Ready for an active holiday in the heart of the Alps? Nestled between lakes and mountains, the Samoëns region offers a wealth of summer activities suitable for all ages, so you can share some magical moments with your loved ones.
Nature, adventure and discovery await you with this selection of the five best family activities to enjoy this summer in and around Samoëns.
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Hike to the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
Ideal for those who enjoy gentle walks and alpine landscapes, the hike to the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is a wonderful journey into the heart of nature – if you’re lucky, you could see chamois, marmots and birds of prey.
The 13km round trip, on a trail accessible to adults and children, winds through forests, streams, and mountain pastures before it opens up to reveal a majestic amphitheater of cliffs and waterfalls.
The Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden
Perched on a south-facing slope close to the centre of Samoëns, the Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden invites visitors to enjoy a sensory walk. Nearly 2,500 species and 4,800 plants from five continents flourish among waterfalls, streams and historic ruins.
Open from May to September, it welcomes families and botany enthusiasts in search of new discoveries. Admission is free, and guided tours are available on request for those who want to learn more about the flora and biodiversity.
Rafting on the Giffre river
Tackling wild gorges and rapids, a rafting trip down the Giffre River combines sport, nature and adventure. This activity, supervised by qualified instructors, is suitable for all those aged 7 and above with a sense of adventure.
Local providers such as Ecolorado Rafting and Nunayak offer routes suitable for all levels. The best time to go rafting is between May and September, when the water flow is ideal.
Cycling: MTB, gravel biking and road cycling
Whether you prefer mountain biking, gravel biking, or road biking, summer in Samoëns promises beautiful cycling challenges in lush natural surroundings, with around 400km of trails and 28 freeride and single track trails.
For mountain bikers, the Criou trails include blue and red routes accessible to riders aged 12 and over. For the more experienced, the descent from the Aiguille offers technical passages through forests and alpine pastures.
Gravel biking can be enjoyed on the Verrière trails and around the Sommand plateau. The varied routes range from 20 to 50km, combining rolling trails and panoramic views of the valley.
Road cycling enthusiasts can challenge themselves on two of the legendary climbs of the Tour de France. The Col de Joux Plane or the Col de la Ramaz have 1,000 to 1,500m of elevation gain.
Paraglide over the Giffre Valley
A paragliding flight from Samoëns allows you to discover from the sky the beauty of the Giffre Valley, its peaceful hamlets, and winding rivers. Take a tandem flight, and let the currents carry you effortlessly over the mountains.
Suitable for anyone over the age of five, this activity is supervised by professionals from companies such as Les Tontons Volants or 2 Ski Fly. Paragliding is available from May to October, depending on weather conditions, and will leave you with unforgettable memories of your summer in Samoëns.
With outdoor adventures, water sports and adrenaline rushes, Samoëns is the perfect destination for an active family holiday this summer. This charming little corner of the Alps promises you a fun-filled break with your loved ones.
Now that you know what you’ll be doing in Samoëns, it’s time to choose your accommodation:
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