

It may be a small place, but Samoëns also boasts a botanical garden, which stretches up the hillside from the main square and from its highest point looks down over the rooftops. Here you can see many varieties of alpine and mountain plants, then wander around the valley and slopes which are teeming with plants and wildlife in their natural habitats. Each small commune organises regular guided walks around the area with the emphasis on local history, architecture, plant and wildlife.

Shopping and eating out:

Food: – it’s a real pleasure to shop locally; for a quick stock up there is a well supplied Champion supermarket a few minutes drive away, but it’s more interesting to check out the local shops.  In both Samoëns and Morillon there are excellent butchers, bakeries and delicatessens as well as general stores.  The busy weekly markets are a destination in their own right and bring in small local producers from all around. There are many bars, cafes and restaurants to try out nearby and further afield. Samoëns also has a good selection of gift, equipment and clothing stores. Geneva, Annecy and Chamonix, all about an hour away, offer more sophisticated shopping.

Eating out: - local hams, sausages and cheeses form the basis of delicious salads, fondues and hot dishes, enjoy traditional French and local food in the village or up the mountain; don't forget the pleasure of a good picnic!