There are plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful French town of Samoëns, whether you’re a skier taking a day away from the slopes or a visitor who has come to see the sights. If the notion of wandering the town’s scenic little streets at your ease, popping into shops for bits of cheese, cured meat and little desserts takes your fancy, then you’ll be interested to hear about some of our favourite food shops in the town.
For the Freshness Fanatic
If you love your food to be as fresh as possible and you like to know exactly where it comes from, you’ll want to visit one of Samoëns’ beautiful farms. Le Criou is a cattle dairy farm which offers cheeses made in-house, not to mention a spectacular setting and a chance to visit a working Alpine farm.
If you’d rather see something a little different, then go to La Ferme de l’Entremont, which is a goat dairy. L’Entremont also supplies goat milk products, including a range of delicious goats’ cheeses.
Whether You Have a Savoury Palate…
The Savoy region is famous for its cheeses as well as its charcuterie. Enter Le Refuge des Saveurs and you’ll immediately be struck by the bundles of saucisson and ham, hanging from the ceiling like ripe fruit. The smell in Le Refuge is delicious, evoking the savoury, smoky richness of its cured meats as well as its cheeses, which are piled high like bricks. If you’re in need of some olive oil, preserves, wine or other delicacies, you’ll be able to find them at Le Refuge.
For premium charcuterie, cheeses and other goods, it’s worth the extra money to try out Le Grenier Savoyard. Said to provide the best sausages in town, Le Grenier not only sells delicious sausages (both fresh and dried), but also peerless cheeses, pâtés, hams, honey, jams and more.
If you feel like experiencing some of the region’s specialties but prefer to self-cater, you can even rent fondue equipment from Le Grenier, allowing you to enjoy this warming, comforting dish on your own terms.
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…Or a Sweet Tooth
A few doors down from Le Grenier Savoyard, you’ll find Montagne et Chocolat. With all the charm of an old fashioned sweetshop buried deep within the French Alps, Montagne et Chocolat is perfect for gifts as well as for simply treating yourself. As the name suggests, the shop sells a wide range of chocolates, both individual and by the bar, but it doesn’t stop there!
In addition to the chocolates, you can buy an array of other sweets, including one of our favourites: the array of sweetened breads, containing treats such as candied fruit and sugar candy. There are other baked goods too, such as biscuits and traditional French bakes.
Wander around the shop, taking in the tempting sights and smells, and maybe nibble a few free samples before you decide what you’d like to buy – there’s so much choice, after all!
How to Get to Samoëns
Unfortunately, Samoëns does not have any public transport links with Geneva Airport. If you drive, it’s a little over an hour along the A40 (be prepared to cross the Franco-Swiss border and pay a toll), or look into Geneva airport transfers for that little extra service and convenience.
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Where to Stay
Le Génépi – Perfect for small groups travelling together, Le Génépi offers fully equipped apartment accommodation at an excellent price. If you’re after a simple solution when looking for a place to stay, then look no further.
Residence Hôtelière La Renardiere – for those seeking accommodation with slightly more comfort in mind, consider apartment La Renardiere. The apartments have the capacity to sleep up to six people, and there are on-site swimming pools, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a hot tub, meaning you can unwind without even leaving your accommodation.
Villa Rose – A perfect Alpine bed and breakfast, oozing with both style and personality, Villa Rose is one of the most comfortable, welcoming places you could hope to stay. The rooms are luxurious, the décor quirky and unique and the bedding is to die for.
