Samoëns' old centre is compact, handsome, and more lived-in than many alpine resort villages. Stone houses, arcades, fountains, and the main square give it a rooted feel, helped by the fact that this was a working village long before skiing arrived.
Try to be here on market day if you can. Local cheeses, saucisson, fruit, and mountain honey make a better lunch than most hurried resort meals, and the square has enough cafés for a slow hour of watching the valley go about its business.