The Area

From the head of the valley, close to the Swiss border at Fer a Cheval, a Parc Nationale, the river Giffre flows through the Haute Savoie villages of Sixt, Samoëns, Morillon and Taninges, then on to Geneva and the Rhone after joining The Arvre which flows down from Chamonix.

The villages closest to the chalets are Morillon and Samoëns. The medieval village of Samoëns has been awarded the Coq D’Or, an award for it being one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is also a “village fleurie”.

The flowers that adorn the houses in Samoëns and the nearby villages in summer are quite lovely.

In winter the flowers seem to be replaced by fairy lights and life size Father Christmas’s climbing up assorted ladders and chimneys.

Samoëns is only a couple of minutes drive from the chalet, and has some delightful restaurants where you can have a variety of food, from a simple pizza, local Savoyard dishes, such as raclette and fondue and of course classic French

There is a picturesque medieval square with cafes around it and on Wednesday mornings there is a large market.

In summer months there is an old Carousel in the square for the children to enjoy, or they can go on a tour of the town in a horse drawn cart

Many activities take place in the square and it is always worth getting the weekly information from the Tourist Office as to the activities taking place in the town

There are many shops for souvenirs, food and clothes. There is also a renowned botanical garden, which is worth a stroll around in either winter or summer.

Morillon is only a minute from the chalet. It is smaller than Samoëns, but it too has a selection of shops and restaurants and also a big supermarket on the road from Verchaix to Samoëns for larger food shopping.

About ten minutes drive up the valley from the chalet is Sixt, a beautiful village with wonderful walks along an impressive glaciated valley with a host of waterfalls.

There are many places to visit within a short drive. Chamonix, the medieval village of Yvoire on Lac Leman and Annecy are just a few.