Patrick 
The musical summer officially begins in Évian-les-Bains. This Friday, July 24, the Summer Stages kick off their 2026 edition with a highly anticipated concert by Cœur de Pirate. Free and outdoors, this first event promises to attract a large audience on the shores of Lake Geneva. A first concert with one of the great voices … Learn more
For the weekend of July 25 and 26, 2026, Haute-Savoie offers a rich program of festivities, sporting events, and cultural activities. Here is a small selection of events and activities not to be missed: All weekend Plein Feux Festival – Bonneville Pleins Feux Festival is one of the most popular summer events in Haute-Savoie, taking place … Learn more
Each summer, Lake Annecy attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its turquoise waters and exceptional setting. But this record popularity also leads to traffic jams, saturated parking lots, crowded beaches, and increasing pressure on the neighboring municipalities. Faced with this situation, several local authorities are now considering strong measures to limit … Learn more
Each summer, the high pastures of Haute-Savoie welcome back their herds, their summer chalets, and their famous farmhouse cheeses. But behind this iconic image of the mountains, breeders today have to deal with an increasingly worrying reality: climate change is profoundly transforming pastoral practices that are sometimes centuries old. Summer pastures that no longer resemble … Learn more
Just minutes from the shores of Lake Geneva, this accessible loop allows you to discover a more intimate side of the Chablais. Between mountain hamlets, natural viewpoints, and spectacular panoramas over the largest lake in Western Europe, this route is ideal for a family outing or a half-day in the fresh air. A walk between … Learn more
Every summer, hiking trails attract thousands of enthusiasts in Haute-Savoie and the French mountain ranges. However, a poorly planned outing can quickly turn into a nightmare. Changing weather, dehydration, loss of orientation, or simply overestimating one’s abilities: most accidents could be avoided thanks to some essential habits before departure. Preparation begins long before putting on … Learn more
A few kilometers from Yvoire, one of the most famous villages in Haute-Savoie, lies a still relatively discreet destination. Excenevex attracts families, swimming enthusiasts, and sunset lovers every summer thanks to a unique asset on the French shores of Léman: a genuine natural fine sandy beach. A setting more typically imagined on a Mediterranean coast … Learn more
Sunday, July 19, Haute-Savoie will be one of the main stages of the Tour de France 2026. Between the spectacular col de la Croisette, the formidable slopes of the Salève, and the explosive finish at the Plateau de Solaison, several locations promise an exceptional show. Here is where to settle to fully enjoy the passage … Learn more
Which hiker has never hesitated between two backpack sizes in front of a store aisle or an online shop? In 2026, as hiking and trekking are booming in France and Europe, choosing the right backpack size is of strategic importance. A poorly adapted selection promises a journey ruined by pain, regrets at every climb, or, … Learn more
Leaving the city, teleworking facing the peaks, offering a better living environment for one’s family, or preparing for retirement… More and more French people are considering settling in Haute-Savoie. But not all municipalities meet the same expectations. Between economic dynamism, proximity to ski resorts, access to services, and real estate costs, here are four destinations … Learn more
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Grand-Bornand Chinaillon will come alive to the rhythm of one of the oldest traditional festivals in Haute-Savoie. A genuine tribute to the pastoral world, the Fête de l’Alpage will bring together residents, vacationers, and lovers of traditions around a program full of activities, demonstrations, and folk performances. An unmissable event … Learn more
The Tour de France returns to Haute-Savoie and Thonon-les-Bains is preparing to experience one of the highlights of the 2026 edition. While the finish of the time trial between Évian-les-Bains and Thonon promises an exceptional spectacle on Tuesday, July 21, it will also result in significant traffic and parking restrictions for several days. Residents, shopkeepers, … Learn more
With thousands of kilometers of marked trails, the mountain offers routes for all levels. Yet, every summer, many accidents occur because hikers overestimate their abilities or underestimate the difficulty of a route. Choosing your hike well according to your physical condition, without forgetting the importance of choosing the right shoes, is one of the most … Learn more
