Patrick 
Less than two hours’ drive from Haute-Savoie, the Gruyère region offers a taste of everything that makes Switzerland so charming. With postcard-perfect landscapes, medieval villages, exceptional cheeses, chocolate and Alpine panoramas, this destination in the canton of Fribourg is easy to explore over a weekend or a short stay. If you love gastronomy as much … Learn more
At a glance Every winter, the majestic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard sets aside its medieval look and dons its finest seasonal attire: that of Santa’s Castle. Perched high above Lake Annecy, this already spectacular monument becomes the setting for a true winter fairy tale. For its 6th edition, from November 13, 2026 to January 2, 2027, … Learn more
Being properly equipped for an outdoor adventure can make all the difference between a successful outing and an uncomfortable experience. Whether you’re planning a short walk or a multi-day trek, hiking clothes are central to comfort, safety and enjoyment on the trails. Choosing the right trekking outfit isn’t just a matter of taste; it mainly … Learn more
In brief For three days, the Chamonix Valley becomes the capital of nature photography. The Chamonix Vallée Photo Festival returns for its 4th edition from October 23 to 25, 2026, with indoor and outdoor exhibitions, talks, screenings, masterclasses and workshops for children. Mountains, nature and culture: here’s the program and all the practical information you … Learn more
In brief On Halloween night, Château de Menthon takes on a different appearance. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, this medieval residence overlooking Lake Annecy is hosting “Frayeur au château” (Fright at the Château), costumed, theatrical guided tours exploring superstitions and unusual, even frightening, collections. An ideal family outing for celebrating Halloween in a different way. … Learn more
Are you wondering whether snow will finally fall in the lowlands and mountains of Haute-Savoie this week? We checked the latest weather forecasts, and it’s excellent news, with heavy snowfall expected! Up to 80 cm of fresh snow is expected in the mountains, particularly in the Mont-Blanc and Aravis ranges, while in the lowlands, a … Learn more
Winter 2026-2027 in Haute-Savoie: Météo-France and La Chaîne Météo forecast a mild and wet start to winter. Snow, temperatures, ski resorts: what you need to know.
In brief Every winter, thousands of holidaymakers go from their desk straight to the slopes without any transition. The result: burning legs by the second day, a stiff back, and sometimes an injury that ruins the trip. Whether you are heading off to ski, hike or snowshoe in Haute-Savoie, a few weeks of physical preparation … Learn more
In brief Chamonix’s little red rack railway is getting into the Halloween spirit. From October 17 to November 1, 2026, the Montenvers train becomes an “enchanted train”: costumed carriages, decorated stations and a little witch hiding on board, for children to find as they make their way up to the Mer de Glace. It’s an … Learn more
At a glance A stone’s throw from the Hameau du Père Noël, the Grand Parc de Noël d’Andilly transforms 5 hectares of natural surroundings into a huge festive village every autumn. From October 17, 2026 to January 3, 2027, families and children can meet Père Fouettard, Père Gourmand and the Nutcrackers, explore a giant treetop … Learn more
In brief Every late October, La Balme-de-Sillingy revives one of its most cherished traditions. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Foire de la Bâthie returns for a festive day on the outskirts of Annecy. Agricultural activities, a fairground, a giant flea market, and stalls run by local producers: this popular event celebrates the area’s rural … Learn more
In brief Haute-Savoie during the All Saints’ holidays: a season of its own Between the end of summer and the opening of the ski resorts, Haute-Savoie experiences a little-known yet very pleasant shoulder season. The larches turn golden, the lakes grow quiet again, and the mid-mountain trails can be explored without the crowds. The All … Learn more
At a glance It’s the biggest festival in Annecy-le-Vieux and one of the major fall events around Lake Annecy. For its 45th edition, l’Ancileviennerie takes over the Albigny neighborhood on October 17 and 18, 2026: an ’80s-themed dance party on Saturday, followed by a full day of Savoyard traditions on Sunday, with farm animals, traditional … Learn more
At a glance What if Santa Claus lived in Haute-Savoie? At Col du Mont-Sion, between Annecy and Geneva, Hameau du Père Noël opens the doors to his home all year round, especially during the main Christmas season, from October 17, 2026, to January 3, 2027. Santa’s house, the elves’ garden, stories and the Pacifier Attic: … Learn more
