The traditional French resort of Samoens is an amazing location from where you can spend your luxury summer holiday in the French Alps. This typically French mountain resort attracts thousands of people throughout the summer who enjoy the fresh mountain air as well as the peace and tranquillity that many crave. To get a better idea of what the area is like in the summer I caught up with Andrew and Su Lyell, a British couple who bought and renovated Ferme du Ciel in Samoens.
Ferme du Ciel is a beautiful, traditional chalet. It arose from an old farmhouse in need of a bit of TLC and was lovingly restored to create a large alpine haven perfect for large groups or families. Here is what Andrew and Su have to say about Samoens and their beautiful chalet.
What made you purchase a chalet in Samoens?
Unlike other major alpine towns and villages we were attracted by the farming traditionalism and rural setting of Samoens nestled in a small corner of the French Alps, an hour away from Geneva making it perfect for us to hop between the UK and the Alps. We can leave the UK in the morning and be hiking in the hills by lunch time. Coupled with the fact that the Grand Massif ski domain offers countless activities, not only in summer but winter as well, for those seeking an adventurous holiday to enhance our business.
Why did you choose to buy Ferme du Ciel, what appealed the most about the chalet?
The building was a dilapidated farmhouse in a lovely undiscovered hamlet that needed attention and loving care. We instantly fell in love with the property and by restoring it and calling it Ferme du Ciel (heavenly farm or farm in the sky) we have created our visions into something that is rather special in not just our opinion but in the opinions of many of the hundreds of guests that we have welcomed into our luxury alpine home.
What do you love most about Samoens in the summer?
The quaintness, charm and rustic feel that Samoens oozes is so special. We feel that as other resorts have developed they have failed to stay true to their traditional roots. This is not the case in Samoens. The resort is still a traditional mountain town where you can mix with the locals and their animals in the summer and admire the beautiful stonework of many of the original rustic farmhouses.
How would you spend a perfect summer’s day in Samoens?
Depending on the mood, a long walk in the mountains, amongst the colourful alpine meadows or kayaking, canoeing, canyoning or rafting down the river Giffre. Zip wiring in Morilion or swimming in the one of the lakes or Samoens’ open air swimming pool. All of these activities are great but equally we love merely relaxing at Ferme du Ciel, with its own pool, sauna and jacuzzi and not having to go anywhere! It’s a far cry from city life in the UK!
What group profile would you say is best suited to a summer holiday in Samoens?
It is very hard to narrow it down to just one group profile as Samoens is a resort that caters for nearly everyone. Couples, families with children, wedding/honeymoon couples, adventurists seeking hill and water activities, cycling, golfing groups and those that merely want to explore the area either by foot, horse or car. There really is something for everyone.
What is your favourite activity on offer in and around Samoens?
This is a tricky one, there really are too many to mention. Rafting, kayaking, canyoning, hydroplaning, water skiing, hill/valley walking, lake/pool swimming, horse riding, golf, parapenting, climbing and via Ferrata to name but a few! We love them all!
Do you have any favourite local restaurants?
In Samoens we are blessed with having some amazing eateries. Here are a selection of some of our favourites.
A rustic, traditional restaurant, just outside the village, featuring wooden beams, authentic furniture, fittings and place settings. A wide and varied menu offering a Savoyard fare for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Specially recommended is their Les Spécialités “sur Pierre Chaude” – a mouth-watering course of cubes of beef, pork or tuna, on the table, over a hot stone put before you! An extensive wine list is offered to accompany what you choose.
An equally superb restaurant, just off the main square, offering a delicious menu of reginal delicacies supplemented with oriental dishes to suit your mood. A must for something different, in lovely surroundings, with an outside seating area.
One of our favourites, in this small, chic but cosy bistro for a lovely ‘foodie’ experience which Angelique will take you through (in English) what they have on offer that evening. The care and attention to detail (without overload) is so nice, a wonderfully pleasant experience. Booking a table is a must as they book up quickly!
A charming restaurant in the centre, slightly set back in its own cubby-hole off the main square. Offering, huge traditional Savoyard meals in lovely rustic settings, in a nice atmosphere and lovely surroundings. Our insiders tip though is to beware of having one of the salads for a starter – they are huge and you might not get through the main!! ‘Charlies crust’ is a personal favourite, a mountain dish to savour and devour!!
Another favourite of ours, by Lac Blue between Verchaix and Morillion. The restaurant has a huge seating area, great service and we cannot fault it for a Friday or any other evening out. They also have Sky TV for those who can’t bear missing their team, all in a lovely setting!
If you had one tip for first time visitors to the area what would it be?
Make sure you bring plenty of sun cream with you, a sense of adventure and an attitude of wanting to experience something new (for children and adults). There is plenty on offer most of which you will struggle to find on a beach holiday!
So there we have it, a great insight into why the luxury summer resort of Samoens is the perfect destination for your next luxury summer holiday in the French Alps. If you fancy exploring this stunning resort and the neighbouring mountains this summer and would like to talk with one of the friendly Alps In Luxury team about Ferme du Ciel or any of the other luxury chalets that we offer, please give us a call on +44 01202 203659 or drop us an email.
