Walking itinerary: climb to Bostan

Above Samoëns and isolated in the mountains, the Bostan refuge is the ideal place to welcome hikers for a short break or for the night. Accommodation and catering in the mountains. Home and local products. Pleasure for the eyes and taste buds. .It overlooks the Giffre valley and the town of Samoëns. - In summer, it is easily accessible on foot, for everyone in around 1 hour 45 minutes from the Allamands car park and gives the possibility of trekking in a loop for a day or over several days. - In winter, the valley is a classic for all levels, both on skis and on snowshoes (Col de Bostan - head of Bostan) - about 2 hours. At the refuge, you will find a warm welcome in a friendly atmosphere. You can eat at noon, and in the evening you quench your thirst at any time and sleep (it is recommended to book in advance).

The origin of the hamlet of the Allamands on the commune of Samoëns dates back to the 13th century. This atypical and picturesque place in Haute-Savoie has preserved many traces of the past.The route des Allamands leads to the Col de la Golèse and the Morzine valley, and further on via the Col de Coux in the Swiss Valais. A strategic position therefore. This explains why this village was very densely populated until the interwar period. With its 19th century chapel, oratory, basin, typical farms and picturesque houses, it reflects the life of the past. An authenticity that this septimontine hamlet still preserves today. And this, to the delight of visitors. The origin of the hamlet, one of the nine of Samoëns, dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. At that time, the mountains of Samoëns in the Haut-Giffre valley were covered with immense wild and wooded areas. The place was isolated and not easily accessible. In order to enhance the area, set back the forest and enlarge the clearings, the lords, with the consent of the monks, installed families of German-speaking lumberjacks there. This is where the hamlet gets its name from. It was these woodcutters who then cleared the mountain pastures of Bostan and Odda, whose names are of Germanic origin. Bostan comes from Bostâr meaning "wood" and Odda meaning "precious thing". In 1476, the Bernese troops reached Samoëns by the pass road, setting fire to the Allamands. The hamlet thus met the same fate as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Samoëns. Half a century later, the village was again set on fire by troops of the League of Swiss Cantons. It is hard to imagine that this place, so peaceful and authentic today, was a few centuries ago, surrounded by hostile nature and subject to invasions.

2,295 metres is the altitude of Bostan's head. The hike from the eponymous hut requires a good two hours of easy climbing.Here, the view has no need to worry about the border limits between Haute-Savoie and Valais Switzerland. The peaks of the nearby Chablais and the Morzine valley block the horizon.

Above Samoëns, this mountain chalet is located under the "dents blanches", the highest point in the area. Its terrace faces due west, offering a view over the Giffre valley and the opportunity to enjoy beautiful sunsets.The refuge overlooks the Vallée du Giffre and the commune of Samoëns. A sunny terrace overlooking the valley, where you can enjoy omelettes and other à la carte dishes, as well as pretty sunsets. Sleeping accommodation in dormitories for 5 to 12 people. - In summer, it's easily accessible on foot from the Allamands parking lot, taking around 1h45 for everyone, and offers the possibility of day-long or multi-day loop hikes. - In winter, the refuge is located on the route to the tête de Bostan, one of our valley's great ski touring classics. It's easy to get to (2 hours) and the trail is well-marked. Easy hiking on snowshoes or cross-country skis.