Samoëns is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, and the only one of its kind to also be a ski resort. Its charm lies in stone: this is the birthplace of the stonemasons, the frahans, whose guild worked on the great building sites of Europe. Their legacy is found on every street corner, from the fountains to the hall, in a town that has stayed alive.
The heritage of stone
The heart of the village is organised around the Gros Tilleul square, a lime tree planted in 1438 that has shaded the square for nearly six centuries. Beside it, the Grenette, a 16th-century covered hall, still hosts the market. All around, the houses, fountains and church bear witness to the frahans’ skill. A guided tour with the tourist office helps read this story of stone.
The Jaÿsinia garden
Above the village, the Jaÿsinia alpine botanical garden is one of the finest in the Alps. Created in the early 20th century by Marie-Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ, a local girl turned patron, it gathers thousands of mountain plants from around the world, on a hillside laid out with paths and waterfalls. Entry is free, and the view over the valley is magnificent.
Booking
The village and the Jaÿsinia garden can be visited freely. For guided heritage tours and the little tourist train, contact the Samoëns tourist office. The market is held on Wednesday morning under the Grenette.
Good to know
When? All year for the village; the Jaÿsinia garden is finest from late spring to autumn.
With the family. The village is easily walked, and the little train appeals to children.
The market. Wednesday morning under the Grenette, a chance to taste the Giffre’s produce.
To combine. With a hike to the Fer-à-Cheval for a day between heritage and nature.
See also in Samoëns
Get some air with whitewater on the Giffre, or a hike to the Fer-à-Cheval cirque. Back to the destination: Samoëns.