Exploring... on foot, by bike, on horseback, from the air, on the water

On foot…

The area is a paradise for walkers, and it easy to see why with over 900km of marked trails, for all levels of walkers, around Samoens. From the flat valley floor, to the mountain tops, everyone can enjoy exploring the area at their own pace. The scenery is spectacular with dramatic mountain peaks, forested paths, tranquil lakes and tumbling rivers.
The famous GR5 route passes through Samoens onto La Cascade du Rouget, upto Lac d’Anterne and finally over the peak and down to Le Brevent into Chamonix. A must for every walking enthusiast. Alternatively the easy walk (rated blue) up to Lac de Gers is not to be missed. It takes 3 hours 40 minutes and climbs upto a height of 1544 metres. At the Lac you can reward yourself to a treat in the lovely mountain restaurant.

There are also many marked walks around Ferme du Ciel, to enable you to explore our own corner of paradise. If you continue up the mountain past the chalet you will reach Col de Joux Plan, with its beautiful lake and wonderfully positioned restaurant where you can relax and drink in the views of Mont Blanc.

By bike…

For mountain bikers there are over 600 kilometres of the most exhilarating routes. Ski lifts are open so that you can get up the mountain the easy way, and then enjoy the blue, red and black downhill mountain bike runs. There are 30 mapped itineries taking you up and down mountain tracks and along forest paths. For the less energetic there are the gentler riverside paths leading from Morillon, through Samoens to Sixt Fer a Cheval with its beautiful waterfalls and nature reserve.

For road bikers there is also plenty on offer, as professional teams come to this area for training and competitions. Follow the Tour de France route upto Col de Joux Plan, or if this is not your idea of fun, then relax and enjoy the flat valley floor that stretches all the way to Lac Leman.

We have a couple of bikes at the chalet that you can borrow, or bike hire is available locally, including adult bikes with child seats.

On horseback…

If our four legged friends are your preferred travel companions, you could not be in a more spectacular place to enjoy their company. Horse riding is available locally, with options ranging from short treks, to longer outings, or if you really want to get away from it all, you can take your horse and stay in a mountain refuge overnight!

From the air…

Get an eagle’s eye view of the mountains and valleys – soar above them in a paraglider, or even view them by helicopter.

Parapenting originated in this area 20 years ago, and there are numerous schools to help you learn the techniques of free-flying, safely. Or, if you don’t want to learn to do it yourself you can take a tandem flight in a two-seater with an experienced instructor. A perfect way to view the mountains, and an unforgettable experience!
www.parapente-samoens.com

On the water…

The beauty of the alpine rivers cannot be overstated. Often hidden in gorges, or in the middle of seemingly inaccessible forest, they can however be explored from a variety of crafts – pick a method to suit your preference! Whether you prefer a gentle meander, or an adrenaline filled adventure, there will be an activity for you. The area offers rafting, hydrospeed, airboat, kayak, canoe or canyoning. Pick your descent to suit!

The season starts in May and lasts until September. There are excursions available daily on the rivers Giffre, La Drance, L’Isere, Le Cheran and more.

Golf, birds and nature, climbing, potholing, spa-breaks, family activities…

Golf

With this region offering some of the finest courses in Europe it is becoming a great destination for golfers of all abilities. You will enjoy stunning scenery, cheaper green fees, uncrowded fairways and beautifully maintained greens. There is an Haute Savoie Golf Pass available, with 5 green fees for 150E. With 10 courses in the area you may have to extend your holiday to fit them all in! Local courses (within a 1 hour drive of Ferme du Ciel) include:

Chamonix golf club
18 holes, par 72
Situated at the base of Mont Blanc

Evian Masters Golf Club
18 holes, par 72
On the shores of Lac Leman

Mont D’Arbois Golf Club
18 holes, par 72
Situated in Megeve, this is the oldest mountain course in France

Bird and nature lovers

The visiting naturalist cannot fail to be delighted with the array of flora and fauna to be enjoyed around Ferme du Ciel. The chalet is situated in the High Valley of the Giffre in the Alps, and therefore is blessed with both high valley and mountain species. Su’s parents have been out exploring and can confirm that within a 10km radius of the farm, starting from its doorstep, an exciting wide range of habitat can be found!

Bird life abounds. The king of mountain birds, the Lammergeier can be found in the Reposoir Valley where they were released in 1997, having been bred in captivity , whilst overhead the Red Kite can be seen.  Nearby, mountain birds such as chough, snowfinch and eagles can be seen, whilst around the chalet species range from the rare wall creeper to a great number of more common European species including all the tits, finches, dippers and redstarts.

The area provides glorious orchid sites and a wonderful range of alpine flowers. These attract high altitude butterflies such as appols, together with numerous ringlet and blues. Quite a few mammal species may be glimpsed, including bex, chamois, marmots and salamander

Whatever your interest in natural history, there is something of interest for you at Ferme du Ciel.

Climbing

This region is of course famous for Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe, but there are also other classic peaks, such as the Drues, the Aguille Verte or the Grandes Jorasses. No shortage of challenges for mountaineers and climbers of all abilities! The Haute-Savoie has 3 Mountain Guide Associations, and they offer set courses or special programmes on request including half day ice, snow and rock climbing programmes; 3-6 day specialist training programmes; mountain treks and children’s programmes.
http://guidesamoens.free.fr/

Potholing

The mountains around Samoëns are full of caves and holes, created by underground rivers eroding the limestone. The valley has a world-wide reputation, and one of the deepest potholes in the world, the Gouffre Jean Bernard is located in Samoens. Local guides are happy to help you explore.
http://guidesamoens.free.fr/

Via Ferrata

A cross between serious hiking and climbing – this is a challenging combination of scrambling and climbing rock faces with courses made of pegs and cables, fixed ropes, ladders and handrails. The courses vary in length and difficulty to suit your taste for adventure. Helmets and harnesses are provided!
Sixt Adventure Passion +33 450 34 95 80
http://www.espacemontagne.fr/

Spas…

By way of a complete contrast, you may like to indulge in a spa! Help yourself wind down into the changed pace of life, or simply give yourself a treat at one of the lakeside or mountainside spa resorts available. We would be happy to make bookings for you.

Family activities

In case the activities already outlined don’t hit the mark, here’s a few more that may keep your family happily occupied…

Indiana Park, Samoëns offers a wicked assault course in the middle of forest! Whether climbing up ladders, running along footbridges or swinging through the trees on jungle vines the kids (or young at heart!) will have loads of fun!
http://www.indianaventures.com/

Le Lac Bleu at Morillon is an area to sit and have a drink, swim, play mini golf, or tennis or volleyball, or go fishing!

Samoëns also has a lake that you can relax by, or an open air pool for an alternative swimming venue. You can visit the local cheese making factory, or visit the Clos Parchet living museum just above Ferme du Ciel. This is an old Samoens farm where you can discover the history of the local people.

Slightly further afield the Cite de L’Eau, Geneva is a water park on the edge of Lac Leman. There is a diving pool, water slide, children’s pool, spa pool, Jacuzzis and poolside relaxation zones. Or, you can relax in the saunas whilst your children are watched by the lifeguards.

The Parc du Merlet, Megeve, is a 25 hectare animal park that has all the animals you would normally find on the mountains. Ibex, Mouflon and Chamois, are amongst the animals you will see.

Useful links
http://www.adventurespayraud.com/
http://www.ecolorado-rafting.com/
http://www.espacemontagne.fr/
http://www.grand-massif.com/
http://www.samoens.com/