The official school holiday calendar 2026-2027 is now known. For winter sports enthusiasts, it is the perfect time to plan a trip to Haute-Savoie. Among the highly sought-after resorts such as Chamonix, La Clusaz, Les Gets, Avoriaz, or Le Grand-Bornand, booking several months in advance often allows you to enjoy the best accommodations and more … Learn more
The Rock’n Poche Festival returns to Habère-Poche on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2026 for its 34th edition. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, eclectic lineup, and unique setting at the foot of the alpine pastures of the Vallée Verte, this event has become one of the most anticipated contemporary music festivals of the … Learn more
Hardly had July begun, the glaciers of the Mont-Blanc massif already showed a face usually observed in August. After a winter with little snowfall and a June marked by several episodes of intense heat, glaciologists are sounding the alarm: the melting season has taken several weeks ahead. A situation that worries both scientists and mountain … Learn more
One of the most iconic summer events in Haute-Savoie will make its grand return on Sunday, August 9, 2026. In La Clusaz, the Reblochon and Craft Festival promises a day dedicated to Savoyard traditions, local know-how, and conviviality. Between demonstrations, period costumes, craftsmanship, and tastings, the event attracts several thousand visitors each year. A day … Learn more
When temperatures rise, the same destinations often come up: Lake Annecy and Léman. Yet, Haute-Savoie hides many other swimming spots where you can enjoy refreshing water in an exceptional setting. Between sandy beaches, developed bodies of water, mountain lakes, and natural swimming with a view of Mont Blanc, here are five places worth the detour … Learn more
The trails of Haute-Savoie offer an exceptional playground for mountain bike enthusiasts. From the Portes du Soleil bike parks to the panoramic routes of the Grand Massif, passing through the paths around Lake Annecy or Chamonix, the possibilities are immense. But the mountain remains a demanding environment where an outing must be carefully prepared. Here … Learn more
Every summer, the mountain lakes attract thousands of visitors seeking freshness. Their crystal-clear water and spectacular landscapes make you want to take a dip after a hike or during a hot day. Yet, behind this idyllic image lies a danger often underestimated: cold water shock. Even the most experienced swimmers are not safe. Water that … Learn more
Each summer, Chinaillon becomes the stage for one of the most emblematic events of the Aravis. The Fête de l’Alpage returns to Grand-Bornand on August 2, 2026 for a day entirely dedicated to pastoralism, Savoyard traditions, and mountain life. Organized in the heart of the alpine pastures, this event attracts several thousand visitors each year … Learn more
For this weekend of July 11 and 12, 2026, Haute-Savoie offers a rich program of festivities, sporting events, and cultural activities. Here is a small selection of events and activities not to be missed: All weekend Morzine-Avoriaz Harley Days The Morzine Harley Days return to transform the resort into the true European capital of Harley-Davidson … Learn more
Long considered the essential activity of mountain vacations, hiking is now seeing its dominance wane. While the trails remain heavily frequented, visitors are now seeking a much more varied experience. Mountain biking, summer sledding, giant zip lines, white-water sports, or family activities: mountain resorts are adapting their offerings to meet these new expectations. The mountain … Learn more
From July 25 to 30, 2026, Grand-Bornand becomes the must-attend event for drawing enthusiasts with the fifth edition of the Mountain Sketch Meetings. For six days, established artists, urban sketchers, beginners, and families are invited to take out their sketchbooks to capture the Alpine landscapes in a friendly atmosphere. Six days to draw the mountain … Learn more
Accessible to most walkers, this walk offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of Haute-Savoie without requiring a long ascent. Between alpine pastures, limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters, it leads to a mountain lake whose scenery resembles the landscapes of the Swiss Alps. An ideal outing idea for families and nature lovers who wish to … Learn more
Every summer, the Chamonix valley becomes one of the nerve centers of world climbing. From July 10 to 12, 2026, the Climbing World Cup makes its grand return to the Mont-Blanc square for three days of spectacular competition bringing together the best international specialists in speed and difficulties. Between nighttime finals, free activities, and an … Learn more
Long considered natural refuges from intense heat, mountain resorts are now seeing thermometers climb to unusual levels. At 1,000, 1,500, or even 2,000 meters altitude, days regularly exceed 30 °C and nights sometimes remain surprisingly mild. Facing this change, one question arises: can the inhabitants of these resorts still live without air conditioning? The mountain … Learn more
