Summer Activities
Holidaying in the Giffre Valley
Summer in Samoens offers wonderful opportunities to relax, unwind and experience a vast array of activities surrounded by the most magnificent scenery. Often under blue skies and warm sunshine (June to September temperatures average between 20°C - 30°C) you can enjoy everything from swimming in the sparkling mountain lakes and pools to gentle hill walking in idyllic and peaceful settings.
There's an almost infinite number of mountain walking trails and biking tracks to get the heart racing, as well as canyoning, paragliding, white water rafting, canoeing, rock climbing and much, much more!
Situated deep in the beautiful Giffre Valley, Chez Michelle provides the perfect base for you to explore this amazing area and the almost endless activities on offer for all age groups and abilities.
Walking
The area is spectacular for walking, whether gentle strolls along the banks of the River Giffre admiring its impressive waterfalls or serious hikes up to 3000m with magnificent views of Mont Blanc and staying overnight in a refuge.
There are hundreds of trails to suit all ages and fitness levels. In fact the Giffre Valley alone has over 900km of marked trails so open up a map or hire a local guide and explore! The GR5 and GR20 routes pass right through Samoens.
Mountain Biking
With over 600km of marked tracks ranging from easy to very challenging, the area is perfect for all levels of mountain biking. The Grand Massif has four lifts open in July and August and once up in the hills offers 69 marked trails. In addition, nearby Morzine has become a mecca for serious mountain bike enthusiasts. There are many cycle shops in the area for cycle and equipment hire.
Road Biking
There are six routes, ranging from 42km to 74km, all starting from Samoens with some spectacular scenery along the way. Even the Tour de France comes through the village from time to time!
Swimming
Samoens has a fantastic open air swimming park with a main pool, beginner's pool and paddling pool, as well as a 60m waterslide and 6000m2 of lawn. In the nearby village of Morillon there is also a man-made swimming lake with beach patrolled by a lifeguard. For the more adventurous, you can swim in the designated mountain lakes or even hydroglide the river rapids with a qualified instructor, equipped with a special float, flippers and a wetsuit.
Rafting/Canoeing
A few minutes walk from Chez Michelle runs the River Giffre, providing one of the best white water rafting and canoeing rivers in the French Alps. Several local companies offer professionally qualified instructors who can guide you through the thrills and excitement of the rapids, even if you have had no previous experience.
Horse Riding
Breath the clear mountain air and admire the breathtaking mountains around you on horseback. The excellent horse riding centre at Sixt Fer A Cheval offers a two-hour ride past the Cascades waterfall.
Canyoning
Accompanied by a qualified guide, follow the river through canyons and stunning gorges. Equipped with wetsuit, climbing harness and helmet you swim, slide, jump and abseil from one rock pool to another. Fantastic fun for adrenaline junkies of all ages!
Rock Climbing/Mountaineering
The town has its own indoor climbing wall with routes ranging from easy to expert for children and adults. There are countless places to climb outside, with or without instruction, from easy grades on local slabs to climbing Mont Blanc itself.
Via Ferrata
If you have a head for heights, try this for fun! Via Ferrata is a cross between walking and climbing and can be enjoyed safely by all ages. The routes above the beautiful village of Sixt, just a few miles from Chez Michelle, are equipped with cables, ropes and ladders to ease you round this exciting cliff-face.
Potholing
One of the world's deepest potholes, the Gouffre Jean Bernard, is nearby. In fact the Haut Giffre Massif is rich in limestone criss-crossed with some of the world's most famous caves.
Golf
There are many 9 and 18 hole golf courses within easy reach of Samoens, including a spectacular mountain course at Les Gets at an altitude of 1900m. There are also excellent courses at Flaine, Lake Annecy and Avoriaz, all with magnificent panoramic views. Samoens itself has a water driving range and mini golf for the children.
Fishing
A first-class area for trout fishing in the mountain torrents, streams and rivers. Three nearby lakes are also excellent for trout fishing; Lac aux Dames, Lac de Joux Plane, Lac de Gers. A fishing licence is obligatory.
Parapenting (Paragliding)
The Giffre valley is the birthplace of parapenting - one of the most exciting ways to experience the magnificent scenery.
Initiation paragliding flights are available throughout the year accompanied by a qualified instructor. And almost anyone can do it, from ages 5 to 85! Paragliding pilot training can be arranged, with five-day paragliding courses available Monday to Friday. Or, if you are a real adrenalin junkie, there is always BASE jumping!
Helicopter Rides
Airport transfer is available from Geneva, Annecy, Chambery and Lyon. From Samoens, sightseeing helicopter flights can be arranged over Mont Blanc and other spectacular scenery.
Adventure Parks
These adventure assault courses can be experienced by all ages in Samoens and Morillon. Set deep in the forest, you can have unlimited fun on suspended bridges, rope slides and walkways high in the trees in complete safety with qualified supervision.
Other Activities
There is Archery, Quad Biking, Jet Skiing, Tennis, Water Skiing, Hot Air Ballooning, Hang-Gliding and so much more!