Chalets Bérénice in Samoëns: The spirit of the mountains in an authentic setting

In the heart of the Giffre Valley, Samoëns embodies the perfect balance between authentic mountain charm and a vibrant tourist scene. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie, this Savoyard gem captivates visitors with its well-preserved heritage and the wealth of activities available throughout the year. With its spectacular natural surroundings, year-round events programme and distinctive way of life, Samoëns has established itself as a must-visit destination in every season. Take a closer look at this unique resort and the investment opportunity offered by MGM’s Chalets Bérénice development.

Samoëns: Living heritage and outstanding appeal in Haute-Savoie

Perched at an altitude of 700 metres, this quintessential Savoyard village provides the perfect gateway to the Grand Massif ski area. Linking the resorts of Samoëns, Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, the domain offers 265 km of slopes, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,500 metres. With almost 140 runs served by around 60 lifts, it welcomes several hundred thousand skiers each winter.

Thanks to its excellent snow conditions and high-quality infrastructure, with more than 70% of the ski area covered by snowmaking facilities, the Grand Massif records several million skier-days each season, making it the fourth-largest interconnected ski area in France.

Samoëns’ appeal extends far beyond the winter season. In summer, visitor numbers continue to rise, with tens of thousands of visitors arriving each week during the peak season. The area offers more than 900 km of marked trails, including numerous long-distance hiking routes and enjoys an exceptional natural setting, close to the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, which encompasses almost 9,200 hectares of unspoilt landscapes and wide-open spaces.

The village is home to around 2,500 permanent residents, a figure that increases 5- to 10-fold during peak tourist periods, reflecting its enduring appeal. This success is underpinned by a unique heritage with highlights including the Place du Gros Tilleul, home to a protected lime tree that is more than 600 years old and the Jaÿsinia Alpine Botanical Garden, which features around 5,000 Alpine plant species. A wide range of outdoor and white-water activities further enhances the destination's popularity. From climbing, via ferrata, mountain biking, hiking and trail running to rafting, canyoning, hydrospeed and tubing, summer is packed with thrilling outdoor pursuits.

A particularly well-organised range of sporting activities includes:

• 400 km of mountain bike trails in the Grand Massif.

• A renowned trail running area with over 30 marked routes.

• A leisure centre welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every summer…

Dedicated to relaxation and gentle leisure activities, the Lacs aux Dames recreation park is perfect for swimming or picnicking and perfectly complements the range of activities on offer, including an adventure course, tennis and pétanque courts…A true haven of tranquillity, perfect for leisurely strolls and unwinding at your own pace.

Thanks to this diverse offering, summer tourism now represents a growing share of economic activity. With average stays estimated at 5 to 7 nights, it boosts the profitability of holiday rental properties, while the wide range of activities on offer encourages longer stays, further enhancing the region’s economic appeal.

Major summer events in Samoëns

Summer in Samoëns is shaped by a vibrant programme of events that plays a key role in the resort’s tourism activity. Several have become real highlights of the season:
 

• Ultra-Trail du Haut-Giffre: an iconic sports race bringing together over 1,500 participants. It welcomes seasoned athletes and amateur runners, reinforcing Samoëns’ growing reputation as a trail running destination.

   

• Giffre Lyric Festival: a cultural highlight celebrating opera and classical music in an exceptional alpine setting.

   

• Samoëns American Festival: a flagship summer event, attracting more than 20,000 visitors each year. Concerts, shows and entertainment are joined by equestrian displays inspired by American culture.

Alongside these, the traditional and evening markets, local festivals and craft fairs, as well as heritage events, bring the spirit of the region to life. They showcase local traditions and regional produce, offering plenty of opportunities to share in authentic experiences and discover the area’s culinary and cultural heritage, all helping to animate the village and highlight its unique character.

A strategic location and a high-performing investment

Located just 60 km from Geneva (around a one-hour drive) and 20 km from Cluses railway station, Samoëns benefits from excellent accessibility for both French and international visitors. Its proximity to Switzerland further enhances its appeal, particularly among those with strong purchasing power.

