Summer Activities

If any place in the world can be described as an "all-year-round location", Samoens is definitely that place. In the winter, there's all the obvious things to do like skiing and ice skating etc.

In the summer, all the ski runs are transformed into mountain bike runs, as is with the Gondola to take you up the mountain. It now takes bikes instead of skis. Given that it's warmer, white water rafting is definitely something you must try. Also, if you travel up the mountain further to Morzine-Avoriaz, then there is a dry concrete luge that is great entertainment for all ages. You really do feel like you' re competing in a summer Winter Olympics.

Places to go when not on the slopes

Chamonix Mt. Blanc is a must if you have never done it before but is expensive and is very high at the top but the views are spectacular take warm clothes it gets cold even in the height of summer as it is 4,500m high.

Evian is a great town to visit and you can take the foot ferry over to Lussan

Yvoire is a medieval 14th century town. A must! But is a little expensive and it is a pedestrian town so take your walking boots.

Shopping for food; wine and Fuel

Food; wine and Fuel

Carrefour super market has the cheapest fuel we have found. It is at the bottom of the hill so out of the apartment, drive down to the cross roads straight over down to a T junction. Turn left go for about 600m and there it is on your right. This is also the main road into Samoens.

We have checked all the local super markets and they are around the same price as the Carrefour. there are all types of food you would like. Remember all shops shut between 12 midday and 3pm every day. Sundays (most shops open in Sunday morning).

Money is easy to get, there is a large number of cash points in the village. Most places take cards but it’s wise if you go to clothing stores to have photo ID with you they some times ask for it with card payments.

Restaurants to visit in Samoens

Neige et Roc Hotel - excellent service, great food a little expensive and tell the owners The Atkinson's sent you it might get you some discount. Located on the Samoens road on the right which is the road directly at the bottom of the valley.

http://www.neigeetroc.com/

Bar La Savoie - reasonably priced, fair selection located in the town square. Same route in. http://www.savoiebar.com/presentation.htm

Bois De Lune - expensive but good food and service are excellent. Located on the road to Samoens from the apartment on the right just past the Neige et Roc hotel

You’re Journey from Geneva

Collect your car from Geneva Airport and drive out of the barrier and travel in the direction indicated but look up almost immediately you leave the car park. You will see a gantry sign, as the lane you need to be in is the one for France and that is the key for all the next 7-8 kms is look for the "France" over the top of the lane you are in. Once you reach the Swiss border you have no need to stop if you have a Swiss hire car as the hire company have already paid the road fund for Switzerland. If you are not then the cost is 30 euros. Not sure then look on the wind screen for one of the signs is about 5cm square and has a motorway picture on it.

Your Holiday starts here!

Rules for driving in Switzerland and France

The driving is on the right, you give way to the left, check road painted lines to confirm. You have right of way on roundabouts and traffic lights have different rules to UK. When lights are going to the stop indication the light goes Green, Amber and Red but when its time to go, the light changes straight from Red to Green (no amber). The lights are on over head gantry signs which make it difficult to see, so they are clever they have baby lights set at drivers window height of the traffic light pole.

On the Swiss road motorway signs are in Green the top speed is 120 Km per hour (Kph). If you are pulled over by the police stop; stay in the car until the police get to your window. You will have to pay fines on the spot if you are naughty. If you do not have the cash they will take you to a cash point or impound you car until the fine is paid. Cost is quite low.

Driving in France is the same as Switzerland the speed limit is increased to maximum 130 km per hour but in the rain it goes down to 110 km. Drive on the right and give way to the left as the rules are for Switzerland.  

Holidays in the French Alps

This is the best place I've ever had for a holiday