At the heart of Samoëns is the Place du Gros-Tilleul, so-named for its superb lime-tree, dating back to 1438. The beautiful sixteenth-century church dominates one side of the square, overlooking the covered corn market and a pretty fountain decorated with bronze sculptures.

a heady place!

The Samoëns ski area offers a varied playground accessible to all. For expert skiers there are black and red pistes at the top of the resort and a vast off-piste area to indulge your enthusiasm. Beginners will improve on the lower, more gentle blue and green slopes which were entirely re-designed in 2003. Small children are welcomed at the children's ski area (jardin d´enfants) at the top of the Grand Massif Express cable car.

Above it all, however, there is Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain at 4,807 m. Climb it if you must; otherwise take the télécabine, the tram or the train; marvel at the view, take a trip to, if not down, the glacier, visit the Sea of Ice. You'll find it hard to come back down to earth.

Getting there