Les Chosalets sits at an altitude of some 1,200 metres in a broad but isolated valley surrounded by alpine pastures and mountain views. It is entirely cut off from any sight or sound of the outside world and, facing south, enjoys day-long sunshine throughout the year.

500 metres below and 10 minutes drive away lies Samoens, a charming and unspoilt town dating back to the 15th Century; the venerable old lime tree which still graces the heart of Samoens was planted in 1438. The town is also home to a beautiful Alpine botanical garden, created in 1906 and now an important research centre. Samoens also has all the usual amenities including bars, restaurants, ski hire shops, supermarkets and so on.

Samoens itself is set amongst mountains ranging from between 2,000 and 3,000 metres in height (the Massif du Giffre). Some of these make for easy walking and skiing while others are more challenging.

Within these mountains is also to be found one of the Haute Savoie’s largest natural reserves which provides a sanctuary to a wide variety of fauna and fauna including eagle, chamois and ibex. Samoens has the natural environment to ensure that you can undertake a wide variety of activities without needing to venture away.

GETTING TO AND FROM THE LAZY LABRADOR

Samoens is situated about an hour’s drive from Geneva. Given the Barn’s isolated mountain location, it is essential that you have the use of least one car when you visit (if you are on foot, it takes about an hour to walk to the Barn from Samoens up the “Donkey track”).

Most visitors choose either to drive all the way (about 12 hours from London or 6 from Paris) or to fly to Geneva (70 minutes by air from London or 3½ hours by train from Paris) and then to hire a car.

However, with prior research it is possible to get a bus to Samoens. The service, however, is not frequent and is restricted to the middle part of the day. Taxis can be an alternative method of getting to Samoens, though expensive.

For detailed directions, print out the directions under “Directions”.