Stone has long been a traditional feature of the Upper Giffre Valley which is dotted with limestone quarries. To supplement their income from farming, the men in the region used to work stone.

In 1659, there were so many frahans (the local name for stonecutters and masons) in Samoëns and their expertise was so well known that they set up a very famous brotherhood. It engaged in charity work, taking care of the sick and training young apprentices in its own school of draughtsmen, which had an extensive library.

The members of the brotherhood of masons and stonecutters in Samoëns were contacted for leading construction projects. They worked with Vauban on his fortifications, were commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to build canals in Saint-Quentin, and worked in Givors and even further afield, in Poland, Louisiana and Australia.

To ensure that they were not understood by outsiders when talking to each other, they used their own dialect, called mourmé.

Evidence of their work can be seen all over the village, in its architecture. Even now, there are a number of stonecutters upholding the tradition in Samoëns and the brotherhood has become a cultural association, the Société des Maçons.

The town carries the designation of a "ville fleurie" distinguishing it as one of the most beautiful towns in France.

Only 1 hour and 12 mins via the A40 Bonneville from Geneva Airport, Samoëns is a popular summer destination as well as the site of a ski resort that departs from a new lift (Grand massif Express) at the edge of town linking up to Samoëns 1600 also known as the Plateau des Saix, this resort is part of the larger five town Grand Massif which includes Flaine and Morillon.

Samoëns has been awarded the 'Famille Plus Montagne' label, making it a great destination for a family ski holiday.

Samoëns is the only winter sports resort to be classified by the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques.

As well as skiing, Samoëns offers a range of non-skiing activities including dog-sledding, indoor climbing, caving and diving under ice.

Feel free to Email me any additions or corrections

LINKS AVAILABLE TO YOUR SITE