Each summer, mountain storms surprise hundreds of hikers. They sometimes break out in just a few dozen minutes, turning a peaceful outing into an emergency situation. In France, lightning still causes several deaths and many injuries each year, the mountains remaining one of the most exposed environments. Over my years of hiking, I have faced … Learn more
A few minutes from the Arve valley, an easy walk allows access to one of the most impressive structures in Haute-Savoie. Suspended above a deep ravine, this 160-meter footbridge offers an experience accessible to the whole family and a spectacular panorama of the surrounding mountains. An accessible walk that holds a real surprise Haute-Savoie is … Learn more
For a long time, it symbolized absolute freedom in the mountains. A tent set up facing the peaks, a night under the stars and the feeling of experiencing the mountains differently. But this very popular practice is now under scrutiny by the authorities in Haute-Savoie. Faced with a sharp increase in visitors, growing amounts of … Learn more
For this weekend of July 4 and 5, 2026, Haute-Savoie offers a rich program of festivities, sporting events, and cultural activities. Here is a small selection of events and activities not to be missed : All weekend Festival Musiques en Stock – Scionzier Musiques en Stock returns in force to Scionzier from July 2 to 4, 2026 for a new edition always 100% free, … Learn more
They are among the most popular spots around Lake Annecy. Shaded forests, easy trails, wetlands, coolness in summer: these natural areas attract increasing numbers of visitors each year. But behind this tourist success, the territory managers observe a trend that increasingly worries them. Over the seasons, some natural sites have seen attendance become hard to … Learn more
For decades, it was one of the most spectacular symbols of the Chamonix valley. Visible from the bottom of the valley, the Bossons glacier impressed with its size and proximity. Yet, year after year, its retreat is accelerating. To such an extent that some scientists believe it could lose nearly half of its mass by … Learn more
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, this small village in Haute-Savoie is preparing for a particularly busy summer season. Concerts, open-air cinema, exhibitions, and popular festivals will follow one another for more than two months, offering both residents and visitors many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful summer evenings. A cultural summer in the heart … Learn more
On the trails of Haute-Savoie, regulars notice every summer: the profile of hikers has profoundly changed. Where one used to mainly encounter mountain enthusiasts, today we meet families discovering the peaks for the first time, visitors drawn by social networks, or holidaymakers seeking coolness during heatwave episodes. A spectacular democratization that is transforming the mountains… … Learn more
The meeting is set for this summer in the Bouchet valley. The traditional Lormay Country Festival returns to Grand-Bornand for a day entirely dedicated to rural heritage, the know-how of the past, and mountain traditions. Organized in the natural setting of Lormay, this event attracts every year residents, holidaymakers, and lovers of the Alps who … Learn more
They are increasingly numerous on the trails. In backpacks, on the end of a leash, or running freely on the paths, dogs now accompany their owners on most mountain hikes. But behind this trend that appeals to vacationers, many professionals are now sounding the alarm. In Haute-Savoie as elsewhere in the Alps, refuge keepers, mountain … Learn more
Between record prices, highly sought-after seasonal rentals, and a continuous influx of new residents, Haute-Savoie is experiencing a renewed surge of real estate tension in 2026. For first-time buyers, becoming a homeowner sometimes seems like a battlefield. Yet, some continue to buy. The question now is under what conditions. Buying in Haute-Savoie: a dream that … Learn more
Last updated: 22/06/2026 The season for flea markets and yard sales is in full swing in our department, as everywhere in France. Here is an overview of the yard sales, flea markets, clothes swaps, and fairs organized in the month of July 2026 in Haute-Savoie. Event calendar for July 2026 Saturday, July 4 Sunday, July … Learn more
When temperatures rise dramatically, the desire to go hiking does not disappear, quite the opposite. The stifling heat of a heatwave turns a simple walk in nature into a true challenge for the human body. Under a scorching sun, the risks related to dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke intensify dangerously. For several years, experts have … Learn more