Samoëns properties for sale

Samoëns stands as the most authentic stone village in the French Alps, dating from 1167 and renowned for its extraordinary heritage as the cradle of European master stonemasons. This historic village, whose name derives from a medieval expression meaning “the seven mountains,” sits perfectly positioned between Chamonix and Geneva within the Grand Massif – France’s fourth-largest ski domain with 265 kilometers of interconnected slopes.

Legendary Stonemason Heritage

Since the 16th century, Samoëns has been famous throughout Europe for its master stonemasons, who formed an official brotherhood in 1659 and were commissioned for major construction projects from Vauban’s fortifications to Napoleon’s canals, working as far afield as Poland, Louisiana, and Australia. The village’s extraordinary stone architecture – featuring carved door frames, fountains, and the remarkable Grenette covered market – showcases this unparalleled craftsmanship that continues today through cultural associations preserving these ancient skills.

Living History and Botanical Treasures

The village center remains virtually unchanged for centuries, dominated by the legendary Gros Tilleul lime tree planted in 1438 to commemorate the village’s grant of self-determination by the Duke of Savoy. Marie-Louise Jaÿ, co-founder of La Samaritaine department store in Paris, pioneered tourism development by creating the spectacular 3.7-hectare Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden with over 2,500 plant species – making Samoëns one of the first purpose-developed tourist destinations in the Alps.