In brief
- Dates: the 2026 All Saints’ school holidays run from Saturday, October 17 to Monday, November 2, 2026 (schools resume in the morning), on the same dates for all zones.
- Atmosphere: forests in autumn colors, peaceful lakes, the first snow on the peaks. The resorts are between seasons: most ski lifts are closed.
- Don’t miss: walks around Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva, waterfalls, castles, and sites in the Mont-Blanc massif that usually remain open until early November.
- With children: plenty of Halloween events in Annecy, Thônes, Abondance, and Combloux, plus ideas for indoor outings in case of rain.
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 Saints’ holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the area, whether you live in the département or are visiting for a few days. Just bear in mind that the mountains slow down: many resort accommodations and restaurants close between seasons, and the weather can change quickly, with the first snowfall sometimes arriving at higher elevations.
Here are our ideas for making the most of these two weeks, with family, as a couple, or with friends.
What’s the weather like in Haute-Savoie in late October?
In late October, the weather is highly variable. Bright, mild autumn days in the lowlands alternate with rainy spells and chilly mornings, sometimes misty by the lakes.
- In the lowlands and by the lakes: temperatures around 12 to 16°C on sunny days, with chilly nights.
- In the mountains: morning frost is frequent, and snow may appear above 1,500 to 2,000 meters.
- Daylight hours: the switch to winter time takes place overnight from Saturday, October 24 to Sunday, October 25, 2026. It gets dark early: set off on hikes early in the day.
A good tip: check the mountain weather forecast the day before each outing, and have an indoor backup plan in case of rain.
What to do in Haute-Savoie during the All Saints’ holidays?
Hike among the autumn colors
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons for hiking in Haute-Savoie. Deciduous forests and larches offer dazzling views, and the trails are far less busy than in summer.
- Around Lake Annecy: Semnoz, Mont Veyrier, or the Bout du Lac nature reserve, with walks for all levels.
- The Glières plateau: wide-open, easy-to-explore spaces steeped in history, ideal for families.
- Le Salève: for its views of Lake Geneva, Geneva, and the Mont-Blanc range.
- The Aravis: mid-altitude walks around La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand, and Manigod.
Take care at higher elevations: snow and ice can make some sections dangerous, even on routes that are easy in summer. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a headlamp.
Read: A guide to hiking best practices
Enjoy the lakes in the off-season
Without the summer crowds, Haute-Savoie’s lakes take on a peaceful atmosphere, often enhanced by the morning mist and the colors of the surrounding forests.
- Lake Annecy: stroll along the lakeside promenades, cycle around the lake on the greenway, or visit the villages of Talloires, Duingt, and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
- Lake Geneva: wander through the medieval village of Yvoire, or take a stroll in Thonon-les-Bains or Évian.
- Mountain lakes: Lake Vert in Passy and Lac Bénit are beautiful in autumn, provided you check access conditions in case of early snowfall.
Read: The lakes of Haute-Savoie
Discover the waterfalls
Autumn rains bring the waterfalls back to life. The Cirque du Fer à Cheval in Sixt, the Rouget waterfall, and Angon waterfall near Talloires make for wonderful day trips.
Read: The waterfalls of Haute-Savoie
Head into the Mont-Blanc massif before the annual closure
The All Saints’ holidays are often the last chance in autumn to visit the Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers before their annual maintenance closure. In 2026, the Aiguille du Midi will close from November 2 to December 18, 2026, inclusive, and the Montenvers train from November 2 to December 4, 2026, inclusive, for annual maintenance.
- The Aiguille du Midi, for the spectacle of the high mountains already covered in snow.
- The Montenvers train, to discover the Mer de Glace and learn about glacier retreat.
On a clear day, the views are often exceptional at this time of year, with remarkably clear air. Bring warm clothes: it’s cold at the summit in every season.
Read: The Aiguille du Midi and The Mer de Glace and Montenvers
Visit castles, abbeys, and museums
When the weather turns bad, Haute-Savoie offers plenty of indoor attractions:
- Annecy Castle and its museums, in the heart of the old town.
- Menthon-Saint-Bernard Castle, perched above Lake Annecy.
- Abondance Abbey, a jewel of the Chablais region, with its cloister and murals.
- The Savoyard Costume Ecomuseum in Sévrier, where you can discover the clothing and objects of Savoy in days gone by.