In brief Every second weekend in October, La Roche-sur-Foron revives one of its oldest traditions: the Foire de la Saint-Denis. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the medieval town in the Pays rochois welcomes farmers, producers, merchants and families for a full day combining agriculture, local heritage and popular festivities. Here’s the program and all the … Learn more
At a glance As winter approaches, Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc celebrates one last big country fair. On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the village hosts the 47th edition of its Agricultural Fair, with its traditional livestock competition. A whole day to meet farmers from the Mont-Blanc region, admire the valley’s finest cows and sample Savoyard specialties to the … Learn more
At a glance In late October, when the flocks have come down from the mountain pastures, Manigod brings together sheep and goat farmers from the Thônes valley for its canton fair. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, this small village in the Aravis comes alive with bleating, contests and demonstrations. An authentic day that brings the … Learn more
At a glance: Just one night to go before one of the most eagerly awaited events of autumn in Haute-Savoie. Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10, Annecy Old Town hosts Retour des Alpages 2026, the major Savoyard festival celebrating the herds’ return from their summer pastures. Cows, goats, donkeys and shepherds in traditional costume are getting ready … Learn more
It’s time for one of the most popular winter events in Haute-Savoie. As of 10 a.m. on Monday, October 5, tickets for the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup in Le Grand-Bornand are on sale. From Thursday, December 10 to Sunday, December 13, 2026, the world’s top biathletes will take to the tracks at the Sylvie-Becaert … Learn more
At a glance At a glance Every late October, as the first cold weather settles over the Arve Valley, Sallanches hosts its Foire Froide. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it remains one of the major autumn festivals in the Mont Blanc region. This year, it has a special significance: after two autumns without a … Learn more
Every year, from late November onward, Annecy swaps its summer lakeside setting for a winter finery. Between the Lake district and the Jardins de l’Europe, the town transforms into a huge open-air Christmas village: this is Noël des Alpes, the largest Christmas market in Haute-Savoie. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit … Learn more
In brief Every October, Mieussy, a small village in the Giffre Valley, sees its population soar for a weekend. The narrow streets fill with antique and flea market stalls, the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts across the town hall square, the apple press runs at full capacity, and cauldrons begin steaming early in the morning. … Learn more
In brief Every autumn, Megève briefly swaps its image as a chic resort for that of a farming village. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Abondance cows and heifers return to the esplanade du Palais for the town’s 104th agricultural show. The day is designed for experts, who come to judge the finest animals, as well … Learn more
This third weekend of October, Haute-Savoie is filled with the aromas of apples, local produce and mountain cuisine: Toquicimes is delighting Megève, the autumn fairs in Mieussy, Bonneville, Cruseilles and Saint-Gervais are in full swing, while concerts, theatre, comedy and a Japanese festival round out a varied programme starting on Friday evening. Here is a … Learn more
On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Château d’Avully in Brenthonne travels back in time for its Medieval Festival. Encampments, battles, shows and craftspeople take over the keep and moat of this fortified manor house in Chablais, listed as a Historic Monument. Avully’s Medieval Festival has become a … Learn more
In brief Every first Sunday of October, Rumilly trades its look of an industrious small town for that of a large agricultural village. Cows, horses, vintage tractors, and producers from the Albanais fill the streets for a day that is one of the most eagerly awaited in autumn in Haute-Savoie. In 2026, the event has … Learn more