The property market benefits from sustained demand with occupancy rates for the most desirable properties reaching 70–80% during peak season. The destinations year-round appeal helps to smooth rental income throughout the year and optimise annual returns.

The scarcity of land and the desire to preserve the village’s identity help maintain stable and, in some cases, rising property prices, resulting in long-term capital appreciation.

A secure Alpine investment

With sustained annual visitor numbers, a diverse range of activities and an extensive ski area, Samoëns confirms its status as a leading destination in the Northern Alps. Combining authenticity, strong tourism performance and an exceptional quality of life, this village resort meets all the criteria for a successful investment.

In Samoëns, the figures speak for themselves: the destination continues to attract visitors, foster repeat stays and support long-term property value. Chalets Bérénice is positioned within this thriving market, offering a rare address in the heart of a region where mountain living is enjoyed all year round.

INTERVIEW

Chalets Bérénice: a signature MGM development in the heart of Samoëns

Questions for Nicolas Grizard, Sales Director at MGM Constructeur

Why did you choose to return to Samoëns with the Chalets Bérénice development?

We have a special attachment to Samoëns. MGM has been developing properties there for many years and has already delivered several landmark tourist residences, including Alexane, Layssia and La Reine des Prés, as well as around twenty conventional residential developments. There is a genuine attachment to Samoëns within the company. It is a village resort with a strong sense of identity, one that has successfully preserved its authentic character over the years.

With Chalets Bérénice, we chose a location set slightly removed from the village centre, approximately 500 to 600 metres from local amenities. This position offers a more open aspect, excellent south-facing exposure, and above all, uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. It strikes a rare balance between convenient access to the village and the tranquillity of a residential environment.

Samoëns is equally attractive for its year-round appeal. In winter, the extensive Grand Massif ski area, linking Samoëns, Morillon, Les Carroz and Flaine, caters to all levels and styles of skiing. In summer, the Giffre mountains, rivers, lakes and hiking trails provide an exceptional setting for a wide range of outdoor activities.

The resort also benefits from excellent accessibility, particularly thanks to its proximity to Geneva, which attracts both French and international visitors. Samoëns is a destination that offers a wealth of attractions, it is easily accessible and vibrant throughout the year.

What are the key criteria for today’s mountain property buyers and how does Chalets Bérénice respond to those needs?

Today, buyers are primarily seeking smaller-scale developments, in prime locations, with high-quality amenities and specifications that differentiate them in the market. Chalets Bérénice meets these expectations perfectly. With its 5 chalets, each comprising 10 apartments, the project retains an intimate character that is particularly appreciated by buyers. The first phase, comprising 3 chalets, will see 30 apartments delivered by Christmas 2027, alongside the opening of the pool area. The remaining 2 chalets will be delivered in summer 2028.

One of the development’s standout features is its exceptional range of amenities, rarely found in a residence of this kind. An entire chalet will be dedicated to an exclusive private pool area, representing a genuine added value for residents. The location is equally desirable with full south-facing exposure and uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. All the apartments benefit from a single aspect, making the most of the views and natural light.

Finally, the apartment layouts on offer reflect the evolving ways in which people now use mountain properties. The apartments are generously proportioned, ranging from 1-bedroom units of 45 m² to 4-bedroom units of 121 m², with 2-bedroom apartments particularly well suited to extended family stays. Today’s buyers are looking for comfortable apartments that offer a genuine mountain lifestyle. This is exactly the spirit of Chalets Bérénice.

What type of buyers does Chalets Bérénice mainly cater to?

This traditional co-ownership development, typical of MGM’s construction style, is primarily aimed at second-home buyers, particularly those who wish to spend several weeks, or even several months, in the resort each year.

It’s a real village, bustling all year round. Even in the off-season, there’s plenty going on: shops are open, there’s a market and a real sense of local life. Many of our buyers, particularly retirees or families with greater flexibility, stay for long periods. We’re talking about a second home that becomes almost a “semi-primary residence”. It is a distinctive and very high-quality way of living.