- Montrottier Castle and the Fier gorges, near Lovagny.
Opening hours change in the off-season, and some sites close after the All Saints’ holidays: remember to check before setting out.
Wander through villages and markets
Autumn is the season for local produce: apples, pears, walnuts, squash, and alpine cheeses brought down from the summer pastures. It’s the perfect time to visit markets and cheese dairies, and discover some of the département’s most beautiful villages, from Yvoire to Samoëns, via Talloires and Thônes.
Read: Markets in Haute-Savoie and The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
Halloween and activities for children
The All Saints’ holidays also include Halloween, and many towns, media libraries, and tourist attractions offer activities for younger visitors. Here are a few events announced for 2026:
| Location | Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Abondance Abbey | “The Legend of the Sleeping Creature,” a Halloween event | October 30 and 31, 2026 |
| Thônes | Halloween evening | October 29, 2026, from 6 p.m. |
| Cruseilles | Halloween at Les Dronières (free, ages 5+, children in costume) | October 30, 2026, 6–7 p.m. |
| Annecy, media library | “Ciné-(petits) frissons” movie night | October 30, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m. |
| Annecy, Le Cairn | Special Halloween program (workshops, games, dance party) | Throughout October |
| Lovagny | Creative workshop: Halloween origami | October 17–31, 2026 |
| Combloux, Loup Café | Pumpkin and squash workshop | Around Halloween |
Programs may change: confirm times and registration details with the organizers. Also check out our weekly selection of Things to do in Haute-Savoie this weekend.
More ideas for family outings
- Scavenger hunts and interactive trails offered by many towns, often accessible year-round.
- Ice rinks in resorts such as Megève, Morzine, and Chamonix, depending on their reopening dates.
- Sports and multi-activity camps for children, organized by towns and associations during the holidays.
Please note that Merlet Animal Park in Les Houches is closed, with reopening planned for May 1, 2028 (closed throughout 2027).
What to do when it rains?
Rain is common at this time of year, but it doesn’t have to spoil your holiday. Here are a few ideas for gray days:
- Visit museums and castles (Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Abondance, Sévrier).
- Take part in workshops and activities at media libraries and cultural centers.
- Visit a cheese dairy or cooperative and sample Reblochon, Abondance, or Tomme de Savoie cheese.
- Enjoy an aquatic center or wellness facility.
- Cook a Savoyard recipe together as a family: tartiflette, croziflette, or Savoy cake.
Read: Recipes from Haute-Savoie
Practical information for the 2026 All Saints’ holidays
- Off-season in the resorts: most ski lifts are closed between summer and winter. In the resorts, many hotels, restaurants, and shops close until December. Choose a base in the valley or by a lake (Annecy, Thonon, Évian, Chamonix, Thônes).
- Public holiday: most shops are closed on Sunday, November 1.
- Mountain roads: some mountain passes may be closed or snow-covered from late October onward. Check conditions before setting off, and make sure you have suitable equipment if heading to higher elevations.
- Accommodation: there are fewer options than during peak season, but prices are often lower.
Read: How to get to Haute-Savoie?
FAQ: 2026 All Saints’ holidays in Haute-Savoie
What are the dates of the 2026 All Saints’ holidays?
They begin on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and end on the morning of Monday, November 2, 2026, for all zones, including the Grenoble education district.
Are the ski resorts open during the All Saints’ holidays?
No. Haute-Savoie’s resorts are between seasons and generally reopen in mid-December. The All Saints’ holidays are better suited to hiking and exploring the valleys.
Can you go up to the Aiguille du Midi during the All Saints’ holidays?
Usually, yes: the cable car and the Montenvers train operate until November 2, before their annual maintenance closure.
What can you do with children in Haute-Savoie during the All Saints’ holidays?
Easy walks around the lakes, waterfalls, castles, Halloween activities in Annecy, Thônes, or Abondance, and animal parks when they are open.
What can you do in Haute-Savoie when it rains?
Visit museums and castles, discover a cheese dairy, take part in media library workshops, or enjoy an aquatic center.
Is it cold in Haute-Savoie in late October?
In the lowlands, days are often mild in fine weather, around 12 to 16°C. In the mountains, morning frost is frequent and snow may fall at higher elevations.
Cover photo: Photo by Teja J
