Chalet la Turche was the first house built in the area of La Turche, in Samoens, about an hours drive from Geneva.
The name 'Samoens' dates from 1167 AD and is based on a medieval expression meaning 'the seven mountains', a reference to the peaks around the village - Cuidex, Vigny, Folly, Oddaz, Bostan, Chardonnière, Freterolles and La Vullie.
The centre of Samoens is a ten minute walk from the chalet. There is a 15th century church and lime tree (the Gros Tilleul), in the central square, a Mairie and the Jaysinia Gardens. There are good cafes, chocolatiers, local artisan shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants and a small cinema. Even a good Irish pub! There is plenty of parking in town too.
Every Wednesday morning, Samoens’ popular ancient Savoyard market, one of the oldest in France, has up to 130 stalls selling local cheeses and meats, as well as artisan products and alpine furnishing items.
A Carrefour supermarket is situated on the edge of Samoens and there are a couple of other smaller supermarkets in the town centre, as well as banks, chemists etc .
In holiday seasons the Tourist Office puts on a programme of activities in the village such as wine tasting, live concerts, fireworks, traditional games and crafts fairs. The Samoens tourist information office has more information on Samoens and the surrounds, and suggestions for travel to Samoens.
Samoens is a good base to explore places further afield, such as Chamonix, Annecy, Morzine and Geneva.