October 16, 17 and 18, 2026, Thônes hosts “La Forêt en Fête,” a highlight of the Au Fil du Bois biennial organized as part of the Fier-Aravis Territorial Forestry Charter. This major event will mark the official inauguration of the Thônes Forest-School, managed by the Wood and Forest Ecomuseum. Free access, but registration required: all … Learn more
Each winter, Geneva airport welcomes thousands of skiers from all over Europe and across the Atlantic. Located less than an hour from the first resorts of Haute-Savoie, it is the natural gateway to the Northern Alps. The only remaining choice is the best way to reach the slopes: train, shuttle, car, or private transfer, each … Learn more
In brief Every last Saturday of September, the streets of downtown Thônes turn into a major agropastoral event. The traditional Saint-Maurice Fair has existed for more than seven centuries and always takes place on the last Saturday of September, becoming over the years the must-see event for the entire Thônes valley. Far from a simple … Learn more
In summary Ski touring, in a few words The principle is simple. On the way up, you attach bands of fabric under your skis, the climbing skins, which slide forward but grip backward. The bindings free the heel, allowing you to walk. At the summit, you remove the skins, lock the heel, and ski down … Learn more
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the herds descend into the old town of Annecy. The Annecy Traditions association has just unveiled the program for this edition, featuring musical stages, about thirty groups and animals, and the grand parade at 2:30 pm. It is one of the most anticipated events of the autumn in Haute-Savoie. Since … Learn more
A major change is underway on one of the most famous hiking routes in the Alps. Starting from the 2027 season, trekking the Tour du Mont-Blanc on its French section as a through-hike will require having booked overnight stays in advance. Refuges, hotels, campsites, or bivouac areas: hikers will need to provide proof of accommodation. … Learn more
The season of great deals in the mountains starts this weekend in Haute-Savoie with the traditional Verchaix ski exchange, the first of the 2026 calendar. Meet on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Verchaix multipurpose hall. Skiers of all levels and disciplines will find what they … Learn more
In brief Every year, it’s the same story: ski early bookings disappear almost as quickly as they appear. For the 2026/2027 season, the ski resorts of Haute-Savoie confirm the trend with particularly attractive discounts on season passes, liberty passes, and pedestrian passes. Here’s an overview of offers not to be missed. Le Grand Massif: the … Learn more
From Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18, 2026, Megève hosts Toquicimes, the must-attend mountain cuisine event. This new edition promises a program full of novelties and sharing, entirely free and open to all. A tribute to Alpine flavors Toquicimes is much more than a simple culinary festival: it is a vibrant tribute to Alpine … Learn more
The ski season is fast approaching, it’s time to think about preparing your equipment. For those who do not yet have all the equipment or who wish to change it, do not forget the Haute-Savoie ski exchanges. To read: Discover the Must-See Ski Resorts of Haute-Savoie Here are the opening dates of the main ski … Learn more
In brief Why turn to second-hand skis? A pair of high-end new skis easily exceeds €600 to €800 excluding bindings. On the second-hand market, an equivalent model, two or three seasons old and well maintained, often sells for two to three times less. For an occasional skier, a growing child, or a practitioner who simply … Learn more
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, Haute-Savoie widely opens the doors to its heritage on the occasion of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days (EHD). For two days, museums, historic villages, castles, exhibitions, churches, ruins, and remains can be discovered for free, in a department rich in a often little-known past. … Learn more
At a glance What is Toques en Chablais 2026? Every fall, Toques en Chablais transforms the shores of Lake Geneva into a showcase for regional gastronomy. Organized by the Destination Thonon Tourist Office, in partnership with the City of Thonon-les-Bains, this international food festival brings together Michelin-starred chefs, food artisans, and local producers with one … Learn more
October is the savvy traveler’s month. The summer crowds have disappeared, prices are dropping, and the sun remains generous in many countries. In Marrakech, the thermometer still rises close to 28 °C during the day. In the Alps, the forests dress in gold. Here are eight verified destinations, from bright sunshine to autumn colors, to … Learn more